Clinical Manual of Trigeminal Neuralgia

About the Title

Trigeminal neuralgia often goes unrecognized or is mistaken for other causes of facial pain, and while the cause often cannot be determined, it can be associated with multiple sclerosis, herpes zoster and various tumors. However, research into pain has grown exponentially over the past few years, and our understanding of mechanism and pharmacology has also developed. With newer medications and advances in surgical techniques, patients with trigeminal neuralgia now have more treatment options than ever before, and it is important that clinicians are aware of these in order to improve their care.

Addressing this need, Clinical Manual of Trigeminal Neuralgia familiarizes clinicians with the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia and also makes them aware of the newer treatments available.

Key areas covered include:

• the most up-to-date information on recent advances in diagnostic procedures
• medical and surgical management, including gamma knife surgery
• guidelines on non-pharmacologic therapy.

Written by a team from one of the leading centers for the study of neurologic head and neck pain, this is a highly useful practical reference for the clinician dealing with common and difficult-to-manage problems in this area.

Table of Contents

1. Evaluation of the Facial Pain Patient. History of Illness. Physical Examination. Diagnostic Testing 2. Trigeminal Neuralgia - Differential Diagnosis. Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Differential Diagnosis of Facial Pain Disorders 3. The Clinical Approach to Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment. Pathogenesis of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Medical Approach to Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia. Surgical Approach to Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia 4. Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Medications for Preventing Trigeminal Neuralgia. Medications for the Acute Trigeminal Neuralgia Attack 5. Surgical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Injections and Rhizotomies. Decompression of the Trigeminal Nerve (The Janetta Procedure). Gamma Knife Surgery 6. Treatment of Refractory Cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Medication Management. Surgical Options. Nonpharmacologic Therapy. Recommended Reading