Facial Pain Syndromes Research Articles

Use of a poll-mounted accelerometer for quantification and characterisation of equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking.

Equine trigeminal-mediated (TGM) headshaking (HS) is a neuropathic facial pain syndrome characterised by varying intensity and frequencies of head movements and signs of nasal irritation. An accurate method for quantification and/or characterisation of HS severity is lacking. To develop and validate an objective measure of TGMHS. Prospective case control study. Horses presenting for investigation of HS were recruited alongside those presenting for forelimb lameness (LAME) and pre-purchase examination as well as healthy controls (CONTROL). Head movement data were collected for 5 min whilst trotting on the lunge using a tri-axial accelerometer, with a range of ±16 g and sampling rate of 800 Hz, attached to the bridle headpiece. Recordings were exported for processing. Peak detection was performed using minimum and maximum thresholds of -1 g and +1 g (corrected for gravity) and a minimum peak width of 10 samples. Fifty-six horses were included in the study; 18 TGMHS, 10 non-TGMHS, 12 LAME and 16 CONTROL. Characteristics and frequency of vertical (Z axis) head movements of TGMHS horses differed significantly from other horses. TGMHS horses had peaks with greater mean and maximum positive g-force (P < 0.005) and lower mean and minimum negative g-force (P < 0.001), greater frequency of peaks/min (P < 0.001) and over 12 times greater percentage of peaks >+2 g compared with other horses (P < 0.001). Receiver operator curve characteristics of percentage of peaks >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.95), percentage of peaks <-2 g (CI 0.66-0.92) and percentage of peaks <-2 g and >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.96) showed excellent discrimination of TGMHS horses from LAME, CONTROL and non-TGMHS horses. Referral population of horses, small sample size and control horses were not evaluated for orthopaedic disease. Accelerometer data from trotting exercise on the lunge provides an objective measure of HS and can differentiate between TGMHS, non-TGMHS, normal head movements and those associated with forelimb lameness. Accelerometer use may aid HS diagnosis and monitoring of management strategies.

Surgical Options for Treatment of Medically Intractable Neuropathic Facial Pain: An Outcome Assessment Study

Abstract Background Facial pain is a common condition with a worldwide prevalence of 10-25% in adults. It often us a serious condition that can have a significant impact on patients’ daily life activities. The three main categories of facial pain are trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial pain. To date, trigeminal neuropathy remains a potentially surgical pathology for the purpose of pain control with poor response to medical treatment. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of different pathologies of trigeminal neuropathy and to review the effectiveness and long-term efficacy of the different surgical procedures. Subjects and Methods This is a mixed prospective-retrospective study conducted at Ain Shams University (ASU) hospital and Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) during the period from December 2012 till July 2020 for the retrospective part and from January 2019 till September 2021 for the prospective part. Patients with neuropathic facial pain treated during this time frame were included in the study. Result 28 patients were included in this study. They underwent 40 surgical interventions for the management of different categories of trigeminal neuropathy. Neuro-modulatory procedures were performed in 9 patients (3 ucSCS and 6 PNS) while neuro-ablative procedures were performed in 19 patients. Median time to pain recurrence after SCS device implantation for the neuropathic trigeminal neuralgia was 19.5 months. For the patients treated with PNS, 2 out of 6 of patients had satisfactory pain relief, whereas half of the patients had no improvement. Overall median time to pain recurrence after CT guided T/N was 5.6 months. In the cohort of patients treated with caudalis DREZ, 4 patients out of 6 had grade I pain relief at last follow up and the overall median time to pain recurrence was 3.9 months. Conclusion Trigeminal neuropathy is a difficult to treat entity of facial pain syndromes. Although many neuro- modulatory and neuro-ablative interventions are available in the armamentarium for the treatment of such pathology, outcomes remain suboptimal. Pain relief in the immediate postoperative period is usually higher than at last follow up which is a common finding in after these interventions. The long-term efficacy of most available interventions does not meet patients’ satisfaction.

