Trigeminal Neuralgia

Diagnosis

No single test can diagnose trigeminal neuralgia. The condition must be distinguished from other forms of facial pain that may be due to diseases of the teeth, jaw or sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain can eliminate some causes of trigeminal neuralgia, such as tumors, aneurysms or multiple sclerosis.

A trip to the dentist will reveal whether a problem with the teeth or gums is causing the pain.

A physician will ask for a description of the pain -- how severe it is, what part of the face it affects, what seems to trigger episodes of pain. A neurologic examination involves touching parts of the face to determine exactly where the pain is occurring and -- if trigeminal neuralgia is suspected -- which branches of the trigeminal nerve may be affected.