CURRENT ASPECTS OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA OF INTEREST FOR THE DENTAL SURGEON

Abstract

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth (V) cranial nerve, IF divided into three branches that leave the skull through the face where they transmit the sense of the face and the movements of the jaw: The ophthalmic division (V1) transmits sensitivity of the forehead and eyes. Maxillary division conveys the sensitivity of justice, upperlip and buccal. The mandibular division (V3) transmits the sensitivity of the mandible and lowerlip; it also allows movement of those involved in chewing and swallowing. Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare but very painful condition. Pain similar to an electrics hock that occurs without warning and is often triggered by specific areas of the face. The patient may have initially short and mild attacks, with relatively long remission periods. But trigeminal neuralgia can progress, causing longer attacks and frequencies of intense pain. Although the exact cause of neuralgia is not fully understood, a blood vesselis of ten found compressing the trigeminal. Medications, thermocoagulation, surgery and medications can be used to treat pain and each treatmen thas its benefits.