What is the Difference Between Typical and Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia?

The main difference between typical and atypical trigeminal neuralgia lies in the symptoms and the type of pain experienced by the patient. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from one side of the face to the brain. It has two forms: trigeminal neuralgia (TN1) and atypical trigeminal neuralgia (TN2).

Typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN1) is characterized by:

Sharp, shooting, and electric shock-like pain
Pain triggered by facial movement, change of temperature, or touching the face at a specific point (the trigger point)
Episodes of pain that can last from seconds to minutes, with pain-free intervals in between

Atypical trigeminal neuralgia (TN2) is characterized by:

Constant, dull, burning, or aching pain on one side of the face and jaw
Abnormal sensations of numbness or tingling around the eye, cheek, or jaw
Constant dull, aching sensations in the jaw or teeth
Episodes of sharp electric pains shooting through the face, which may occur more frequently and become more severe over time

Both typical and atypical trigeminal neuralgia affect one side of the face and are believed to be caused by injury, inflammation, or mechanical impingement of the trigeminal nerve. The choice of treatment depends on the type of trigeminal neuralgia and the patient's specific condition. It is essential to identify and treat both conditions individually to provide relief to the patient.

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What is the Difference Between Typical and Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Comparative Table: Typical vs Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia has two forms: typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN1) and atypical trigeminal neuralgia (TN2). Both forms manifest with different symptoms and frequency, and they usually require different treatments for sufferers to achieve relief. Here is a table summarizing the differences between typical and atypical trigeminal neuralgia:

Feature	Typical Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN1)	Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN2)
Pain	Severe, sudden shock-like pain in one side of the face	Less severe constant burning pain in one side of the face
Pain Duration	Episodes last from a few seconds to a few minutes	Constant pain with a unilateral, prominent aching, boring, or burning sensation
Pain Trigger	Pain can be triggered by touching a trigger point on the face or performing a certain activity	Pain may be reproduced by touching a trigger point on the face or performing a certain activity
Treatment	Medical management with anticonvulsant medications (carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine) and microvascular decompression	Treatment options may vary, and some cases may require additional or repeated surgical interventions

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.