Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Trigeminal and Facial Nerves

One of the most common issues encountered by dentists, neurologists, and otorhinolaryngologists is managing patients with various types of facial pain, collectively known as prosopalgia. These pains frequently stem from pathologies such as trigeminal neuralgia, cranial ganglion disorders, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and facial sympataglia-which includes conditions like neuralgia of the pterygopalatine ganglion and nasopharyngeal nerve neuralgia.An important factor contributing to trigeminal nerve damage is often the pathology associated with the maxilla. The complexities of pain and disorders in the facial region present significant challenges when it comes to accurately diagnosing diseases related to the trigeminal and facial nerves. Given the overlapping symptoms and diverse etiologies, establishing a precise diagnosis becomes a critical and pressing issue in clinical practice.