Simple Mathematics on Neuro-vascular Contacts

Just read an interesting article about the prevalence of neuro-vascular contacts and neuro-vascular conflicts on the trigeminal nerve root in the asymptomatic, normal population. In 105 asymptomatic people (who made a Fiesta MRI for some other reason than trigeminal neuralgia) neuro-vascular contacts were found in 64. In these 64 cases a true conflict (compression or displacement) was found in 10. The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia is estimated to about 1 in 2000 meaning that less than one percent of all neuro-vascular conflicts give rise to trigeminal neuralgia. Obviously the etiology and pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia is substantially more complex than just a nerve-vessel mechanical problem.

Surg Neurol Int. 2025 Jan 31:16:31.doi: 10.25259/SNI_1021_2024. eCollection 2025.