128 The Sagittal Angle of the Trigeminal Nerve at the Porus Trigeminus is a Radiologic Predictor of Surgical Outcome in Microvascular Decompression for Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia

INTRODUCTION: Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia (cTN) is a facial pain syndrome with specific diagnostic criteria, including paroxysms that last 1-120 seconds, are sharp, stabbing, or electric in character, and are induced by innocuous stimuli. The most commonly accepted cause of cTN is neurovascular compression (NVC) of the proximal cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve by an adjacent artery. Microvascular decompression surgery (MVD) provides immediate and durable relief in many patients. METHODS: Pre-operative MRIs from 300 patients with cTN who underwent MVD were analyzed to identify patients with a hyperacute SATNaPT (defined as less than 3 standard deviations below the mean). The rate of surgical success (pain-free after at least 12 months) was compared between patients with a hyperacute SATNaPT and all other patients. RESULTS: Patients without a hyperacute SATNaPT had an 82% likelihood of surgical success, whereas patients with a hyperacute SATNaPT had a 58% likelihood of surgical success (p &lt; 0.05). Patients with a hyperacute SATNaPT who also had no evidence of vascular compression on preoperative MRI had an even lower likelihood of success (29%, p &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cTN being considered for MVD, a hyperacute SATNaPT is a negative prognostic biomarker that predicts a higher likelihood of surgical failure. Patients with a hyperacute SATNaPT, particularly those without MRI evidence of vascular compression, may benefit from other surgical treatments or a modification of MVD to adequately address the underlying cause of cTN.

Use Of Laser Phototherapy In The Treatment Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Responsible for the sensory stimuli of the viscerocranium, the 5th pair of cranial nerves, called the trigeminal nerve due to its 3 branches, is a mixed-function nerve. The diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia is directly related to the symptoms reported by the patient during the anamnesis. The right treatment depends on the correct diagnosis. The exact etiology of TN is still unknown. It affects around 4 to 13 individuals per 100,000 and although it seems to be a neuropathy with a low incidence, it is the most common among facial pain syndromes. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out. We used data on laser therapy treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia, received and treated at the Laser Clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, from 2003 to 2022. A total of 119 patients with a diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia were treated, most of them with unilateral pain (89%). After diagnosis, the initial irradiation protocol was determined individually. The laser frequency applied was 808 nm (infrared) due to its greater ability to penetrate and activate chromophores in nerve and bone structures. The amount of energy applied varies from case to case, usually starting with 2 or 3 J per point, which is indicated for cases of regeneration and analgesia. The final status of the treatment is based on the patient’s score according to the visual analog scale, where 10 is the highest pain threshold and 0 is no pain. 65% of the patients related no pain or ate at least under 3 grades before the first degree Laser phototherapy is an effective means of recovery, reducing pain symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia, and the infrared wave spectrum is the most suitable for this treatment.

Orofacial Migraine and Other Idiopathic Non-Dental Facial Pain Syndromes: A Clinical Survey of a Social Orofacial Patient Group.

Background: Orofacial pain syndromes (OFPs) are a heterogeneous group of syndromes mainly characterized by painful attacks localized in facial and oral structures. According to the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP), the last three groups (non-dental facial pain, NDFP) are cranial neuralgias, facial pain syndromes resembling primary headache syndromes, and idiopathic orofacial pain. These are often clinical challenges because the symptoms may be similar or common among different disorders. The diagnostic efforts often induce a complex diagnostic algorithm and lead to several imaging studies or specialized tests, which are not always necessary. The aim of this study was to describe the encountered difficulties by these patients during the diagnostic-therapeutic course. Methods: This study was based on the responses to a survey questionnaire, administered to an Italian Facebook Orofacial Patient Group, searching for pain characteristics and diagnostic-therapeutic care courses. The questionnaire was filled out by patients affected by orofacial pain, who were 18 years and older, using a free online tool available on tablets, smartphones, and computers. Results: The sample was composed of 320 subjects (244F/76M), subdivided by age range (18-35 ys: 17.2%; 36-55 ys: 55.0%; >55 ys 27.8%). Most of the patients were affected by OFP for more than 3 years The sample presented one OFP diagnosis in 60% of cases, more than one in 36.2% of cases, and 3.8% not classified. Trigeminal neuralgia is more represented, followed by cluster headaches and migraines. About 70% had no pain remission, showing persisting background pain (VAS median = 7); autonomic cranial signs during a pain attack ranged between 45 and 65%. About 70% of the subjects consulted at least two different specialists. Almost all received drug treatment, about 25% received four to nine drug treatments, 40% remained unsatisfied, and almost 50% received no pharmacological treatment, together with drug therapy. Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study on an OFP population not selected by a third-level specialized center. The authors believe this represents a realistic perspective of what orofacial pain subjects suffer during their diagnostic-therapeutic course and the medical approach often results in unsatisfactory outcomes.

