Intracranial tumor manifesting as mandibular pain: A case report

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or tic douloureux is a painful disorder characterized by perioral or intraoral unilateral, sharp, shooting electric pain. According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition beta classification, TN can be classified as classical TN or painful trigeminal neuropathy. 1 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS)The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013; 33: 629-808 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5766) Google Scholar Various causes for symptomatic TN include acute herpes zoster, trauma, demyelinating processes such as multiple sclerosis, space-occupying lesions, and vascular compression of the nerve root. 1 Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS)The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013; 33: 629-808 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5766) Google Scholar , 2 Sheehan J. Steiner L. Trigeminal neuralgia [letter]. J Neurosurg. 2005; 102: 1173 PubMed Google Scholar Often patients first seek care at a dental office because the pain often mimics a toothache. Here we present the case of a patient who sought care at a dental office with a symptom of toothache, which we diagnosed as TN secondary to an intracranial space–occupying lesion. Dr. Tody is a research scientist, Section of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, Department of Oral Biology, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Merrill is the program director, Graduate Orofacial Pain Program, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave., CHS 10-157, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668. Dr. Matthews is a lecturer, Section of Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA.