Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Trigeminal neuralgia
Sait Ashina1,2,3, Carrie E Robertson4, Anan Srikiatkhachorn5
1BIDMC Comprehensive Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. sashina@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe facial pain condition. Treatment involves medication like carbamazepine, with surgery as an option for persistent pain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating facial pain disorder.
- It presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, affecting quality of life.
- TN subtypes include classical, secondary, and idiopathic, with higher prevalence in women and the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of trigeminal neuralgia.
- To discuss its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic considerations.
- To outline current treatment strategies, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on TN incidence and prevalence.
- Analysis of the multifactorial pathophysiology, including neurovascular compression and demyelination.
- Examination of neuroimaging findings in brain regions involved in pain modulation.
- Evaluation of treatment approaches, from first-line drugs to surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- TN pathophysiology involves genetic, anatomical, and neurophysiological factors leading to neuronal hyperexcitability.
- Neurovascular compression and demyelination of trigeminal afferents are key etiological factors.
- Brain imaging reveals abnormalities in pain modulation and emotional processing areas.
- Pharmacotherapy (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) is the initial treatment, with surgery as an alternative.
Conclusions:
- TN management requires a personalized, multifaceted approach.
- Early consideration of surgical options is vital when pharmacotherapy fails or is contraindicated.
- Understanding TN's complex mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nociception
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Sympathetic Pathways: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia
The postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic trunk...

