Open AccessSevere Psychosocial Compromise in Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: Case Report
Author(s) -
Siqueira Silvia R. D. T.,
Teixeira Manoel J.,
De Siqueira José T. T.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00813.x
Subject(s) - medicine , trigeminal neuralgia , psychosocial , dysesthesia , trigeminal nerve , dental procedure , neurosurgery , anesthesia , surgery , dentistry , dental care , psychiatry
Objective. This article describes a 60‐year‐old man with 17 years of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) which affected tooth brushing for 6 years, causing severe dental complications and psychosocial problems. Methods. Case report. Results. Following ITN diagnosis, this patient underwent neurosurgery (microcompression of the trigeminal ganglion with a balloon) with immediate relief, but after three months, pain recurred and was accompanied by dysesthesia and periodontal disease. After dental treatment, he had complete alleviation of pain and no further need of medication over the following 3 years. The intense suffering of this patient represents the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation for pain‐caused secondary complications. Conclusion. ITN is a simple diagnosis but may have complex course. Appropriately trained health professionals are necessary to evaluate and treat these patients.