Differential Diagnosis Challenges of Facial Pain (Clinical Case)

Annotation. The diagnosis of facial pain falls within the realm of professional competence for dentists, orthopedic dentists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and physiotherapists. The complex and highly subjective nature of clinical symptoms often poses challenges for practitioners across these specialties. Consequently, a patient with facial pain may undergo multiple consultations with different specialists before a definitive diagnosis is established and effective treatment is provided. The aim of this study is to demonstrate a developed routing protocol for a patient with atypical facial pain through a clinical case. The stages of interdisciplinary simultaneous consultation, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment of patients with facial pain, and differential diagnosis are considered using the example of a clinical case of a 15-year-old female patient K., who presented to a dental surgeon with complaints of constant facial pain and a preliminary diagnosis of “Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Impacted wisdom teeth 38 and 28”. The pain was constant, dull, deep, and piercing. She experienced decreased sensitivity in the lower lip and the anterior half of the tongue on the left side, as well as stuffiness and ringing in the left ear. Consultations with a neurologist and an orthopedic dentist were conducted, which led to the prescription of additional diagnostic methods: needle electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The article assesses the relevance and effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach to the comprehensive diagnosis of facial pain syndrome, including a thorough history-taking by a dental practitioner, conclusions of a neurologist, and the results of additional diagnostic methods. Based on the electromyographic signs, the trigeminal nerve damage was detected, and a voluminous brain tumor causing compression of the trigeminal nerve and its peripheral endings was visualized on magnetic resonance tomography. Following the consultation with the dental surgeon, the patient was referred for further treatment to the A.P. Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Thus, interdisciplinary consultation is recognized as the basis for the comprehensive management of patients with atypical facial pain, requiring the involvement of a primary care physician - a dentist, who develops a routing protocol for timely diagnosis and effective treatment of these kind of patients.

Internal Neurolysis for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Technical Nuances and a Single-Institution Experience

Trigeminal neuralgia is a facial pain syndrome most commonly caused by a neurovascular compression (NVC) of the trigeminal nerve. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most durable surgical treatment; however, patients without an NVC are not candidates for this procedure. Alternative treatments such as percutaneous rhizotomy and radiosurgery are effective but with higher recurrence rates. Internal neurolysis (IN) is a less frequently used procedure that aims to provide long-term relief to patients without NVC. We present the surgical techniques for IN developed at our institution. We also discuss the technical nuances related to nerve consistency and present a new classification based on these findings. We provide pain and numbness outcomes for our cohort of patients stratified by the extent of neurolysis and nerve consistency. Patients with medically intractable trigeminal neuralgia eligible for posterior fossa exploration are eligible for MVD and possible IN. If no NVC or a mild NVC is encountered, IN is performed. We have divided the procedure into 4 main steps: opening the outer connective sheath, fascicular dissection, inside-out dissection and the fascicular irrigation technique. Trigeminal nerve consistency has been classified into 3 main types: type 1 is soft and friable; type 2 is intermediate consistency and ideal for neurolysis; and type 3 is firm and presents a more challenging dissection. In the absence of microvascular compression, we advocate for a thorough neurolysis using the techniques described in our article.

Orofacial pain for clinicians: A review of constant and attack-like facial pain syndromes.

