Diagnosis Of Burning Mouth Syndrome Research Articles

Efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation in patients with burning mouth syndrome: a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study.

The Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by a burning sensation in the oral mucous membranes. The etiology and pathophysiology of BMS is largely unexplained. To date, there is no evidence-based treatment strategy for BMS. Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) represents a non-invasive treatment option with a low side effect profile that is approved for the treatment of pain, depression, anxiety disorder and insomnia. It has shown efficacy in studies for chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of CES in combination with local transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct therapy in patients with BMS compared to sham stimulation. This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study enrolled 22 patients, aged 18 years and over, with the diagnosis of BMS meeting the ICHD-3 criteria from August 2020 to June 2021. The study duration was 4 weeks (28 days) per participant. After randomization, the active group participants (n = 11) received a 100 μA CES treatment for 60 min a day whereas the devices in the Sham group did not emit electricity. Simple linear regression was used to determine whether the interventions promoted significant differences in pain intensity. The linear regression showed that the period of stimulation significantly predicted decrease in the intensity of pain in the active group [β = -0.036; t(26) = -7.219; p < 0.001] as in the sham group [β = -0.026; t(26) = -2.56; p < 0.017]. With the applied cutoff of 30% pain reduction within the stimulation period, both the active and sham groups had 36% responders (n = 4) (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.00). In both groups (active stimulation and sham group), a significant decrease in the intensity of pain, somatic symptoms and an improvement in sleep quality over the study period was observed. Subjects reported no adverse events during the study. Although CES is an easily applicable and safe therapeutic option for chronic facial pain, active stimulation was not superior to sham stimulation. Among other reasons, this could be due to the short double-blinded treatment period, duration of the daily stimulation session or the small sample size.

Sialadenitis of the anterior mandibular vestibule: A subset of burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth syndrome (BMS) is a relatively common oral neurosensory disorder known for oral burning pain. In that there is a relative absence of oral clinical findings and systemic causation, the diagnosis of BMS is challenging. Sialadenitis of the anterior mandibular vestibule appears to be a subset of BMS. The lip component of chronic orofacial pain is potentially an important concern with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic orofacial pain. Discussion regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of this condition is provided.

Photobiomodulation as a Therapeutic Strategy in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is considered an atypical oral clinical-symptomatological condition because its etiopathogenesis is not yet fully clarified. It is mainly characterized by the symptom of burning, which occurs chronically and with various intensities. It is essential for making a diagnosis of BMS, clinical negativities, and instrumental investigations. It mainly affects the female sex, in the pre-post-climactic phases. A peripheral neuropathic matrix of the pain symptoms has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, this subjectivity is associated with personalities with anxiety-depressive traits, affective-behavioral difficulties, and disorders of the psycho-algogenic sphere. Numerous treatments are reported in the literature, which have rarely met lasting healing parameters. In this clinical landscape, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be considered a possible therapeutic alternative. Our study aims to present a scoping review of how photobiomodulation is used in BMS therapy and to analyze the outcome of the therapy. A literature review focused on the photobiomodulation treatment for burning mouth syndrome was conducted in the main scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The results of our research highlight encouraging results regarding photobiomodulation, as in all studies, there is a reduction in symptoms.

Evaluation of peripheral nerve fibers and mast cells in burning mouth syndrome.

Emerging evidence has revealed a cross-talk in the etiopathogenesis of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) related to peripheral nerve fibers (NF) and neuropeptides secreted by mast cells. Here, we investigated the S-100+ density and PGP 9.5+ integrity of peripheral NF and the tryptase+ mast cell density in the oral mucosa of BMS patients and healthy individuals. A total of 23 oral mucosa specimens (12 BMS and 11 controls) were evaluated. The clinical diagnosis of BMS was based on a careful examination, excluding other local and systemic causes. Samples were taken from an incisional biopsy of the tongue mucosa of individuals with symptomatic BMS, while the margins of the non-neoplastic tongue biopsy served as controls of healthy individuals. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the density/mm2 of S-100+, PGP 9.5+ peripheral NF, and tryptase+ mast cells. Similar densities of S-100+, PGP 9.5+ peripheral NF, and tryptase+ mast cells were found in cases of BMS, with a median value of 3.70, 0.70, and 29.24/mm2, respectively, and in the control group, with a median value of 2.60, 0.80, and 26.01/mm2, respectively (p > 0.05). Moreover, the relationship between S100+ and PGP 9.5+ peripheral NF was the same in both groups (p = 0.70). This study demonstrated that there were no alterations in the density and integrity of peripheral NF in the tongue of symptomatic BMS patients. However, the sensitization of peripheral NF in this disease may not depend on mast cell density.

