Facial Neuralgias

Abstract

Summary The facial neuralgias form a group of symptom ‐ complexes, characterised by pains of various types in one or both sides of the face. The commonest variety is true trigeminal neuralgia or tic doloureux, and it has certain definite characteristics which distinguish it and without which the diag‐ nosis should be reviewed. Eight other varieties of facial neuralgia are classified and described. Some of theses have a definite cause and are as‐ sociated with tumours or aneurysms The treatment of these various conditions is discussed on the following 1ines:(a) Analgesics.(b) Anti‐neuritic vitamins.(c) Injections of alcohol into the branches of the 5th nerve, its roots or the Gasserian ganglion.(d) Resection of the sensory root of the 5th nerve.(e) Attack upon the sympathetic nerves or blood vessels supplying the af‐fected area.(f) Removal or correction of the cause, when known.(g) Prefrontal leucotomy for intractable pain. Migraine and neuralgias of nasal and ocular origin are omitted.