Question:medium
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is?
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is?
Show Hint
Think of a neurovascular conflict at the nerve root entry zone near the brainstem.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Infection
- Trauma
- Vascular compression
- Iatrogenic
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Trigeminal neuralgia produces brief electric, stabbing pains along the distribution of the fifth cranial nerve.
Step 2: The dominant mechanism is a neurovascular conflict: an artery (commonly the superior cerebellar artery) or a vein presses on the nerve root entry zone at the brainstem, causing demyelination and abnormal firing. This vascular compression underlies the great majority of cases.
Step 3: Secondary causes such as tumours, cysts, AV malformations, and multiple sclerosis exist but are far less frequent, while infection, trauma, and iatrogenic causes are rare. Carbamazepine remains the drug of choice.
\[\boxed{\text{Vascular compression}}\]
Step 2: The dominant mechanism is a neurovascular conflict: an artery (commonly the superior cerebellar artery) or a vein presses on the nerve root entry zone at the brainstem, causing demyelination and abnormal firing. This vascular compression underlies the great majority of cases.
Step 3: Secondary causes such as tumours, cysts, AV malformations, and multiple sclerosis exist but are far less frequent, while infection, trauma, and iatrogenic causes are rare. Carbamazepine remains the drug of choice.
\[\boxed{\text{Vascular compression}}\]
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