Oral complications associated with trigeminal trophic syndrome: A case report

Spec Care Dentist. 2024 Nov 14. doi: 10.1111/scd.13085. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Introduction: Destruction of the trigeminal (Gasserian) ganglion or peripheral damage to the trigeminal nerve may lead to trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS), a rare condition characterized by self-inflicted trauma. To date, under 200 cases of TTS are documented in medical literature, with only sparse studies reporting on oral complications secondary to this condition.

Case report: The following report presents a well-documented case of oral complications associated with TTS in an 83-year-old Caucasian female presenting with right-sided lesions on her nasal ala, scalp, buccal mucosa, and tongue, secondary to self-inflicted injury following their second microvascular decompression for surgical management of trigeminal neuralgia.

Discussion/conclusion: The paucity of literature on oral complications associated with TTS supports the need for understanding guiding management modalities of such lesions for clinical practice. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first manuscript detailing present and potential intraoral complications associated with TTS alongside treatment modalities for the practicing clinician.

Keywords: nasal ala; oral trauma; trigeminal ganglion; trigeminal trophic syndrome; ulceration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports