[Familial trigeminal neuralgia]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2008 Apr;164(4):384-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2007.10.010. Epub 2008 Feb 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia in its classic form is usually an isolated disease that occurs in sporadic fashion, but familial cases have been described. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with left V2 trigeminal neuralgia. The neurological examination was normal and imaging and laboratory investigations were non-contributive to the etiological work-up. Carbamazepine gave excellent symptomatic relief. During patient evaluation, we became aware of a clustering of trigeminal neuralgia in four other family members over three generations. Familial trigeminal neuralgia has been expounded on in fewer than 30 reports in the literature. Our cases and the literature review suggest an autosomal dominant transmission. The clinical features of familial trigeminal neuralgia are described and pathophysiological implications of this genetic clustering discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Pedigree
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / genetics*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / pathology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine