Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe, stabbing, unilateral facial pain caused by compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve. It most commonly affects women over 50 years old. Diagnosis involves collecting a medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests like CT scans or MRIs. Treatment options include pharmacological therapies like anticonvulsants or botulinum toxin injections, as well as surgical procedures to decompress the trigeminal nerve like microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery. Nursing care focuses on avoiding facial triggers and providing emotional support.

1. TRIGEMINAL
NEURALGIA
- LIVIN NJ

2. DEFINITION
• Sudden usually unilateral
severe brief stabbing
pain in the distribution
of more branches of 5th
cranial nerve

3. ETIOLOGY
• Compression of trigeminal nerve
• Facial trauma
• Dental procedures
• Vascular compressions

4. SYMPTOMS
• Episodes of severe shooting or stabing pain
• Facial spasms
• Pain in area supplyed by trigeminal nerve such as
cheek,jaw,gum,lips,eye,forehead
• Pain affecting one side of the face at a time
• Pain focused in one spot or spread
• Pain rarely occur at sleeping

5. RISK FACTORS
• Age and gender(women over the age of 50)
• Excessive or improper dental work
• Hypertension is also a risk factor if the occurrence of
stroke
• Any blow or injury to the face

6. DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES
• History collection
• Physical examination
• Diagnostic LA blocks
• CT scan
• MRI
• Pain history

7. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

8. PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPY
• Anticonvulsant
• Antispasmodic
• Botax injection
• Antiseizure agents

9. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

10. MICR0VASCULAR DECOMPRESSION OF
TRIGEMINAL NERVE
Intracranial approach is used to relieve the contact between
the cerebral vessels and trigeminal root entry
An operating microscope, the artery loop is lifted from the
nerve to relieve pressure
A small prosthetic device is inserted to prevent recurrence
of impingement on the nerve

11. GAMMA KNIFE
• Surgeon directs a focused dose of radiation to the root of
trigeminal nerve
• To damage the trigeminal nerve and reduce or eliminate
pain
• It is successful in eliminating pain of many people

12. BALLOON COMPRESSION
• Doctor inserts a hollow needle through face that guide to
a part of trigeminal nerve
• A threads a thin flexible tube with a balloon on the end
through the needle
• Inflates the balloon with enough pressure
• Damage and block pain signals

13. RADIOFREQUENCY THERMAL LESIONING
• Selectively destroy nerve fibers associated with pain
• Insert a hollow needle through face and guide to the part
of trigeminal nerve

14. NURSING MANAGEMENT
• Avoid exposing effected cheek to sudden cold
• Avoid foods that are too cold or too hot
• Provide emotional support
• Provide adequate nutrition
• Oral hygiene
• Inspection of the eyes
• Dental checkup every 6 months

15. COMPLICATIONS
• Toxic side effects of drugs
• Bone marrow and blood disorders
• Corneal abrasion
• Hemorrhage infection and brainstem damage
• Hearing disturbance

16. PREVENTION
• No known way to prevent