I thought this might be helpful to people who have had routine MRI’s;
Certain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess for or rule out underlying causes of TN including tumors or multiple sclerosis. An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of particular organs and bodily tissues. However, it is difficult to see a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve root through a “routine” MRI.
“Facial pain experts may order a “targeted” MRI, which usually means using a high resolution MR(3T), with special attention paid to the trigeminal nerve. This test may be performed with or without gadolinium, a contrast agent that is used to enhance the scanning results and supply a more detailed picture of tissues such as the brain or blood vessels. On some MR machines this is called FIESTA sequences. This means that 1 millimeter thin sections are taken, in a coronal plane, without any skips in between images, through the entire course of the trigeminal nerve. This results in a high likelihood of finding the offending vessel. This targeted method often yields an identified cause even in individuals who have been told that they have a normal MRI (routine study).” Blessings to all, barbiedollstars
I found this on NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)