Thermography as a Non-Ionizing Quantitative Tool for Diagnosing Burning Mouth Syndrome: Case-Control Study.

Objectives: Thermography is an imaging technique based on the acquisition and analysis of thermal data. The present study evaluates the use of tongue infrared thermography (IRT) as a tool for the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Material and methods: An IRT study was carried out in patients diagnosed with BMS according to the criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain (n = 32) and in healthy controls (n = 35). Burning sensations, dry mouth and taste disturbances were assessed, and three temperature values were recorded for each tongue surface (dorsal, right lateral, left lateral and tip), along with body temperature and environmental temperature. Results: A statistically significant difference was recorded in the temperature of the dorsal surface of the tongue between the BMS group and the controls (p = 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.731 (95% CI: 0.402–0.657; p = 0.003). The sensitivity and specificity obtained was 62% and 77%, respectively. Conclusions: Infrared thermography appears to be useful as a complementary tool for the diagnosis of BMS, though further studies are needed in this field.

Burning Mouth Syndrome: Etiology, clinical presentations, and treatment alternatives

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic debilitating oral pain disorder characterized by generalized burning sensations on the tongue and other oral mucosa, with no discernible medical or dental causes. Patients often suffer from anxiety, depression, and a significant impairment to their overall quality of life. Despite the prevalence of this condition spanning several centuries, BMS lacks definitive diagnostic criteria and appropriate treatments. Management of BMS is limited to symptomatic topical and systemic approaches. The aim of this paper is to summarize current literature in the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutics of BMS, with a focus on pharmacologic management. Mechanisms of action, drug interactions, adverse reactions, and dosing regimens are explored for potential pharmacotherapeutics used to manage BMS.

Evaluation of serum neuron specific enolase levels among patients with primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome.

Burning mouth syndrome is a painful condition of the oral cavity with ambiguous pathogenesis and diagnosis. Neuron-specific enolase is increased in several conditions including peripheral neuropathy of diabetes, ophthalmopathies, spinal cord injuries and tumors. Evidence on association of burning mouth syndrome and neuron-specific enolase is limited. This study aims to evaluate neuron-specific enolase levels in primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome patients and compare the levels of neuron-specific enolase with associated conditions in secondary burning mouth syndrome. One hundred and twenty-eight patients of more than 18 years of age with no gender predilection and having clinical symptoms of burning mouth syndrome and 135 healthy subjects were included. All the patients fulfilled Scala's criteria for the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome, including "primary" (idiopathic) and "secondary" (resulting from identified precipitating factors) burning mouth syndrome patients. Blood samples were obtained from burning mouth syndrome patients. Serum neuron-specific enolase was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To compare means and standard deviations, among primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome, data was analysed with analysis of variance and multiple comparisons test. The mean age of the study participants for burning mouth syndrome and healthy subjects was 53.30 and 51.6 years, respectively. Amongst the secondary burning mouth syndrome group, 32 (25%) of the patients had menopause, 15 (11.7%) had diabetes, eight (6.2%) of the patients had nutritional deficiency, seven (5.4%) had combined diabetes, menopause, and depression, six (4.6%) had combined diabetes and depression, four (3.1%) were diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. A minor percentage of 2.3% (three) had gastroesophageal reflux disease, while the remaining three (2.3%) patients in the secondary burning mouth syndrome group were on anti-depressants. There was a statistically significant increase in the levels of neuron-specific enolase in primary burning mouth syndrome as compared to the secondary burning mouth syndrome and healthy groups. Among the subgroups of secondary burning mouth syndrome, diabetic individuals showed a significant increase in neuron-specific enolase level when compared with other conditions in the secondary burning mouth syndrome patients.Discussion and conclusion: The raised serum neuron-specific enolase levels in patients suffering from primary burning mouth syndrome highlight a possible neuropathic mechanism. It was also increased in the sub-group of secondary burning mouth syndrome patients having diabetes. Although it cannot be ascertained whether the deranged values in the diabetic group were due to burning mouth syndrome or due to diabetes, the raised quantity of neuron-specific enolase in the primary burning mouth syndrome group is a reliable diagnostic indicator. Future studies on the assessment of neuron-specific enolase levels as a diagnostic tool for onset and management of primary and secondary burning mouth syndrome are recommended.

