Table 1.

Diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia according to the International Headache Society.²

Diagnostic Criteria for Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia Paroxysmal attacks of pain lasting from a fraction of a second to 2 minutes, affecting one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve and fulfilling criteria B and C. Pain has at least one of the following characteristics: intense, sharp, superficial or stabbing. precipitated from trigger areas or by trigger factors. Attacks are stereotyped in the individual patient. There is no clinically evident neurological deficit. Not attributed to another disorder.

Diagnostic criteria for Symptomatic Trigeminal Neuralgia Paroxysmal attacks of pain lasting from a fraction of a second to 2 minutes, with or without persistence of aching between paroxysms, affecting one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve and fulfilling criteria B and C. Pain has at least one of the following characteristics: intense, sharp, superficial or stabbing. precipitated from trigger areas or by trigger factors. Attacks are stereotyped in the individual patient. A causative lesion, other than vascular compression, has been demonstrated by special investigations and/or posterior fossa exploration.