skip to main content

Trigeminal Neuralgia — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateOral MedicineTrigeminal NeuralgiaNDEB AFK

Which of the following is the hallmark clinical feature of trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux)?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: CBrief, severe, electric shock-like paroxysmal pain triggered by light touch of the face

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterised by sudden, brief (seconds to 2 minutes), severe, unilateral, electric shock-like or stabbing paroxysmal pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve (V2 and V3 most commonly). Pain is triggered by light stimulation of trigger zones (face washing, shaving, eating, wind, talking). Patients may have pain-free intervals. It must be differentiated from dental pain. First-line pharmacotherapy is carbamazepine. Microvascular decompression surgery is for refractory cases.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016