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Trigeminal Terminal Branch Neuralgias in a Headache Unit: A 15-Year Series
Isabel Ros González1, Andrea Recio García2, Álvaro Sierra Mencía2
1Neurology Department, Hospital Infanta Elena, Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Pain Research
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Trigeminal terminal branch neuralgias are rare but consistently seen in headache clinics, with supraorbital and auriculotemporal types being most common. This study characterizes their frequency and clinical features in a large patient registry.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Headache Disorders
Background:
- The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) classifies trigeminal terminal branch neuralgias under broader trigeminal pain categories.
- Their distinct frequency and clinical characteristics remain under-researched due to this classification approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of trigeminal terminal branch neuralgias.
- To analyze patient demographics and diagnostic timelines within a specialized headache unit registry.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, descriptive cohort study utilizing a prospective headache unit registry from January 2008 to January 2023.
- Inclusion criteria: patients diagnosed with nasociliary, supraorbital, or other trigeminal terminal branch neuralgias per ICHD-2.
- Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 108 out of 8728 patients (1.2%) met the inclusion criteria.
- The majority of patients were women (65.7%), with a mean age at onset of 47.4 years.
- Supraorbital neuralgia (39.8%) and auriculotemporal neuralgia (25.9%) were the most prevalent types.
Conclusions:
- Trigeminal terminal branch neuralgias constitute a small but significant patient group presenting with specific topographic and sensory features.
- Recognizing these clinical presentations aids in anatomically guided evaluation and the consideration of peripheral interventions.
