Clinical profile, management, and postoperative complications among patients with trigeminal neuralgia at a tertiary care hospital

Background: There is no clarity in diagnostic criteria of trigeminal neuralgia, and hence, the diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. Therefore, the patient has to visit many clinics before the final and correct diagnosis is established. Trigeminal neuralgia is not harmful, but it definitely affects the quality of life. It may become nonresponsive to treatment. Objective: To study clinical profile, management, and postoperative complications among patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Methods: The present study was designed as a retrospective study for which the case records of patients as having trigeminal neuralgia kept with Medical Records Department, of a tertiary care hospital were studied and the patients were called for follow-up during the study period of July 2012 to December 2015 in the present study. Sixty-five patients who responded to follow-up call during the study period were included in the present study. Results: Majority belonged to 41–50 years (36.9%). Males (75.4%) were more than females (24.6%). Male-to-female ratio was 3.1:1. Both sides were equally affected. Pain distribution was commonly seen (38.5%) in V2+V3. Most common precipitating factor was cold (33.8%). 13.8% had hyperesthesia and 12.3% had hypoesthesia. Majority (83.1%) were directly operated for microvascular decompression. Trigeminal neuralgia was due to vascular compression (83.1%). The most common microvascular relationship was with superior cerebellar artery (50.8%). Only five patients had postoperative complications. Conclusion: Males were affected more than females. V2+V3 was common site of pain distribution. Cold was found to precipitate trigeminal neuralgia. The most common microvascular relationship was with superior cerebellar artery. Thus, trigeminal neuralgia has varied presentation, and hence, care needs to be taken in the diagnosis and management