Pain in trigeminal neuralgia is associated with physical triggers. Much of the treatment has been unchanged for more than 10 years, with carbamazepine being the standard first-line treatment. There are several promising new medications available, such as pimozide, tizanidine hydrochloride, and topical capsaicin.
Surgical management is also effective.
Arch Fam Med. Accepted for publication June 4, 1998. All rights reserved.