Classifications of TN
Dr Kim Buchiel, Professor and Chairman of Neurological Surgery at Oregan Health and Science University, Portland USA, has written an interesting article that proposes a TN classification system. Below is an extract from the article listing the different types of Trigeminal Neuralgia.
- Trigeminal neuralgia type 1 (TN1): This is the classic form of trigeminal neuralgia in which episodic lancinating pain predominates.
- Trigeminal neuralgia type 2 (TN2): This is the atypical form of trigeminal neuralgia in which more constant pains (aching, throbbing, and burning) predominate.
- Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP): This is pain that results from incidental or accidental injury to the trigeminal nerve or the brain pathways of the trigeminal system.
- Trigeminal deafferentation pain (TDP): This is pain that results from intentional injury to the system in an attempt to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Numbness of the face is a constant part of this syndrome, which has also been referred to as anaesthesia dolorosa or one of its variants.
- Symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia (STN): This is trigeminal neuralgia associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN): This is chronic facial pain that results from an outbreak of herpes zoster (shingles), usually in the ophthalmic division (V1) of the trigeminal nerve on the face and usually in elderly patients.
- Geniculate neuralgia (GeN): This is typified by episodic lancinating pain felt deep in the ear.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN): This is typified by pain in the tonsillar area or throat, usually triggered by talking or swallowing.
The full article can be found at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/505378. Medscape is a free online medical library that provides access to many articles, upon signing up to the site.
Page last updated on 03 Mar 2012