MRI Assessment of Nerve Involvement in Adults with Essential Trigeminal Neuralgia Using Diffusion Tensor and Resting State Functional Imaging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating nerve involvement in patients with essential trigeminal neuralgia, a common type of facial pain that can be resistant to medication and disabling treatments. This study aims to improve the diagnosis and surgical decision-making by using advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging DTI and resting state functional MRI fMRI, in addition to standard anatomical MRI. The study is prospective and involves patients referred for neurosurgery or pain management for unilateral essential trigeminal neuralgia. Participants will undergo a specialized MRI exam using a 3 Tesla machine that includes standard anatomical sequences with contrast injection, a diffusion tensor imaging sequence to analyze nerve fibers, and a resting state functional MRI to examine brain connectivity. The total MRI scan lasts about 45 minutes, with the added sequences taking approximately 15 minutes. This imaging approach is designed to better characterize nerve damage and vascular conflicts that may influence treatment. During the study, researchers will assess micro-structural changes in the trigeminal nerve at the time of inclusion. Patients will receive the MRI exam as part of their evaluation, and the imaging results will be used to guide treatment decisions. The study will monitor how these imaging techniques correlate with nerve involvement and surgical outcomes, helping to improve future diagnosis and management of trigeminal neuralgia.

Assessment in Patients With Essential Trigeminal Neuralgia of Nerve Involvement by MRI in DTI and Functional Connectivity in "Resting State"