Primary headache syndromes such as migraine are among the most common neurological syndromes. Chronic facial pain syndromes of non-odontogenic cause are less well known to neurologists despite being highly disabling. Given the pain localization, these patients often consult dentists first who may conduct unnecessary dental interventions even if a dental cause is not identified. Once it becomes clear that dental modalities have no effect on the pain, patients may be referred to another dentist or orofacial pain specialist, and later to a neurologist. Unfortunately, neurologists are also often not familiar with chronic orofacial pain syndromes although they share the neural system, i.e., trigeminal nerve and central processing areas for headache disorders. In essence, three broad groups of orofacial pain patients are important for clinicians: (i) Attack-like orofacial pain conditions, which encompass neuralgias of the cranial nerves and less well-known facial variants of primary headache syndromes; (ii) persistent orofacial pain disorders, including neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial/dentoalveolar pain; and (iii) other differential diagnostically relevant orofacial pain conditions encountered by clinicians such as painful temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, sinus pain, dental pain, and others which may interfere (trigger) and overlap with headache. It is rewarding to know and recognize the clinical picture of these facial pain syndromes, given that, just like for headache, an internationally accepted classification system has been published and many of these syndromes can be treated with medications generally used by neurologists for other pain syndromes.

Headaches and facial pain syndromes

Headaches (cephalalgia) are one of the most frequent complaints with which patients visit a doctor and are the cause of 10–20 % of all visits. Special epidemiological studies have shown that in Germany headaches occur in 71 % of the population, in the United States headaches occur at least once a year in 99 % of young women, and 91 % of young men. Almost everyone has experienced a headache at least once in their life. Sometimes it is the leading one, and in other cases it is the only symptom. Headache is not a separate disease, but a symptom that can sometimes be significant and impairs quality of life. Headache is one of the 3 most common causes of temporary disability. Headaches are divided into 2 main groups: primary and secondary (symptomatic). Headache and facial pain syndromes are multifactorial. Pain occurs when receptors in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons, blood vessels, periosteum, brain membranes, intracranial vessels, veins and venous sinuses are irritated. Cranial nerves, which include sensory fibers, are also sensitive to pain. Facial pain syndromes occur in case of nerve (trigeminal) damage, pathology of teeth, paranasal sinuses, nerves of the oral cavity. The intracranially located sensory nerves (V, VII, IX, X) and the first three cervical roots of the spinal cord are involved in the conduction of pain impulses from receptors to the brain. The purpose of our lecture is to highlight the pathogenetic mechanisms of headache and facial pain syndromes, their differential diagnosis, clinical picture, emergency care and treatment.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Characterized by Otalgia: A Retrospective Study.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon facial pain syndrome and is characterized by paroxysms of excruciating pain in the distributions of the auricular and pharyngeal branches of cranial nerves IX and X. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia characterized by otalgia alone is rare. Herein, the authors analyzed 2 patients with GPN with otalgia as the main clinical manifestation. The clinical features and prognosis of this rare group of patients with GPN were discussed. They both presented with paroxysmal pain in the external auditory meatus and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging suggested the vertebral artery were closely related to the glossopharyngeal nerves. In both patients, compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve was confirmed during microvascular decompression, and the symptoms were relieved immediately after surgery. At 11 to 15 months follow-up, there was no recurrence of pain. A variety of reasons can cause otalgia. The possibility of GPN is a clinical concern in patients with otalgia as the main complaint. The authors think the involvement of the glossopharyngeal nerve fibers in the tympanic plexus via Jacobson nerve may provide an important anatomic basis for GPN with predominant otalgia. Surface anesthesia test of the pharynx and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for diagnosis. Microvascular decompression is effective in the treatment of GPN with predominant otalgia.

