Coexistence of TACS and trigeminal neuralgia: pathophysiological conjectures

Headache. 2006 Nov-Dec;46(10):1565-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00537.x.

Abstract

Background: Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) and trigeminal neuralgia are short-lasting unilateral primary headaches whose study is providing insights into craniofacial pain mechanisms. We report on 2 patients in whom trigeminal neuralgia coexists with the TACs paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT.

Conclusion: Coexistence of trigeminal neuralgia with various TAC forms suggests a pathophysiological relationship between these short-lasting unilateral headaches.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Headache Disorders / complications*
  • Headache Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Headache Disorders / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Paroxysmal Hemicrania / complications
  • Paroxysmal Hemicrania / prevention & control
  • Triazines / therapeutic use
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / complications*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / physiopathology*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / prevention & control

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Triazines
  • Carbamazepine
  • Lamotrigine