History and classification of trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial neuralgias

Abstract

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia has been known for centuries but the first descriptions that remain valid today are those by John Fothergill in 1783. The chance naming of the condition as a form of epilepsy led to the use of a wide range of antiepileptic drugs which are still being utilized. Since 1730, surgical techniques have been evolving. Peripheral treatments were first used before surgeons began to devise techniques to reach the Gasserian ganglion, which were facilitated by X-rays. With the advent of the operating microscope, it became possible to carry out effective posterior fossa surgery which carried the best chance of success. In order for patients, clinicians, and researchers to be able to communicate about conditions, internationally agreed classification system have been devised both by the pain community in general and by headache specialists. There are now several in use and there is reasonably good agreement between them.