MRI & QST Analysis in Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain

Assessing Somatosensory System Damage in Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain Through Neuroimaging and Quantitative Sensory Testing

Patients with a definite diagnosis of classical TGN and PIFP will undergo a structured clinical questionnaire and a trigeminal sensory profile using the quantitative sensory testing. Clinical measures and sensory profiles will be correlated with MRI measures.

Patients with a definite diagnosis of classical TGN and PIFP (according to the 2020 ICOP Classification) will undergo a structured clinical questionnaire and a trigeminal sensory profile using the quantitative sensory testing. Clinical measures and sensory profiles will be correlated with the presence and the geometry of neurovascular compression at MRI. Moreover quantitative structural neuroimaging analysis, such as trigeminal root volume, will be performed in each patient and correlated with clinical and QST data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Definite diagnosis of Classical or Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia or Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain according to the latest ICOP 2020 Criteria
• Naive to any surgical procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any major chronic painful or other neurological disease
• Diagnosis of Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Diagnosis of other facial pain syndromes
• Cognitive disturbances