Trigeminal Neuralgia: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

  • General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further:
    • Inspection (viewing).
      • Skin and mucous membranes [perspiration].
      • Head [tic douloudeux – contractions (tightening) of facial muscles, redness of face]
      • Eyes [lacrimation]
  • Ophthalmic examination – including tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure) [due todifferential diagnosis:
    • Glaucoma attack – eye disease with seizure-like increased intraocular pressure]
  • ENT examination – including epipharyngoscopy (nasopharyngoscopy) [due todifferential diagnosis:
    • Sinusitis (sinusitis)]
  • Neurological examination -.
    • Sensorimotor function and reflexes
    • Cranial nerve functions
    • Paresis (paralysis)?, paresthesias (insensations)?
    • Visual disturbances?, bulbar pressure?, movement pain of the eyes?
    • Palpation of the trigeminal exit sites
    • Mobility of the cervical spine?
    • Meningismus (neck stiffness)?
    • Signs of a seizure event?
    • Vigilance (wakefulness)?
    • Orientation, memory, mental state
  • Dental examination [due todifferential diagnosis: dental disease, unspecified].
  • Health check

Square brackets [ ] indicate possible pathological (pathological) physical findings.