It is, "therefore widely accepted that trigeminal neuralgia is associated with demyelination of axons in the Gasserian ganglion, the dorsal root, or both." It has been suggested that this compression may be related to an aberrant branch of the superior cerebellar artery that lies on the trigeminal nerve. Further causes, besides an aneurysm, multiple sclerosis or cerebellopontine angle tumor, include: a posterior fossa tumor, any other expanding lesion or even brainstem diseases from strokes.Trigeminal neuralgia is found in 3–4% of people with multiple sclerosis, according to data from seven studies. It has been theorized that this is due to damage to the spinal trigeminal complex. Trigeminal pain has a similar presentation in patients with and without MS.Postherpetic neuralgia, which occurs after shingles, may cause similar symptoms if the trigeminal nerve is damaged, called Ramsay Hunt syndrome type 2. When there is no apparent structural cause, the syndrome is called idiopathic. Diagnosis
Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed via the result of neurological and physical tests, as well as the individuals medical history. Management
As with many conditions without clear physical or laboratory diagnosis, TN is sometimes misdiagnosed. A person with TN will sometimes seek the help of numerous clinicians before a firm diagnosis is made.There is evidence that points towards the need to quickly treat and diagnose TN. It is thought that the longer a patient has TN, the harder it may be to reverse the neural pathways associated with the pain.The differential diagnosis includes temporomandibular disorder.
Jim Fitzpatrick – former Member of Parliament (MP) for Poplar and Limehouse – disclosed he had trigeminal neuralgia before undergoing neurosurgery. He has openly discussed his condition at parliamentary meetings and is a prominent figure in the TNA UK charity. Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America
Charles Sanders Peirce – American philosopher, scientist and father of pragmatism. Gloria Steinem – American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist
Anneli van Rooyen, Afrikaans singer-songwriter popular during the 1980s and 1990s, was diagnosed with atypical trigeminal neuralgia in 2004. During surgical therapy directed at alleviating the condition performed in 2007, Van Rooyen had permanent nerve damage, resulting in her near-complete retirement from performing. H.R., singer of hardcore punk band Bad Brains
Aneeta Prem, British author, human rights campaigner, magistrate and the founder and president of Freedom Charity. Aneetas experience of bilateral TN began in 2010, with severe pain and resulting sleep deprivation. Her condition remained undiagnosed until 2017. MVD Surgery to ameliorate the pain on the right-hand side was performed at UCHL in December 2019. Travis Barker, drummer of rock band Blink-182

See also
Cluster headache
Trigeminal trophic syndrome

References
External links
Trigeminal neuralgia at Curlie
Trigeminal Neuralgia at NHS Choices