trigeminal neuropathy
Last reviewed 01/2018
Trigeminal neuropathy is characterised by chronic sensory abnormality in the face that corresponds with the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Presentation may be with numbness, or more rarely, pain.
It differs from a primary trigeminal neuralgia in that there is physical damage to the nerve. Causes of trigeminal neuropathy include:
- acoustic neuroma involving the trigeminal ganglion
- antral tumours invading the pterygopalatine fossae and involving the trigeminal nerve
- demyelination e.g. multiple sclerosis