A 36-year-old woman comes to the physician because of intermittent episodes of stabbingright-sided facial pain for 6 weeks. The pain is severe, sharp, and lasts for a few seconds and is usually instigated by a meal or teeth brushing. She does not have visual disturbances, weakness of her facial muscles, or hearing loss. She drinks alcohol socially and does not use tobacco. She has no family history of facial pain. Her vital signs are within normal limits, and physical examination shows no rash. Which of the following is the best initial treatment for this patient?

Question

A 36-year-old woman comes to the physician because of intermittent episodes of stabbingright-sided facial pain for 6 weeks. The pain is severe, sharp, and lasts for a few seconds and is usually instigated by a meal or teeth brushing. She does not have visual disturbances, weakness of her facial muscles, or hearing loss. She drinks alcohol socially and does not use tobacco.  She has no family history of facial pain.  Her vital signs are within normal limits, and physical examination shows no rash.  Which of the following is the best initial treatment for this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia presents with brief episodes of sudden and severe "electric shock-like" or "stabbing" pain in the distribution of CN V (particularly V2 and V3). Carbamazepine is the drug of choice.

A 36-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of Intermittent