Trigeminal neuralgia most commonly involves which divisions of cranial nerve V?

Trigeminal neuralgia most commonly involves which divisions of cranial nerve V?

• A. The first (ophthalmic) division
• B. The second division only
• C. The second and third divisions
• D. All three divisions

Answer: (D)

Trigeminal neuralgia most often involves the sensory branches that cover the midface and lower face—the maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions. These two divisions carry the bulk of facial sensation, so demyelinating or compressive processes affecting the trigeminal pathway tend to manifest in V2 and V3 territories with sudden, electric shock-like pain that can be triggered by light touch or routine activities. Involvement of the ophthalmic division (V1) happens less frequently, and simultaneous involvement of all three divisions is uncommon. Therefore, the best match is the description of the second and third divisions being affected.

Trigeminal neuralgia most often involves the sensory branches that cover the midface and lower face—the maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions. These two divisions carry the bulk of facial sensation, so demyelinating or compressive processes affecting the trigeminal pathway tend to manifest in V2 and V3 territories with sudden, electric shock-like pain that can be triggered by light touch or routine activities. Involvement of the ophthalmic division (V1) happens less frequently, and simultaneous involvement of all three divisions is uncommon. Therefore, the best match is the description of the second and third divisions being affected.