Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Feasibility Study.

AIMS: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a customized six-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group intervention for adults with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN). METHODS: Fifteen participants with TN were recruited from a specialist facial pain unit in London, United Kingdom. The effects of the group intervention were evaluated using validated self-report measures, which the participants completed before and after the intervention and at 1-month and 9-month follow-ups. A semi-structured interview was also used at the 1-year follow-up to gather qualitative feedback of the group intervention. RESULTS: Participants reported an increase in confidence in managing everyday tasks in the presence of TN symptoms, a reduction in negative beliefs about pain, and an increase in engagement in meaningful activity. All patients completed the group intervention (100% retention rate). Qualitative feedback highlighted that the group CBT intervention was helpful, and no participants reported a worsening of mood or experience as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSION: The trends for improvement in several domains, plus the positive experiences of the participants, suggest that a CBT management program is acceptable and feasible for this population and should be further developed and implemented on a larger scale to determine its clinical efficacy.

Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy.

Recurrent painful ophthalmologic neuropathy (RPON), previously termed ophthalmoplegic migraine, is characterised by repeated attacks of one or more ocular cranial nerve palsies with ipsilateral headache. Its cause remains unclear; it is currently thought to be neuropathic in origin, but there is debate in the literature. In documented cases, a third cranial nerve palsy is by far the most common. Here we present a case of RPON involveing the fourth and sixth cranial nervesonly. Thorough investigation, including MR scan of brain and lumbar puncture, found no alternative explanation. This case adds to the debate over whether the cause of RPON is truly neuropathic or migrainous.

Hematospermia as a manifestation of severe hypertension in a young man.

Whilst hematospermia may indicate urological disease, it is a rare manifestation of severe systemic hypertension. We describe the case of a young man with hematospermia associated with a blood pressure of 228/135. Blood pressure treatment led to resolution of his hematospermia. Physicians must be aware of this potential association.