Prevalence Of Trigeminal Neuralgia Research Articles

Trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis patients: a clinical comparison of trigeminal neuralgia in patients with and without underlying multiple sclerosis

Background: The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is higher in multiple sclerosis (MS) as compared in the general population. Clinical and treatment responses of MS patients compared with non-MS patients are in debate. Objective: To evaluate clinical differences in trigeminal pain presentation and pharmacological treatment response in patients with and without underlying MS. Material and methods: A retrospective study of 10 MS patients that had TN as a first symptom or in the MS course (from the total 545 MS patients). Data regarding MS (sex, age at MS onset, type, symptomatology, number and site of lesions on brain MRI, treatment) and TN (clinical characteristics of facial pain, treatment), period from TN as a clinically isolated syndrome to defined MS or period from MS onset to TN beginning were analyzed. Clinical, demographical and treatment response were compared with corresponding data of 10 consecutive patients hospitalized for idiopathic TN. Results: The only difference between MS and non-MS patients was the age of onset of TN (41.8 ±6.12 in MS vs 52.7±16.5 in non –MS patients, p=0.07, unpaired Student’s t-test). There are no differences in trigeminal pain characteristics between MS and non-MS patients. Conclusions: TN among MS patients has an onset at younger age but share the same pain characteristics and treatment responds with TN in the general population. TN in MS has multiple mechanisms of aetiopathogenesis and surgical treatment must be held in mind in selected cases.

A preliminary study into the dental health status of multiple sclerosis patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving the central nervous system. Since MS affects the whole body, orofacial aspects of the disease must be expected, particularly since loss of muscular coordination may result in a diminished ability to maintain oral hygiene. This preliminary study examined the dental health status of 22 volunteer MS patients. A questionnaire collected data regarding medical and dental histories and socio-demographic information. Extra- and intra-oral examinations were carried out on all subjects to determine the particular dental treatment needs of this special group. The DMFT and CPITN scores for this group did not indicate that MS patients were more susceptible to dental caries or periodontal disease. However, the prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction in the group studied indicated that these conditions may be manifest in MS patients and warrant further investigations.