A Novel Pathophysiological Mechanism Contributing to Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a form of neuropathic pain that affects the fifth cranial nerve, the most widely distributed nerve in the head. Although TN has been associated with a variety of pathological conditions, neurovascular compression on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brainstem is the most frequent reported cause. This compression causes progressive demyelination of the nerve and subsequent aberrant neural transmission. Although several studies have clarified some pathophysiological mechanisms underlying TN, the molecular basis remains vague. Very recently the substitution of methionine 136 by valine (MET126Val) in sodium channel Nav1.6 in a case study of typical TN has suggested a new possible mechanism for TN. The findings of this new mutation provide novel information that warrants further conclusive investigation.