Optimizing techniques for in-office endoscopic transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block injections

Otolaryngologists play a central role in diagnosing and treating facial pain syndromes and headache disorders. Although sphenopalatine ganglion block is a recognized treatment option, literature on transnasal injection techniques is limited. This study's objective is to refine anatomic landmarks and optimize a technique for in-office transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion blocks. Eight cadaveric head specimens were dissected to record sixteen measurements of critical anatomic landmarks and surgical instruments for sphenopalatine ganglion block. On average, the sphenopalatine foramen center was 5.94 mm (±1.65 mm) superior to the inferior border of the middle turbinate's basal lamella attachment to the lateral nasal wall. We describe the reliability of using a 20G spinal needle bent at 70-degrees to perform a transnasal injection technique for sphenopalatine ganglion block. The inferior border of the middle turbinate basal lamella attachment to the lateral nasal wall may be used as an intranasal landmark in transnasal injection of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Further testing in the clinical setting is required to assess efficacy.

A CASE REPORT ON AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA WITH RESPECT TO ANANTHAVATA

Trigeminal neuralgia is a distinctive facial pain syndrome characterized by severe electric shock-like pain in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. It is also known as tic douloureux as it is often accompanied by facial spasms or tic. The treatment includes anticonvulsants, antidepressant medicines, and other surgical measures. According to Ayurvedic classics it can be considered as Ananthavata. Ananthavata is a Sannipathika siroroga. The main treatment principles are Siravyadha and Vatapittahara measures. The primary objective of this paper is to discuss the action of Ayurvedic management in trigeminal neuralgia with the support of a clinical case. Ayurvedic treatments can significantly reduce the severity and recurrence of symptoms.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Brief Review

Trigeminal neuralgia is a facial pain syndrome that occurs repeatedly and chronically on one side of the face following the distribution of the trigeminal nerve branches. Trigeminal neuralgia is estimated to be around 0.16%-0.3%, with an incidence rate of 4-29 people per 100,000 people/year, with a higher incidence in women than men (ratio 3:2). The incidence rate increases with age. The causes of trigeminal neuralgia are divided into two types, classic and symptomatic. The main mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia is compression by the intracranial blood vessels which causes damage to the protective covering of the nerves or is known as the process of demyelination. Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacotherapy, surgery should be considered if treatment is ineffective, and preventive education.

Assessment of the painDETECT questionnaire as a tool for screening and treatment evaluation in trigeminal neuralgia

Introduction: Although trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is diagnosed clinically and most cases can be easily identified, misdiagnoses are frequent and lead to delayed treatment. Therefore, we evaluated the painDETECT questionnaire, an established tool for detecting neuropathic pain components, as a screening tool in TN. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who had presented to our neuro-surgical outpatient department complaining of craniofacial pain between January 2019 and August 2021. The patients were categorized as likely having TN (TN group) or likely having pain of a different etiology (non-TN). Patients with other neuropathic facial pain syndromes or those in whom TN could not be diagnosed nor ruled out with sufficient confidence were excluded. The painDETECT scores were compared, along with other outcome parameters. Results: We identified 52 patients with craniofacial pain. After exclusion of 14 patients, 25 patients were included in the TN group and 13 in the non-TN group. The mean painDETECT score was 17.0±4.7 and 12.7±6.1, respectively (p=0.02). The positive predictive value for TN at a cutoff value of 19 points was 80%, the negative predictive value was 39%. In patients who underwent surgery, the correlation between the postoperative painDETECT score and the postoperative numeric rating scale score was 0.73 (p=0.01). Discussion: The painDETECT questionnaire is of limited use as a screening tool for possible TN. It can be utilized to track treatment outcomes if data collection beyond daily clinical use is desired.

Idiopathic Non-Dental Facial Pain Syndromes in Italian Children: A Clinical Case Series.

