title: The neurosurgical treatment of neuropathic facial pain.
abstract: This article reviews the definition, etiology and evaluation, and medical and neurosurgical treatment of neuropathic facial pain. A neuropathic origin for facial pain should be considered when evaluating a patient for rhinologic surgery because of complaints of facial pain. Neuropathic facial pain is caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve in the prepontine cistern and is characterized by an intermittent prickling or stabbing component or a constant burning, searing pain. Medical treatment consists of anticonvulsant medication. Neurosurgical treatment may require microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve.
authors.affiliation: Neurological Surgery, PC, 600 Northern Boulevard #118, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA. Electronic address: jbrown@nspc.com.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005156:Facial Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D061145:Microvascular Decompression Surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D016634:Radiosurgery; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: Atypical facial pain; Balloon compression; Microvascular decompression; Neuropathic facial pain; Radiosurgery; Trigeminal neuralgia