• Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by paroxysmal, lacinating pain in the distribution of one or more of the divisions of the 5th nerve in a woman in the 6th or 7th decade of life. Pain of trigeminal neuralgia is usually provoked by trivial stimulation of the involved dermatome. Traumatic trigeminal neuralgia occurs in a younger population and is associated with tissue or nerve injury. Traumatic trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by continuous burning pain.
  • Carbamazepine is the treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia. This anticonvulsant provides relief to greater than 75% of trigeminal neuralgia patients. However, potential life- threatening side effects include agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, or thrombocytopenia.