ABSTRACT
Diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia The clinical hallmark of trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, excruciating paroxysm of pain in the distribution of the trigeminal, or fifth cranial nerve.1 The paroxysmal pain of trigeminal neuralgia is initiated by innocuous stimulation of discrete areas, the so-called ‘trigger zones’, which concentrate near the lower central portion of the face (cheek, chin, lips, or tongue). The median age at diagnosis is 67 years.2 The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia depends strictly on clinical criteria.3 There is no objective laboratory or pathological test for diagnosis.
