SynthesisEuropean radiology2026
Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia: a systematic review of the imaging protocol and diagnostic accuracy.
Synthesis in European radiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Artificial Intelligence in Orofacial Pain: Diagnostic and Predictive Performance Across Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Real-World Diagnostic Phenotypes and Treatment Pathways in Trigeminal Pain: A Retrospective Tertiary-Center Cohort-Diagnostic Phenotypes in Trigeminal Pain.Neurology international · 2026Article
- The Added Value of Endoscopic Micro-Inspection in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm: Literature Review and Single-Center Experience.Neurology international · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
- Commented on by
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesTrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe pain disorder for which MRI helps to identify the anatomical causes of pain. However, imaging protocols vary widely, and a plethora of imaging features that might contribute to different forms of TN have been described. This review aims to (1) summarize current evidence on MRI techniques and their diagnostic performance, and (2) evaluate imaging markers that improve our understanding of TN pathophysiology and support clinical decision-making regarding surgical or interventional treatment. MATERIALS AND
methodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases, yielding 1441 studies. After applying strict inclusion criteria, 140 articles were included, and three papers were added from cross-referencing.
resultsThe review revealed that advanced MRI sequences (e.g., 3D CISS, 3D FLASH, 3D FIESTA) improve the visualization of neurovascular conflicts. Imaging at 3.0 T was found to be superior to 1.5 T for detecting small vessels responsible for nerve compression. However, distinguishing clinically significant neurovascular conflicts from asymptomatic neurovascular contacts remains a challenge. In secondary TN, MRI reliably detects lesions related to multiple sclerosis and other pathological conditions. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has shown potential in identifying microstructural changes in the trigeminal nerve, further supporting its diagnostic use.
conclusionsAlthough MRI remains an essential tool in diagnosing TN, limitations in its diagnostic accuracy highlight the need for more homogeneous study designs and further refinement of imaging protocols and interpretation criteria. KEY POINTS: Question Accurate identification of the anatomical cause of trigeminal neuralgia is clinically important, but variable MRI protocols result in inconsistent diagnostic accuracy. Findings Advanced MRI sequences and higher field strength improve visualization of neurovascular conflict, although interobserver variability and limited clinical correlation remain major challenges. Clinical relevance Standardized magnetic resonance imaging protocols and clearer interpretation criteria may enhance diagnostic confidence and assist treatment planning in patients with suspected trigeminal neuralgia, particularly when surgical intervention is considered to relieve severe, medication-resistant facial pain.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.