Trigeminal Neuralgia Blog: Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia
Physician Appointment
A meeting with a doctor is needed to diagnose Trigeminal Neuralgia. The doctor may order scans, such as an MRI, to help in obtaining a correct diagnosis. Additionally, the doctor will typically perform a physical exam. Physical exams are often normal in cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia, so a detailed patient interview is another important component of the visit.
A specific description of the type, location, and triggers of the pain helps to diagnose Trigeminal Neuralgia, including finding what branch of the trigeminal nerve is causing the pain.
Test results, such as MRI, and how the patient has been responding to medications are also important information.
Importance of Correct Diagnosis
Correct diagnosis is important in Trigeminal Neuralgia because it will lead to the best treatment that is possible. Trigeminal Neuralgia is often diagnosed incorrectly. It can be confused with dental problems, headache syndromes, temporal arteritis, sinusitis, and tumors of the brain or the face.