From the Guidelines
The trigeminal nerve is cranial nerve V (CN V). It is one of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain 1. The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and has three major branches: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2), and the mandibular nerve (V3) 1. This nerve is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. The sensory function provides feeling to the face, including the skin, mucous membranes, and teeth, while the motor component controls the muscles of mastication.
Some key points about the trigeminal nerve include:
- It provides general sensation to large portions of the head and neck and branchial motor innervation to the muscles of mastication 1
- It is divided into three main divisions, known as the ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) branches 1
- Symptoms of trigeminal neuropathy or neuropathic pain syndromes vary with the involved segment and division and may or may not include other sensory deficits (such as facial numbness) or motor deficits (such as weakness with mastication) 1
- The trigeminal nerve can be affected by processes anywhere along its course from the brainstem to its peripheral branches 1
Damage to the trigeminal nerve can result in conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by severe facial pain, or loss of sensation in parts of the face 1. The trigeminal nerve is clinically significant and is often tested during neurological examinations to assess facial sensation and jaw strength. According to the most recent study 1, the trigeminal nerve is a critical component of the cranial nerves and plays a vital role in various facial and motor functions.
From the Research
Trigeminal Nerve Identification
- The trigeminal nerve is identified as the fifth cranial nerve, denoted by the Roman numeral V 2, 3.
- It is the largest of all cranial nerves and is responsible for detecting sensory stimuli from the craniofacial area 2.
- The nerve is divided into three branches: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) 2.
Clinical Significance
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sudden, brief, and excruciating facial pain attacks in one or more of the V branches 2, 4, 5, 6.
- The condition can be effectively treated with carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, but these drugs may have dose-dependent and potentially treatment-limiting adverse effects 4, 6.
- Other treatment options, including non-antiepileptic drugs and combination therapy, may be considered for optimal pain management 4, 5.