PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 17214925

Trigeminal neuralgia.

Abstract

The paroxysmal facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia is notoriously severe. Recent advances in medical science are achieving significant strides toward alleviating this incapacitating condition. High-resolution neuroimaging techniques are rendering detailed views of underlying neurovascular relationships. Newer antiepileptic medications and novel therapies are proving helpful in treating pain resistant to carbamazepine. Further developments also in targeted neurosurgical and radiosurgical techniques are providing pain relief within increasingly wider margins of safety. Much has been accomplished, yet much remains to be done.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

William P Cheshire. 2007. Trigeminal neuralgia.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-007-0025-7

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of zonisamide (zonegran) in the treatment of essential tremor.

Medical therapy for essential tremor (ET), a common movement disorder, is often inadequate. We performed a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide (ZNS), an antiepileptic agent, in treating ET. Twenty patients (mean age, 60 +/- 15 years) with ET were randomized to receive ZNS or placebo. ZNS was initiated at a dosage of 100 mg/day and escalated to 200 mg/day at day 14. Patients were evaluated by accelerometry and the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin (FTM) rating scale at baseline and days 14 and 28, as well as the Clinical Global Impression (CGI-C) scale at day 28. At endpoint, subjects assigned to ZNS were taking a mean dosage of 160 +/- 50 mg/day. There were no significant improvements in the FTM total score or its subsections. Tremor amplitude as assessed by accelerometry significantly improved in the ZNS group compared to the placebo group at endpoint relative to baseline (-0.50 +/- 0.72 vs. 0.30 +/- 0.79 m/s(2); P = 0.03). On the CGI-C, 60% (n = 6) of patients in the ZNS group felt that their tremor was unchanged, while the remaining patients felt that their tremor was "minimally improved." Thirty percent (n = 3) of patients taking ZNS discontinued the study due to side effects (fatigue, headache, paresthesias) while taking 100 mg per day. ZNS did not provide significant improvements in clinical rating scales at study endpoint compared to placebo and was only modestly well tolerated. ZNS was effective in reducing tremor amplitude as measured by accelerometry.

Anticonvulsants↗