High-Resolution Diffusion MRI Can Help Map the Microstructure of the Trigeminal Nerve, Improve Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia Sufferers

During the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers described their study regarding the use of high-resolution diffusion MRI to evaluate the microstructure of the cranial nerves.

The researchers noted that the pathophysiology of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) remains unknown and present treatments are conducted based on empirical evidence. Up to now, MRI has only been used to exclude other pathological conditions such as skull base tumors — which can mimic TN — but not to localize the affected area, improve treatment methods or evaluate the effects of such procedures. Click here to read the full release.