When treating trigeminal neuralgia with carbamazepine, which of the following monitoring protocols is recommended?

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Only clinical evaluation without laboratory testsClinical assessment along with baseline and regular complete blood counts including platelets throughout the treatmentNo need for any form of monitoringLaboratory blood tests only if the patient develops side effectsRoutine imaging studies before and during therapy

Explanation

Carbamazepine therapy for trigeminal neuralgia requires not just clinical monitoring but also regular complete blood and platelet counts before starting treatment and periodically thereafter to detect potential hematologic side effects early.