A purely medical assessment and treatment of a chronic pain condition such as trigeminal neuralgia makes it difficult to address issues such as relationship strain, conflicts with one's identity, and a loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities.

More on Why A Purely Medical Assessment Isn't Desirable

-When a healthcare provider assesses a patient with trigeminal neuralgia through a strictly medical model, they run the risk of missing part of the patient's presentation which could lead to the patient feeling unheard.
-By applying cognitive behavioral principles, clinicians can better aid patients in navigating the anxiety and alienating effects of the condition.

There is no single test for the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia; it involves physical examination as well as a detailed study of the patient's medical history.
Other tests like MRIs and CAT scans may be conducted.

Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Daniel, H. (2021). Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Cranial Neuralgias: A Practical Personalised Holistic Approach. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/9780198871606.003.0016

Reference for Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Importance of Cognitive Behavioral Principles in Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (2017, July 31). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

Reference for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

One premise is that psychological problems are at least partially based on unhelpful thinking and unhelpful behavior.
Treatments usually involve changing thinking patterns and behavior patterns.

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