Trigeminal Nerve Asymmetry in Classic Trigeminal Neuralgia - Evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Abstrakt
Aim: Classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) is characterized by episodic neuropathic facial pain that, with exception of neurovascular conflict (NVC), was not attributed to any underlying disorder in our sample. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated volumes of affected and non-affected nerves and presence and type of NVC in a large group of CTN subjects prior to gamma knife treatment.
Design: Correlation between affected nerve volume and NVC, clinical data and demographic characteristics (duration of pain, age) were explored in 45 subjects diagnosed with CTN. Results: NVC was detected in 69% of affected nerves, 51% of non-affected nerves, and in 42% of subjects bilaterally.
Lower trigeminal nerve volume was detected on the affected side (p < 0.001), however, no correlation between affected nerve volume and the presence and type NVC or demographic data was detected. Conclusion: Our results suggest that NVC may trigger CTN in susceptible subjects but is not a reliable disease marker.
Lower trigeminal nerve volume appears to manifest independently of NVC, and may represent nerve asymmetry rather than atrophy.