Burning mouth syndrome caused by xerostomia secondary to amlodipine

Background: Xerostomia, generally referred to as dry mouth, has been identified as a side effect of more than 1,800 drugs from more than 80 groups. This condition is frequently unrecognised and untreated but may affect patients’ quality of life and cause problems with oral and medical health, including burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Purpose: The purpose of this case is to discuss how to manage a patient with BMS caused by xerostomia secondary to medication that has been taken by the patient. Case: We reported that a 45-year-old male military officer from the Royal Malaysian Air Force came to Kuching Armed Forces Dental Clinic with dry mouth and a burning sensation since he started taking 10 mg of amlodipine due to his hypertension. After a thorough physical and history examination, we made a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) caused by xerostomia secondary to amlodipine. Case Management: Oral hygiene instructions, diet advice and prescription of Oral7 mouthwash has been given to reduce the symptoms of BMS. The patient has been referred to the general practitioner to reduce his amlodipine dosage from 10 mg to 5 mg (OD) in order to prevent xerostomia, and oral hygiene instructions have been given. A review after two weeks showed significant changes in the oral cavity, and the patient was satisfied as he is no longer feeling the burning sensation and can enjoy his food without feeling difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Conclusion: Adverse drug events are normal in the oral cavity and may have a number of clinical presentations such as xerostomia. Xerostomia can cause many implications as saliva helps in maintaining oral mucosa and has a protective function. The signs of adverse drug incidents in the oral cavity should be identified to oral health care professionals.

Developing a research diagnostic criteria for burning mouth syndrome: Results from an international Delphi process.

To develop a beta version of a preliminary set of empirically derived research diagnostic criteria (RDC) for burning mouth syndrome (BMS) through expert consensus, which can then be taken into a test period before publication of a final RDC/BMS. A 6 round Delphi process with twelve experts in the field of BMS was used. The first round formed a focus group during which the purpose of the RDC and the definition of BMS was agreed upon, as well as the structure and contents. The remaining rounds were carried out virtually via email to achieve a consensus of the beta version of the RDC/BMS. The definition of BMS was agreed to be 'an intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, recurring daily for more than 2hours per day over more than 3months, without evident causative lesions on clinical examination and investigation'. The RDC was based upon the already developed and validated RDC/TMD and formed three main parts: patient self-report; examination; and psychosocial self-report. A fourth additional part was also developed listing aspirational biomarkers which could be used as part of the BMS diagnosis where available, or to inform future research. This Delphi process has created a beta version of an RDC for use with BMS. This will allow future clinical research within BMS to be carried out to a higher standard, ensuring only patients with true BMS are included. Further validation studies will be required alongside refinement of the RDC as trialling progresses.

