How is Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosed?

See how Trigeminal Neuralgia is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

How is Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosed?

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe facial pain that is often triggered by simple activities such as eating, talking, or even touching the face. It is important to diagnose this condition accurately to provide appropriate treatment and relief to the affected individuals. The diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests.

Medical History

The first step in diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia is a detailed medical history. The healthcare provider will ask the patient about their symptoms, including the nature, duration, and frequency of the facial pain episodes. They will also inquire about any triggers that worsen the pain, such as specific activities or certain foods. Additionally, the doctor will ask about any previous medical conditions, injuries, or surgeries that may be relevant to the facial pain.

Physical Examination

After obtaining the medical history, a physical examination will be conducted to assess the patient's facial sensation and identify any specific trigger points. The healthcare provider will carefully examine the face, head, and neck, looking for any signs of inflammation, swelling, or abnormalities. They will also assess the patient's ability to feel different sensations, such as light touch, temperature, and pain, in specific areas of the face.

Diagnostic Tests

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia and rule out other possible causes of facial pain. These tests may include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan may be ordered to visualize the trigeminal nerve and surrounding structures. This imaging test can help identify any structural abnormalities, such as tumors or blood vessel compressions, that may be causing the facial pain.

Nerve Conduction Studies: Nerve conduction studies involve measuring the electrical activity of the trigeminal nerve. This test can help determine if there is any damage or dysfunction in the nerve, which may be contributing to the facial pain.

Referral to a Specialist: In some cases, the healthcare provider may refer the patient to a neurologist or a pain specialist for further evaluation and management of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Differential Diagnosis

Trigeminal Neuralgia can sometimes be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity to other conditions that cause facial pain. The healthcare provider will carefully consider other possible causes and perform a differential diagnosis to rule out conditions such as dental problems, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), or other facial neuralgias.

Conclusion

Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, a comprehensive physical examination, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests. It is crucial to accurately diagnose this condition to provide appropriate treatment and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Diseasemaps

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Debbie K 1050

A neurologist should be consulted and an mri scan will determine type along with the patients description.

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Lee 1000

You need to get in touch with your doctor, and your doctor will make a appointment to a neurologist.
The neurologist will make a examination of finding out how you react to different touches and to get a picture of how you feel.

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Tanja-Marie 1340

It is not an easy diagnoses. It took several doctors almost a year to figure out what was going on. I found that my main pain is in my ear like an bad ear ache. However the pain does move down my jaw line. When I voiced that it help them connect the dots. It is important to state all areas that hurt even if you think the other is because of the one area. Even if the pain is really just soreness and livable compared to what hurts. All details help.

Posted Mar 20, 2017 by Melissa 300

In my case it was the combined efforts of an ENT, Family Physician and Neurologist. The use of a particular type MRI to see if there is any mass or impingement of nerves or blood vessels.

Posted Mar 20, 2017 by Joyce Parton 1000

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a symptom-based diagnosis, typically made by a neurologist who listens to a patients type, frequency, and location of pain. The situations in which the patient feels pain, and his/her triggers, are also important indicators. The doctor can also conduct tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other causes of pain, such as multiple sclerosis.

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Sandy 1052

Generally an MRI is prescribed to check TN .In my case I was started with low dosage of trioptal to control pain.

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Hema 1000

A knowledgeable Doctor should diagnose trigeminal neuralgia, both typical and atypical.

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Heidi 1000

MRI sometimes, but symptoms with a Neurologist,

Posted May 29, 2017 by Julie Nelson 700

TN is diagnosed with an MRA scan, which is a high quality MRI scan with contrast.
Regular MRI scans do not always show compressions, especially not those that involve small blood vessels.
An expert neurosurgeon needs to interpret the scan, since regular neurologist do not always have the expertise to spot the compressions.

In case no compressions are found, TN is diagnosed on a person's medical history only.

Sometimes a neurologist prescribes Tegretol to test if a person really has TN, since this particular anticonvulsant can be diagnostic (i.e. it nearly always provides pain relief in case of TN).

Posted Jun 11, 2017 by Margo 3125

By a Neurologist or Dental Surgeon with appropriate training in primary headaches (medical doctor) or trigeminal nerve impaction, damage etc (dentist)

Posted Jun 14, 2017 by John 900

Neurologist
Mri scans

Posted Jun 18, 2017 by Ria 300

By your symptoms. They also do an MRI but most of the time it shows nothing.

Posted Jul 29, 2017 by Jltaylor21 820

TN type I, classic TN, is most commonly diagnosed by MRI of the brain.

Posted Jul 29, 2017 by Christina 1100

answer question,brain scan,CT

Posted Jul 30, 2017 by Poison Yvy 2015

By a facial pain specialist or neurologist. A dentist can pick up on your problem but they cannot diagnose.

Posted Aug 6, 2017 by Michelle 2050

It usually starts out feeling like a toothache but dentists will tell you nothing is wrong with teeth

Posted Oct 3, 2017 by Korine 1200

Visually asymptomatic and through a MRI

Posted Feb 4, 2018 by James 2500

By a neurologist based on symptoms

Posted Feb 23, 2018 by Alicia 2600

If there is a physical cause it can often be seen with a FIESTA MRI. Otherwise it is based on a the various symptoms that are present.

Posted Apr 21, 2018 by Rennierich 400

Dr may conduct many tests to diagnose and determine underlying causes, including.
A neurological examination. Touching and examining parts of your face. Reflex tests, magnetic imaging or CT scan.

Posted May 18, 2018 by Jackie 1800

Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed through a battery of neurological tests, but because of its rarity, it often slips under the radar or falls in the cracks. Neurologists conversant with the disease and especially neurosurgeons well versed in understanding the symptoms and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are essential. Fortunate are those whose primary care physician knows what trigeminal neuralgia is.

Tests include EEGs, MRIs, and CT scans, the MRI being the most effective if the neurologist knows what to look for.

Posted Feb 12, 2020 by Eric 2550

You go to your primary care doctor and they send you to your neurologist

Posted Jun 3, 2020 by Nancy 2250

Diagnosis can be hampered by the complexity of nerves on the head & overlapping of pain areas. The medical history of head injury in, for example, a serious car crash where damage shows a direction for treatment to the nasal passages, sinuses (long tooth roots may puncture the floor of the sinuses), the eyes & sockets, injury to the neck vertebrae & discs. With the gathering of records X-Rays & MRIs the Dr can then supply a Neuro information for treatment including a more definite MRI & opinion which then acts as a guideline for the Dr.
Ongoing contact between the three parties is essential to allow for any change.

Posted Oct 7, 2021 by Tim 400

Translated from spanish Improve translation

neeurocirugano scanner

Posted Mar 3, 2017 by Ignacio 1000