The orofacial pain syndromes (OFPs) are a heterogeneous group of syndromes characterized by painful attacks involving the orofacial structures. They may be summarily subdivided into two great categories: (1) orofacial pain mainly attributed to dental disorders such as dentoalveolar and myofascial orofacial pain or temporomandibular joint (TM) pain; (2) orofacial pain mainly attributed to non-dental pain as neuralgias, facial localization of primary headaches or idiopathic orofacial pain. The second group is uncommon, often described by single case reports, can often show overlapping symptoms with the first group, and represents a clinical challenge, carrying the risk of undervaluation and possibly invasive odontoiatric treatment. We aimed to describe a clinical pediatric series of non-dental orofacial pain and better to underline some topographic and clinical features associated with them. We retrospectively collected the data of children admitted to our headache centers (Bari, Palermo, Torino) from 2017 to 2021. Our inclusion criterion was the presence of non-dental orofacial pain following the topographic criteria of 3° International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), and exclusion criteria included the pain syndromes attributed to the dental disorders and pain syndromes due to the secondary etiologies Results. Our sample comprised 43 subjects (23/20 M/F, in the range of ages 5-17). We classified them int: 23 primary headaches involving the facial territory during attacks, 2 facial trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, 1 facial primary stabbing headache, 1 facial linear headache, 6 trochlear migraines, 1 orbital migraine 3 red ear syndrome and 6 atypical facial pain. All patients described debilitating pain for intensity (moderate/severe), 31 children had episodic attacks, and 12 had continuous pain. Almost all received drugs for acute treatment (less than 50% were satisfied), and some received non-pharmacological treatment associated with drug therapy Conclusion. Although rare OFP can occur in pediatric age, it can be debilitating if unrecognized and untreated, affecting the psychophysical well-being of young patients. We highlight the specific characteristics of the disorder for a more correct and earlier identification during the diagnostic process, already difficult in pediatric age, and to define the approach and possible treatment to prevent negative outcomes in adulthood.

Digital screening method using social media advertising for the remote assessment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Global trends, such as improving accessibility to healthcare services through the Internet, and the COVID-19 pandemic are among the driving factors in the adoption of digital health. This study hypothesized that digital solutions can reach and gather data from a large number of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a commonly misdiagnosed neuropathic facial pain syndrome, and quickly and fast-track their diagnosis by suggesting them to consult a neurologist. We developed an accessible digital screening tool based on patient symptoms and history to test this hypothesis and used social media advertisement to screen a general population for TN. The standard diagnostic criteria, International Classification of Orofacial Pain, for facial pain is digitized as a web-based questionnaire that allows easy access to the evaluation for patients with suspected TN symptoms. Targeted search with relevant keywords and display campaigns on Google search engine and Facebook social media platform were used to reach large numbers of subjects. A report was autogenerated, which included a summary of a subject's symptoms, likely or likely not TN diagnosis, and information to seek appropriate medical assistance. The website was live for seven weeks and generated 240 screening questionnaire submissions, with a total spending of $2482. Forty-four subjects (18.3%) that reported typical symptoms of TN experienced unilateral and episodic pain in one of the trigeminal nerve regions. We have demonstrated the feasibility of social media advertisement and digitally screening a general population for TN, gathering valuable clinical data, such as pain characteristics, through a web-based questionnaire. Based on these data, patients with similar symptoms of TN are suggested to consult a neurologist for diagnosis. This study provides a framework for using digital screening tools to improve the healthcare experience of patients who would spend several months before finding appropriate diagnosis for their specific conditions.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia as a postoperative complication of tonsillectomy: a case report

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common procedures performed by otolaryngologists. Post-operative complications commonly include temporary pain, infection, and bleeding. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare complication that has been previously documented in the literature. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare type of facial pain syndrome that is characterised by radiating pain in the sensory distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve. It can cause sharp shooting pain in the face, ears and/or back of the throat. Pain is exacerbated with repetitive movements such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing. The majority of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is idiopathic in origin; however, we report a case of a 37-year-old lady that developed glossopharyngeal neuralgia immediately after tonsillectomy. Her condition was managed with intraoral injection of alcohol and saline preparation in the tonsillar fossa with good effect.

