[Cenesthesia as a rare differential diagnosis of persistent idiopathic facial pain]

Nervenarzt. 2007 Feb;78(2):198-201. doi: 10.1007/s00115-006-2234-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Cenesthesia is portrayed as a rare differential diagnosis to persistent idiopathic facial pain, including the resulting therapy with antipsychotics. In this case report a female patient developed persistent facial pain 2 years after manifestation of a depressive disorder. The symptoms appeared as a bizarre pain phenomenon closely resembling the psychotic phenomenon of cenesthesia (body hallucinations). Treatment with imipramine and doxepin or a combination of venlafaxin, carbamazepine, and tilidine N had not been successful. Based on diagnostic classification of the complaint as cenesthesia in the context of a depressive disorder, add-on therapy of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone was administered. This led to clear improvements in mood and pain symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Neuralgia / classification
  • Facial Neuralgia / diagnosis*
  • Facial Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / classification
  • Hallucinations / complications*
  • Hallucinations / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rare Diseases / classification
  • Rare Diseases / complications
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis