Trigeminal neuralgia mimicking odontogenic pain. A report of two cases.
Trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux is characterized by paroxysmal episodes of facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, although patients may have a variety of symptoms that mimic odontogenic pain. This article presents two cases of trigeminal neuralgia that were misdiagnosed and initially treated endodontically as pain of odontogenic origin. A therapeutic regimen of carbamazepine alleviated the pain in both patients. These two cases demonstrate the importance of having a thorough knowledge of both odontogenic and nonodontogenic causes of orofacial pain, as well as the need for careful diagnosis before undertaking any treatment.
Law
A S
AS
Department of Endodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, USA.
Lilly
J P
JP
D000368:Aged; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014098:Toothache / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D002220:Carbamazepine