Abstract :
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neurovascular compression syndrome affecting the trigeminal nerve, with the ophthalmic branch (V1) involvement being less common but clinically significant. Clarifying the characteristics and clinical significance of V1 TN is essential for optimizing patient management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify studies reporting ophthalmic branch (V1) involvement in trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The search covered publications from 2000 to 2024. The review included human studies reporting the incidence or prevalence of V1 involvement, utilizing observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews. Data were extracted and quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 1 observational study, 2 retrospective studies, 1 prospective cohort study, 2 case reports, 2 systematic reviews, 1 anatomical study, and 1 editorial. The prevalence of ophthalmic division (V1) involvement in trigeminal neuralgia across included studies ranged from 5.1% to 17.6%, with a pooled estimate of 10.4%. V1 involvement was often linked with atypical features such as postherpetic neuralgia and autonomic symptoms. Diagnostic tools like high-resolution MRI and blink reflex testing were valuable in identifying V1-specific pathology. Surgical interventions showed over 80% pain relief, while pharmacological treatments had moderate efficacy, and psychological distress was commonly reported. This review highlights the critical need for further studies on the involvement of the ophthalmic branch (V1) in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) due to significant research gaps identified. Specifically, there is an urgent requirement for large-scale epidemiological studies to accurately determine incidence and prevalence rates, as well as for standardized diagnostic criteria to enhance consistency in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, further investigation into the pathophysiological mechanisms is essential to develop targeted therapeutic strategies. Long-term studies evaluating treatment outcomes are crucial for optimizing patient care and improving the quality of life for those affected by V1 TN.
Keyword :
Trigeminal neuralgia, Ophthalmic branch, V1 involvement, Facial pain, Neurovascular compression, Surgical outcomes.