A Clinical Study on the Relationship between Pattern Identifications for Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome and the Ryodoraku Test

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between Ryodoraku and two pattern-identification questionnaires in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Methods The study participants were 30 patients with BMS who visited the Oral Diseases Clinic of Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Hospital from June to November, 2019. The Ryodoraku test and two pattern-identification questionnaires were administered to all patients. Measurements included the average Ryodoraku score, which is called the Total Average (TA), and each score on the Ryodoraku point scale. The degree of Yin-deficiency, Qi-stagnation, and pain were assessed with the Yin-deficiency Questionnaire (YDQ), Qi-stagnation Questionnaire (QSQ), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. Results The average TA score was 29.90. The LF5 (p=0.013) and RF5 (p=0.016) scores were lower than the TA scores, and the RH5 (p=0.020) and RH6 (p=0.006) scores were higher than the TA scores. A negative correlation was detected between the YDQ scores and the LH1 (r=-0.366, p=0.046), LH2 (r=-0.507, p=0.004), LH3 (r=-0.374, p=0.042), RH1 (r=-0.361, p=0.050), RH2 (r=-0.403, p=0.027) points. The LF5 (p=0.050) and RF2 (p=0.048) scores were lower in the patients with Qi-stagnation patients than without Qi-stagnation. Conclusions Our results suggest that low TA and Ryodoraku scores on LF5 and RF5 and high Ryodoraku scores on RH5 and RH6 could be quantitative indicators for the diagnosis of BMS. The LH1, LH2, LH3, RH1, RH2, LF5, and RF2 scores could also be an indicators for diagnosis of Yin-deficiency and Qi-stagnation in patients with BMS. Keywords: burning mouth syndrome, Ryodoraku, Yin-deficiency, Qi-stagnation

THERAPY WITH LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Burning mouth syndrome has been increasing in incidence over the years, especially among middle-aged women, characterized by not having the known etiology and specific treatment. In the present report, we present a case of burning mouth syndrome, with emphasis on the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. A 64-year-old woman with hypertension complained of burning sensation in apex and ventral surface of the tongue for 1 year. In the clinical examination, it was observed that the affected site presented reddish coloration and other lesion was not detected. After this information and the exclusion of the differential diagnoses, we confirmed the diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome and prescribed vitamin complex, artificial saliva, and toothpaste for sensitivity, but the symptoms persisted. Then, laser therapy was instituted with total remission of symptoms.

BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as a chronic pain condition with a higher prevalence in women, characterized by a burning sensation mainly in the tongue. The goal of this case report is to show the clinical history and the main signs and symptoms necessary to establish the diagnosis of BMS. A female patient, 58 years old, had constant and intensive burning sensation and pain throughout the day, for more than 8 months, affecting mainly the lateral borders and the tip of the tongue, altered salivation, and absence of visible mucosal lesions in the mouth, except for the fissured and geographic tongue. Complementary exams such as blood tests, thyroid ultrasound, and incisional biopsy were performed based on her past medical history, which presented the following unconfirmed diagnostic hypothesis: candidiasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hypothyroidism. In this context, this rare syndrome needs attention once a diagnosis of exclusion is made and a symptomatic treatment is administered.

Taste and Pain Response in Burning Mouth Syndrome With and Without Geographic Tongue.

To assess the effect of geographic tongue (GT) on taste, salivary flow, and pain characteristics in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) to determine whether GT is a contributing factor to BMS and whether BMS and GT represent similar patient populations. A retrospective chart study was conducted. Patients with a diagnosis of BMS or BMS/GT were included. Data regarding smell testing, spatial taste-testing, salivary flow, oral pH, and subjective pain rating on a generalized labeled magnitude scale (gLMS) were collected. No significant differences in age, gender, oral pH, smell, or pain were found between groups. Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow were significantly lower in BMS/GT. Taste responses to all taste stimuli and to ethanol were significantly lower in BMS, with the exception of sour at the fungiform papillae. BMS and BMS/GT present with similar clinical pain phenotype and demographics; however, taste was more intact in BMS/GT, suggesting that GT may be a contributing factor in the development of BMS through a mechanism that does not involve taste.

