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The following is a summary of “Pathways to a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia: a qualitative study of patients’ experiences,” published in the March 2025 issue of BMC Primary Care by Werner et al.  

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) causes intense facial pain, often misdiagnosed in primary care. Research mainly focuses on treatment, not diagnostic experiences.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to explore patients’ experiences before the TN diagnosis and care received, providing recommendations to improve the diagnostic pathway.  

They conducted a retrospective study using in-depth interviews with 25 UK-based people with TN recruited via online forums. Data were analyzed thematically, with purposive sampling ensuring diversity in age, gender, occupation, and education. More women than men were recruited, and data collection continued until sufficient depth was achieved.  

The results showed that most participants faced delays, misdiagnoses, and inappropriate referrals after TN onset, leading to distress, anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. Some reported drug and alcohol misuse. While diagnosis brought relief, poor communication and inadequate information overshadowed it.  

They emphasized the need for bespoke training to help primary care and other professionals recognize TN symptoms early and deliver diagnoses clearly and empathetically.  

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-025-02763-8