A study of the clinical characteristics of benign trigeminal sensory neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of a series of patients presenting with benign trigeminal sensory neuropathy.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathologic characteristics of 23 patients presenting with facial numbness of unknown etiology.


RESULTS
Patients presented with diverse medical histories but could be grouped into those with a connective tissue disorder, neurologic disease, psychologic problems, or a medical history of unknown significance. The age of the patient, the severity and distribution of the trigeminal neuropathy, and symptoms other than neuropathy closely reflected the patient's medical history. The majority of patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging, but the results did not facilitate the diagnosis of the condition or reflect the extent and severity of the symptoms. In 60% of patients, the symptoms remained unchanged during the course of the study and outcome was not influenced by medical treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis and management of benign trigeminal sensory neuropathy remain a significant clinical challenge.
Robinson
C M
CM
Division of Oral Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Addy
L
L
Wylie
M
M
Luker
J
J
Eveson
J W
JW
Prime
S S
SS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D001323:Autoantibodies