Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Adverse effects of anti-epileptics in trigeminal neuralgiform pain
V Tentolouris-Piperas1, G Lee2, J Reading2
1Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
Background:
Side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have not been adequately documented in trigeminal neuralgia and its variants. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to compare the A-B Neuropsychological Assessment Schedule (ABNAS), which measures cognitive side effects to the Adverse Events Profile (AEP), which looks at a broader range of side effects, and to investigate drug/dosage relationships with questionnaire scores to help determine a point at which a drug change would be indicated.
Methods:
One hundred five patients were recruited from a facial pain clinic, over a 10-month period. Self-complete questionnaire scores were compared between patients using different AEDs.
Results:
A-B Neuropsychological Assessment Schedule score correlated well with AEP indicating that cognitive side effects were a significant burden. Toxic range on the ABNAS was estimated to occur when scores were >43/72 (95% CI: 37.4-48.6). Polytherapy is weakly associated with the higher scores. Oxcarbazepine dosage was found to linearly correlate with AEP and ABNAS scores, better than carbamazepine dosage. Memory alteration was least common with lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine, and there was less association between fatigues with oxcarbazepine/pregabalin.
Conclusion:
Anti-epileptic drugs have significant side effects. The ABNAS questionnaire is a useful tool along with the AEP to recognize and monitor AEDs' side effects and to help to adjust medications to optimal dosage.
More Related Videos
10:52Chronic Constriction Injury of the Rat's Infraorbital Nerve IoN-CCI to Study Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
Published on: September 21, 2015
05:38Author Spotlight: Utilizing Infraorbital Nerve Ligation in Mice for Investigating Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain and Treatment Strategies
Published on: March 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Pain
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Analgesia and Pain Management