Walsh and Hoyt's Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology

The Trigeminal Nerve and Its Central Connections

"Because the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve run in close proximity to cranial nerves II, III, IV, and VI, sensory dysfunction in the face may be a symptom in neuro-ophthalmic patients with vision loss and eye movement disorders."

"Because the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve run in close proximity to cranial nerves II, III, IV, and VI, sensory dysfunction in the face may be a symptom in neuro-ophthalmic patients with vision loss and eye movement disorders. In addition, the trigeminal nuclei are located at all levels of the brainstem, and subsequent central pathways connect these nuclei with the thalami and sensory cortices. Thus, sensory abnormalities of the face often accompany neuro-logic syndromes due to lesions throughout the central nervous system. An understanding of the relevant anatomy, along with accurate sensory and motor testing, enables the clinician to localize the lesion more accurately. This chapter covers trigeminal system anatomy and physiology, the examination of the trigeminal nerve system, and topical diagnosis of disturbances of the trigeminal nerve and its central connections."