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Toothache referred from auriculotemporal neuralgia: case report.
R A Murayama1, J Stuginski-Barbosa, N P Moraes
1Orofacial Pain Service, Oral Oncology Center, Dental School of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
International Endodontic Journal
|August 29, 2009
Summary
Auriculotemporal neuralgia, a cause of nonodontogenic toothache, was effectively treated with auriculotemporal nerve blockade. This diagnostic and therapeutic procedure provided complete pain relief for six months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Facial pain can present diagnostic challenges, particularly when its origin is unclear.
- Nonodontogenic toothache requires careful differential diagnosis to identify the underlying cause.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male presented with acute, severe pain in the left ear and ipsilateral maxillary second molar.
- Physical examination identified a trigger point along the auriculotemporal nerve and outer ear.
- Dental examination and radiography ruled out odontogenic sources for the pain.
Findings:
- Blockade of the auriculotemporal nerve using lidocaine and dexamethasone resulted in complete pain remission for six months.
- The patient was diagnosed with auriculotemporal neuralgia based on clinical presentation and response to nerve blockade.
Implications:
- Auriculotemporal neuralgia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nonodontogenic toothache.
- Auriculotemporal nerve blockade serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for this condition.
- Combined lidocaine and dexamethasone injections offer an effective treatment strategy.
