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Pergolizzi JV, LeQuang JA, El-Tallawy SN, Wagner M, Ahmed RS, Varrassi G. An update on pharmacotherapy for trigeminal neuralgia. Expert Rev Neurother 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38870050 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2365946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition that can be effectively treated by carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine but these older drugs are associated with dose-dependent and potentially treatment-limiting adverse effects. Third-generation anticonvulsants, new calcitonin gene-related peptide blockers for migraine, and older drugs such as ketamine and cannabinoids may be promising adjuvants or monotherapeutic options. AREAS COVERED The new drugs, their presumed mechanisms of action, safety and efficacy are discussed herein. There is a paucity of robust clinical evidence in support of these drugs for trigeminal neuralgia. New migraine agents are considered as well although migraines and trigeminal neuralgia are distinct, albeit similar, conditions. No new drugs have been released to market in recent years with the specific indication of trigeminal neuralgia. EXPERT OPINION In real-world clinical practice, about half of trigeminal neuralgia patients take more than one agent for prevention and combination therapy may be the optimal approach. Combination therapy might allow for lower doses of carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, thus reducing the number and severity of potential adverse events but the potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions must be considered. Drug therapy for trigeminal neuralgia involves acute or abortive treatments, often administered in hospital versus long-term preventive therapy, usually involving oral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Salah N El-Tallawy
- Anesthesia and Pain Department, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Anesthesia Department, Medicine, Minia University & NCI, Minia, Egypt
| | | | - Rania S Ahmed
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ashina S, Robertson CE, Srikiatkhachorn A, Di Stefano G, Donnet A, Hodaie M, Obermann M, Romero-Reyes M, Park YS, Cruccu G, Bendtsen L. Trigeminal neuralgia. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:39. [PMID: 38816415 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a facial pain disorder characterized by intense and paroxysmal pain that profoundly affects quality of life and presents complex challenges in diagnosis and treatment. TN can be categorized as classical, secondary and idiopathic. Epidemiological studies show variable incidence rates and an increased prevalence in women and in the elderly, with familial cases suggesting genetic factors. The pathophysiology of TN is multifactorial and involves genetic predisposition, anatomical changes, and neurophysiological factors, leading to hyperexcitable neuronal states, central sensitization and widespread neural plasticity changes. Neurovascular compression of the trigeminal root, which undergoes major morphological changes, and focal demyelination of primary trigeminal afferents are key aetiological factors in TN. Structural and functional brain imaging studies in patients with TN demonstrated abnormalities in brain regions responsible for pain modulation and emotional processing of pain. Treatment of TN involves a multifaceted approach that considers patient-specific factors, including the type of TN, with initial pharmacotherapy followed by surgical options if necessary. First-line pharmacological treatments include carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. Surgical interventions, including microvascular decompression and percutaneous neuroablative procedures, can be considered at an early stage if pharmacotherapy is not sufficient for pain control or has intolerable adverse effects or contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sait Ashina
- BIDMC Comprehensive Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- BIDMC Comprehensive Headache Center, Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Anan Srikiatkhachorn
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Giulia Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Donnet
- Department of Evaluation and Treatment of Pain, FHU INOVPAIN, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Marseille, Hopital de la Timone, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Mojgan Hodaie
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontairo, Canada
| | - Mark Obermann
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Weser-Egge, Hoexter, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marcela Romero-Reyes
- Department of Pain and Neural Sciences, Brotman Facial Pain Clinic, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Young Seok Park
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife Icon Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Giorgio Cruccu
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lars Bendtsen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Copenhagen, Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zakrzewska JM. Diagnosis and management of acute trigeminal neuralgia. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024:S0035-3787(24)00518-6. [PMID: 38729782 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- J M Zakrzewska
- Royal National ENT & Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UK; Pain Management Centre, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London, UK; UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Ruscheweyh R, Gierthmühlen J, Hedderich DM, Goßrau G, Leis S. [Trigeminal neuralgia: drug therapy : The new German guideline]. Schmerz 2024:10.1007/s00482-024-00810-4. [PMID: 38689064 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-024-00810-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe, lightning-like attacks of pain, which are mandatory for the diagnosis. The pain typically occurs on one side and is often triggered by simply touching the face, chewing or talking. In acute exacerbations, this can also hinder food and fluid intake, resulting in a life-threatening clinical picture. A distinction is made between classical, secondary and idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. For the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, the medical history and imaging procedures are key for classification. The only active substances approved for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in Germany are carbamazepine and phenytoin, which is why off-label drugs often need to be used if there is no or insufficient effect or inacceptable side effects. Cooperation between research and clinical practice to improve the care of affected patients is therefore essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ruscheweyh
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
| | - Janne Gierthmühlen
- Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Schmerz- und Palliativmedizin, Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Dennis M Hedderich
- Abteilung für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Gudrun Goßrau
- Kopfschmerzambulanz, Interdisziplinäres UniversitätsSchmerzCentrum, Medizinische Fakultät, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Leis
- Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, neurologische Intensivmedizin und Neurorehabilitation, Paracelsus Medizinische Universität, Salzburg, Österreich
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Nahas SJ. Cranial Neuralgias. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:473-487. [PMID: 38568494 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cranial neuralgias are relatively rare, but recognizing these syndromes and distinguishing among them is critical to reducing unnecessary pain and disability for affected patients. Despite their distinctive features, cranial neuralgias may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for several years. A notable proportion of cranial neuralgia presentations are due to secondary causes and require targeted treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis and management of cranial neuralgias encountered in clinical practice. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS In 2020, the International Classification of Orofacial Pain was released for the first time. Modeled after the International Classification of Headache Disorders, it includes updated terminology for cranial neuralgias. The underlying pathophysiology of the cranial neuralgias is currently believed to be rooted in both peripheral and central nociceptive systems. In addition, a growing number of familial cases are being identified. Recent therapeutic advancements include a better understanding of how to utilize older therapies and procedures more effectively as well as the development of newer approaches. ESSENTIAL POINTS Cranial neuralgia syndromes are rare but important to recognize due to their debilitating nature and greater likelihood of having potentially treatable underlying causes. While management options have remained somewhat limited, scientific inquiry is continually advancing the understanding of these syndromes and how best to address them.
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Doneddu PE, Pensato U, Iorfida A, Alberti C, Nobile-Orazio E, Fabbri A, Voza A. Neuropathic Pain in the Emergency Setting: Diagnosis and Management. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6028. [PMID: 37762968 PMCID: PMC10531819 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, traditionally considered a chronic condition, is increasingly encountered in the emergency department (ED), accounting for approximately 20% of patients presenting with pain. Understanding the physiology and key clinical presentations of neuropathic pain is crucial for ED physicians to provide optimal treatment. While diagnosing neuropathic pain can be challenging, emphasis should be placed on obtaining a comprehensive medical history and conducting a thorough clinical examination. Patients often describe neuropathic pain as a burning or shock-like sensation, leading them to seek care in the ED after ineffective relief from common analgesics such as paracetamol and NSAIDs. Collaboration between emergency medicine specialists, neurologists, and pain management experts can contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines specifically tailored for the emergency department setting. This article provides a concise overview of the common clinical manifestations of neuropathic pain that may prompt patients to seek emergency care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Emiliano Doneddu
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Umberto Pensato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iorfida
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Claudia Alberti
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Eduardo Nobile-Orazio
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Milan University, 20133 Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Emergency Department AUSL Romagna, Presidio Ospedaliero Morgagni-Pierantoni, 47121 Forlì, FC, Italy
| | - Antonio Voza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, MI, Italy
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