Numb chin syndrome: a case report

Neuropathy of the inferior alveolar nerve is common in dental practice. Its cause, when not a result of local anesthetic, is normally from dental disease or trauma. Isolated mental neuropathy (numb chin syndrome) is extremely uncommon, and its most common cause also is dental. The next most common cause is from an underlying neoplasm, and some cases have resulted from systemic disease (eg, multiple sclerosis). Some patients show no evidence of additional disease and experience spontaneous remission of the symptom. Numb chin syndrome cases require coordination of treatment between dentists and physicians. Since a disproportionate number of these cases present with a numb chin as the first symptom of a neoplasm, aggressive diagnosis is required. Careful follow up is important before dismissing it as a spontaneous remission. Dentists must be familiar with isolated mental neuropathy and its medical implications because they are likely to be the first health professionals that patients present to for diagnosis.