Association Between Burning Mouth Syndrome and the Development of Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Parkinson Disease

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic oral pain disorder that is characterized by a generalized or localized burning sensation without the presence of any specific mucosal lesions. It remains unclear, however, whether burning mouth syndrome is associated with the development of psychoneurological conditions among patients with the syndrome. To evaluate the risk of developing psychoneurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, dementia, and Parkinson disease, in patients with burning mouth syndrome. This retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using a nationwide representative cohort sample from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, which consists of data from approximately 1 million patients in South Korea. The study included 586 patients with burning mouth syndrome (patient group) and 1172 individuals without burning mouth syndrome (comparison group). The patient group included all patients who received inpatient and outpatient care for an initial diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012. The comparison group was selected (2 individuals without burning mouth syndrome for each patient with burning mouth syndrome) using propensity score matching for sex, age, location of residence, household income level, and comorbidities. Data were collected and analyzed from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2013. Death and the incidence of psychopathological diseases. Affective disorder events that occurred among participants during the follow-up period were investigated using survival analysis, a log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the incidence rates, survival rates, and hazard ratios, respectively, of participants who developed psychoneurological conditions. Of 1758 total participants, 1086 (61.8%) were female; 701 participants (39.9%) were younger than 45 years, 667 (37.9%) were aged 45 to 64 years, and 390 (22.2%) were older than 64 years. The overall incidence of depression and anxiety was higher in patients with burning mouth syndrome (n = 586; 30.8 incidents and 44.2 incidents per 1000 person-years, respectively) than in individuals without burning mouth syndrome (n = 1172; 11.7 incidents and 19.0 incidents per 1000 person-years, respectively). The results also indicated a similar incidence of dementia and Parkinson disease between the patient group (6.5 incidents and 2.5 incidents per 1000 person-years, respectively) and the comparison group (4.9 incidents and 1.7 incidents per 1000 person-years, respectively). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors (age, location of residence, household income level, and comorbidities), the adjusted hazard ratios for the development of depression and anxiety among patients with burning mouth syndrome were 2.77 (95% CI, 2.22-3.45) and 2.42 (95% CI, 2.02-2.90), respectively. However, no association was found between burning mouth syndrome and the risk of developing dementia and Parkinson disease. Results of this observational study suggest that burning mouth syndrome is associated with increases in the incidence of depression and anxiety but not in the incidence of dementia and Parkinson disease among patients with the syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of this association and be prepared to make referrals to appropriate mental health care professionals.

Burning Mouth Syndrome and Contact Dermatitis.

: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that remains a diagnostic challenge and is frequently difficult to treat. Rather than being a singular entity, more recent research has suggested that the diagnosis of BMS encompasses a family of syndromes. Of this family, type 3 has been identified as being related to contact dermatitis. Although this subtype has been most commonly associated with dental allergens, several food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products have also been identified as allergens related to the onset of BMS. Failure to identify these allergens prevents timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment for patients with BMS related to contact dermatitis. This article identifies the allergens most relevant to this type 3 and describes the commercially available allergy panels needed to ensure that all relevant allergens are included during patch testing. This study also describes approaches to diagnosis of BMS and discusses approaches to treatment based on subtypes of the condition.

Current advances in research of burning mouth syndrome: biological nerve and social psychology patterns

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex chronic disorder characterized symptomatically by burning sensation mainly localized in the tongue with no specific lesions. Its etiology is not fully understood. Due to the persistent pain and unsatisfactory outcome of treatment, patients with high expectation when seeking medical advice easily feel discontent after treatment, which might cause medical dispute. This review introduces the epidemiology, manifestations, etiology, diagnosis, classification and treatment of BMS. The authors hope the current advances about BMS, mainly focus on the etiology of biological nerve and social psychology, may help the clinicians in treatment of BMS.

Синдром горящего рта. Трудности диагностического поиска

The article presents data on the prevalence, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Given the variety of etiological factors, special attention is paid to the differential diagnosis of idiopathic (primary) and secondary BMS. The article also examines topical and systemic causes of burning tongue, which should be excluded when examining patients with complaints specifically attributed to BMS. The information presented in the article allows physicians of various specialties to make an individual plan of diagnostic measures for each patient, taking into account the comorbid background and anamnestic data. The main cause of treatment difficulties in BMS is a complex, not fully investigated etiopathogenesis. Due to the fact that the multifactorial nature of this disorder is most likely to involve topical, systemic and psychogenic causes, a multidisciplinary method involving physicians of various specialties (neurologist, dentist, therapist, psychiatrist) is optimal in the patient management with BMS. KEYWORDS: burning mouth syndrome, burning tongue, differential diagnosis, neuropathic pain, treatment. FOR CITATION: Parkhomenko E.V., Lunev K.V., Sorokina E.A. Burning mouth syndrome. Difficulties in diagnosis. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(9):560–565. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-9-560-565.

