A 64-year-old woman presents to the Emergency Department with recurrent brief episodes of severe, electric shock-like pain affecting the right cheek and upper jaw. The pain lasts seconds, is triggered by brushing her teeth and touching the side of her face, and there is no facial weakness, sensory loss, rash, fever or visual disturbance. Examination is normal between attacks. You suspect trigeminal neuralgia.
According to NICE guidance, what is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment?
