Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia, occasionally, is incorrectly diagnosed by the dentists, and it is among the most painful conditions reported on the oral cavity. In a moment of history, it was called the "suicide disease" due to the significant number of persons who killed themselves before effective treatments were discovered. We present the case of a white 43-year-old man, with a history of good general health, who reported to suffer, since childhood, from episodes of intense pain like sharp electric cramps. He was awaken by the pain at night, which radiated to both sides of the jaw, having a duration from seconds up to two minutes, and crisis that could last up to four hours. Oral examination showed a good buccal state, as well as absence of dental caries and of factors of local risks. The panoramic radiograph revealed the good state of his teeth, jaw and maxillae. A diagnosis of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia was made. Pharmacological treatment was ordered.

Keywords

• oral medicine
• trigeminal neuralgia
• trigeminal nerve