Burning mouth syndrome: An update

Background:Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic and debilitating oral pain of the normal oral mucosa. It mainly affects women in their fifth to seventh decade. Its aetiopathogenesis remains unclear and is probably of multifactorial origin, with increasing evidence that BMS may be a neuropathic disorder. BMS is classified as an idiopathic (nociplastic) orofacial pain with or without somatosensory changes by International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP 2020). The diagnosis of BMS, having excluded ‘oral burning mouth symptoms’, has evolved from basic intraoral exclusion screening to extensive clinical and laboratory investigations, which include the screening of comorbidities and other chronic pains and somatosensory testing. There is no standardised treatment in managing BMS, but a proposed combination of supportive and pharmacological treatment has been recommended.Aim:To review the current concepts of BMS definitions, classifications, aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis techniques, and evidence-based treatments in managing BMS patients.Conclusion:As BMS is a diagnosis by exclusion, thus a stratified approach is required for assessment of patients presenting BMS. A BMS diagnosis protocol is desired using a standardised screening to distinguish BMS from patient’s presenting with ‘oral burning symptoms’, and evaluation of comorbid chronic pain disorders or other medical comorbidities, which will include haematological, fungal, salivary flow, and qualitative sensory testing. Axis II and other additional quantitative sensory testing may further elucidate the causes of this condition. For future BMS prediction and prevention, will be based upon research on the relationship between other chronic pain disorders and familial history, environmental and genetic information.

Is Burning Mouth Syndrome Based on a Physiological Mechanism which Resembles that of Neuropathic Pain?

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic intraoral pain state that has been described as burning pain, tingling or numbness in the oral mucosa, in the absence of any organic disease. Most often affecting the tongue, anterior palate, and/or lips. The diagnosis of primary BMS is purely clinical and based on patients’ description of typical subjective symptoms as well on the exclusion of any systemic or local factors that may give rise to secondary burning pain sensations within the oral mucosa. Relevant studies links BMS to a peripheral neuropathy and BMS patients have revealed distinct abnormalities within the trigeminofacial large and small fiber systems and the trigeminal brainstem complex. Therefore, treatment approach should involve a multidisciplinary character similar to the treatment for neuropathic pain including factors that might also play a role on the BMS etiology and pathophysiology.

Structural and Functional Connectivity Between the Amygdala and Orbital Frontal Cortex in Burning Mouth Syndrome: An fMRI Study.

Featuring a burning sensation in the tongue or other oral sites in the absence of observable lesions or laboratory findings, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic intraoral pain disorder, which is one of the most common medically unexplained oral symptoms/syndromes. Previous studies have suggested that brain changes are involved in BMS; however, the small number of participants in these studies limited the conclusions that could be drawn. The present study aimed to further elucidate the brain anatomical and functional changes in BMS with a relatively large sample. Fifty-three patients (26 BMS patients and 27 gender- and age-matched controls) were recruited. Demographic information was collected via interviews. Visual analogue scale (VAS), anxiety, and depression scale were administered. Participants underwent an MRI scan (including one high-resolution structural scan, one diffusion tensor image, and one session of resting state scan) on the same day. The results showed that BMS patients had higher depression and anxiety levels than controls. BMS patients showed lower gray matter volume (GMV) in the bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and increased functional connectivity between this region and the bilateral amygdala. Region of interest (ROI) analysis suggested that the functional connectivity between the bilateral VMPFC and amygdala correlated with the years of BMS illness in patients. The brain measures could predict the years of symptoms in the BMS group. These results suggest A potential neuromarker for the diagnosis and treatment of BMS.