I am very familiar with this certain pathology because we run extra scans post contrast with our head protocols if patients present with facial pain. The reason they stick out in my mind so much is because these extra scans take at least eight minutes each so I am always set back on my schedule. :) Trigeminal neuralgia is swelling or inflammation of the nerve that delivers feeling to the face. Symptoms may include pain on one side of the face. Sharp spasms may also occur. Pain may also occur while chewing, drinking, shaving, or brushing teeth. No causes can be found, however abnormal blood vessels have been linked to trigeminal neuralgia. MRI is the best modality for diagnosis. Fine cuts are ran from C3 to inferior aspect of the orbit post contrast with fat saturation. Medications may be used but many patients have had a hard time with the long term. Surgery may be utilized to relieve pressure on the nerve. Patients who are not likely candidates for surgery may undergo radiation treatment to the nerve root.
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