The only branch of the trigeminal nerve that has a motor component in the mandibular nerve (V3). This branch supplies motor innervation to the facial muscles involved in mastication which include the masseter, temporalis muscle, and the lateral and medial pterygoids. Additionally, V3 gives off branches that innervate the tensor veli palatini, the mylohyoid, the tensor tympani, and the anterior portion of the digastric muscle.

One of the most common surgical procedures related to the trigeminal nerve is surgical therapy for trigeminal neuralgia (discussed later). Even though surgery can offer the patient significant pain relief, it also has a considerable risk of permanent damage to the trigeminal nerve which could result in facial numbness. For this reason, surgical intervention is often recommended only after several pharmaceutical therapies have been attempted. The surgical interventions that are done for trigeminal neuralgia are split into two categories: non-destructive and destructive. The goal of non-destructive surgery is to alleviate nerve compression by removing any structure that may be impinging on the nerve and maintaining the nerve intact. Destructive procedures aim to disrupt the trigeminal nerve completely so that pain is no longer transmitted by the nerve. The result of a destructive procedure is the irreversible loss of sensation of the affected side of the face.[7][8][9]

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a clinical condition characterized by neuropathic pain within the sensory territory of the trigeminal nerve. This pain is often described as burning or shock-like, can have a sudden onset, and can last for several minutes. The causes of trigeminal neuralgia vary widely, but most commonly it is caused by nerve compression. Mechanical compression of the trigeminal nerve can be caused by things such as an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, tumor, and trauma. Diagnosis is typically made based on the clinical presentation alone once other possible causes such as postherpetic neuralgia or dental issues are ruled out. Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia depends on the cause. In cases where there is a structure compressing the nerve, surgical resection is a possibility. However, because surgery has many associated risks, many cases are treated pharmaceutically before any invasive intervention is attempted. The first-line treatment is carbamazepine, and second-line medications include lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, pregabalin, and baclofen.[9]

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches have a very similar presentation as trigeminal neuralgia, and therefore the two are often considered on the same differential. Cluster headaches most often present as a severe headache on one side of the head that affects the territory of the trigeminal nerve. These headaches can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, swelling, and lacrimation on the affected side. While the cause of cluster headaches is currently unknown, there is often an external stimulus that serves as a trigger for the onset of symptoms. Prophylactic treatment usually includes a combination of trigger avoidance and pharmacotherapy. Acute attacks can be remediated with fast-acting triptans and oxygen.

Wallenberg Syndrome (Lateral Medullary Syndrome)

Wallenberg syndrome is a condition that occurs when the lateral portion of the medulla in the brainstem becomes damaged, typically due to stroke. A lesion in this region of the brain stem results in an ipsilateral sensory loss in the territory of the trigeminal nerve and contralateral sensory loss in the rest of the body. Wallenberg syndrome is often recognized in the clinical setting to localize brainstem lesions.[10]