Detection and effectiveness of treatment of myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint pathologies in adult patients with orthodontic pathology

BACKGROUND: At the orthodontists clinic, patients with pain in the maxillofacial region and internal disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are not uncommon. These pathological conditions are characterized by the complexity of interdisciplinary therapy and frequent recurrence.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze the detectability and effectiveness of treatment of myofascial pain disorders and internal disorders of the TMJ in adult patients with dental anomalies.&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case histories of 300 adult patients with dental anomalies who underwent examination and treatment in a multidisciplinary dental clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The study included patients who received orthodontic treatment for at least 5 years. The prevalence and structure of internal disorders of the TMJ and myofascial pain disorders were assessed, and their correlation was analyzed.&#x0D; RESULTS: Orthodontic treatment was more often needed by patients with myofascial pain (71.5%), followed by those with myofascial facial pain syndrome (28.3%). In these patients, internal TMJ disorders and maxillary anomalies of class II according to Engl with unilateral distal occlusion, deep bite, and class I with crowding of teeth were more often detected. Internal TMJ disorders with concomitant myofascial pain disorders in the form of myofascial pain were observed in 82.4% of the patients. Myofascial pain disorders without internal TMJ disorders were registered in 17.4% of the patients. The overall effectiveness of the treatment of internal TMJ disorders and myofascial pain disorders was 46.4%, no lasting improvement was observed in 35.7%, deterioration was recorded in 17.8%, and relapses were noted in 60.7%. In the treatment of myofascial pain disorders without internal TMJ disorders, the overall effectiveness of treatment was 5.5%; stabilization, 50.0%; and deterioration, 44.4%.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Myofascial facial pain is very difficult to treat. The combination with internal TMJ disorders creates significant and sometimes insurmountable difficulties in the orthodontic treatment of adults. All these forces specialists to look for new approaches to optimizing orthodontic treatment of TMJ pathology and myofascial pain disorders.

Anterior Ethmoidal Nerve Syndrome - An Under-diagnosed Cause of Headache

Introduction The anterior ethmoidal nerve syndrome is a group of symptoms resulting from irritation of the terminal branches of the anterior ethmoidal nerve. Middle turbinate compression against the septum or the lateral nasal wall may cause a neuropathic facial pain syndrome which is often confused with sinogenic headache or other causes of headache. The diagnosis of anterior ethmoidal nerve syndrome is based on clinical and radiologic findings and needs a high index of suspicion. Our objective is to determine the nasal cause of headache and to create awareness among young ENT surgeons about various local causes of craniofacial pain. Materials and Methods A retrospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of North India. 30 patients who fulfilled the clinical diagnostic criteria were selected for the study. Results All the patients were analysed, managed accordingly by conservative and surgical management and outcome analysed. All patients were managed with medical and surgical management. Out of 30 patients, 28 (93.33%) patients improved in which 2 patients improve by medical management and 26 patients by surgical management. Conclusion The diagnosis requires a strong clinical suspicion and appropriate evaluation including nasal endoscopy, scan and anesthesia of the suspected point of contact.

Effect of neuropathic pain on sphenopalatine ganglion block responses in persistent idiopathic facial pain

ABSTRACT Objectives Management of persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) can be challenging. Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has been the target for the interventional treatment of many facial pain syndromes. However, possible factors that may affect SPG block success are unknown. It was aimed to investigate the effect of neuropathic pain on SPG block outcomes in PIFP, which includes a heterogeneous patient group. Methods All of the patients underwent fluoroscopy-guided SPG block with an injection of 40 mg of 2% lidocaine and 8 mg of dexamethasone. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to existence of neuropathic pain determined with the DN4 questionnaire score: 19 patients with neuropathic pain (Group 1) and 15 patients without neuropathic pain (Group 2). Preprocedural and postprocedural Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were compared between the 2 groups. Results The mean age of the patients was 47.65 ± 6.50 years. The average pain duration was 52.95 ± 34.81 weeks. A significantly greater decrease was detected in the VAS scores at 1 week (p = 0.036) and 1 month (p < 0.001) in Group 1 when compared to Group 2. Moreover, the proportion of patients with >50% improvement in the VAS scores at 1 week (p = 0.012) and 1 month (P = 0.017) was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. Discussion SPG block appears as a safe, effective, and rapid method to treat PIFP, especially in cases with neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain may be a predictor for pain relief in interventional procedures targeting SPG in the treatment of PIFP.