Diffusion tensor imaging in trigeminal neuralgia: beyond the normal morphology

Abstract Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an electric-like recurrent pain of a sudden onset and localized to the area supplied by trigeminal nerve, patients are usually free in between attacks. It’s one most common causes facial commonly induced mechanical irritation, there’s strong evidence suggesting insult at nerve root which caused neurovascular compression. The aim study was evaluate role diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detection microstructural changes normal appearing with correlation DTI parameters severity. Results Thirty cases were included (16 TN 15 healthy controls) underwent MRI imaging. fractional anisotropy (FA) values nerves recorded then comparison affected unaffected sides controls done, also degree FA reduction correlated severity groups. mean value 0.43 ± 0.083, while that 0.56 0.058. 0.54 0.057. A significant statistical differences found ( P < 0.00001) 0.0003), no statistically difference detected side controls. negative score 0.001). Conclusions Diffusion functional technique can detect nerve.