Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a condition characterised by severe, shooting pain in the face, along the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be triggered by even mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing teeth, touching the face or eating. It is often described as one of the most excruciating pains known to medicine and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is often unknown and treatment options include carbamazepine or gabapentin, as well as surgical procedures that relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve or disrupt the pain signals in some cases. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at what GPs need to know when patients present in surgery with trigeminal neuralgia, when to refer them to secondary care and the prognosis for these patients.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-95-trigeminal-neuralgia.

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