ABSTRACT
A 61-year-old teacher presents with a 3-month history of intermittent, right-sided facial pain affecting the area between his chin and lower eyelid. He reports that it occurs at any time of the day and has frequently disrupted his teaching sessions and daily activities such as brushing his teeth or having a meal. On examination there is no obvious abnormality demonstrated. The admitting physician suspects trigeminal neuralgia in the distribution of the maxillary and mandibular branches. A specialist review is requested and appropriate treatment started. Through which of the following basal skull foramina does the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3) pass?
