Clinical profile of patients with trigeminal neuralgia visiting a dental hospital: A prospective study

Abstract

Aims: To assess the clinical characteristics and parameters of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in a group of South Indian population. Study Design: Records of sixty patients with TN were reviewed prospectively for patient demographics, characteristics of the pain, and treatment modalities. Results: Of the sixty patients, 55% were male and 45% were female. The peak incidence was in the age range of 55–64 years. Pain occurred equally on the right and left side of the face. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve was the most frequently affected (40%), followed by mandibular division (35%) and the combined maxillary and mandibular division alone (25%). The majority of patients described their attack as a shock like (78.33%) and of spontaneous onset (86.67%). Conclusion: In the present study, TN affected males more than females, and this disorder occurred most frequently in patients aged 55–64 years. Comparison of the pain characteristics between different age groups and gender is useful for the management of these patients.

Keywords

• Clinical profile
• lancinating pain
• orofacial pain
• trigeminal neuralgia