Neurosensory disturbances of the trigeminal nerve: a long-term follow-up of traumatic injuries.
OBJECTIVE
This study assesses the physical and psychosocial consequences of trigeminal nerve damage.


METHODS
A questionnaire consisting of 33 questions, 30 of which had fixed alternatives, was mailed to 300 persons who had received compensation from a syndicate of several insurance companies (Konsortiet för Patientförsäkring) because of trigeminal nerve damage. One question with no alternative reply gave the respondents an opportunity to comment on their problems and to rate them on a visual analogue scale. The questionnaire was answered by 226 recipients, 72 men and 153 women.


RESULTS
Most of the patients had sensory disturbances resulting from damage to the inferior alveolar nerve, the mental nerve, or the lingual nerve. More than 70% of the respondents complained about paresthesia. No fewer than one of five patients suffered from pain in the affected area. The altered sensation caused functional disturbances in speech and eating which, in turn, had social and psychological consequences.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that mainly women and older persons have the most severe discomfort after oral nerve damage.
Sandstedt
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P
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stockholm Söder Hospital (Söderjukhuset), Sweden.
Sörensen
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005145:Face / Q000294:innervation; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007351:Insurance, Liability; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D008046:Lip / Q000294:innervation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012737:Sex Factors; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries