title: Focal atrophy of the masticatory muscles caused by pure trigeminal motor neuropathy: case report.
abstract: Pure trigeminal motor neuropathy is rare and characterised by weakness of the mandibular motor branch with no signs of involvement of the trigeminal sensory or other cranial nerve. Its aetiology is unclear but it has been hypothesised that a viral infection may be a cause. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in its diagnosis and typically shows loss of volume of the affected masticatory muscles and infiltration of fat. We describe the case of a 29-year-old woman who presented with a 12-year history of progressive facial asymmetry, which was later shown on imaging to be caused by unilateral atrophy of the masseter with compensatory contralateral hypertrophy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Mark.Wilson@UHBristol.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Felstead
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D005146:Facial Asymmetry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects; D008406:Masseter Muscle; D008410:Masticatory Muscles; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis