THE CLINICAL PHENOTYPE OF IDIOPATHIC, SPONTANEOUS FACIAL PAIN DISEASE

Abstract

The fifth and greatest cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve (V), is in charge of detecting sensory inputs that come from the craniofacial region. The trigeminal ganglia house the cell bodies of the three branches of the nerve: the ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3). These branches connect to second-order neurons in the trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclear complex. Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most prevalent types of facial and cranial discomfort. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by abrupt, fleeting, and painful facial pain episodes in one or more of the V branches. As a result, the quality of life for those who suffer from the condition is drastically reduced.