Occurrence and Clinical Characteristics of Trigeminal Neuralgia: a Study

Objective: To evaluate and analyze the occurrence and clinical characteristics of trigeminal neuralgia in the population of Mardan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Material and Methodology: Data of 190 patients with trigeminal neuralgia reported to the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan, from Jan 2013 to Dec 2014 were reviewed. History, clinical examination and investigations were carried out for diagnosis. Data regarding the age, gender, site, division and branch of nerve involved and severity of pain was evaluated and analyzed. Results: Females outnumbered the males. The most common age group involved was 51-60 years. Right side (72.63%) was involved more than left side. Single nerve (92.20%) involvement was more common than multiple nerves. Mandibular division was involved in 46.30% cases. Infraorbital nerve was the most common peripheral nerve involved in 42.6% cases and presented with moderate pain. Conclusions: This study showed that TN was more common in aged females. It occurred more on the right side and mainly affected mandibular division. The common peripheral nerve involved was infra-orbital and many patients presented with moderate pain.