Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
07:39
Assessment of Nerve Injury-Induced Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Rats Using an Orofacial Operant Pain Assay
Published on: July 26, 2022
3.8K
Central sensitization in burning mouth syndrome: a practical approach using questionnaires
Marta Monteserín-Matesanz1, Adelaida A Domínguez-Gordillo2, Germán C Esparza-Gómez1
1Department of Dental Clinical Specialties, Faculty of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
|December 21, 2021
Summary
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) may involve central sensitization (CS), a mechanism seen in other chronic pain conditions. This study found evidence of CS in BMS patients, suggesting a link to other pain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex condition.
- Experts propose linking BMS to central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) due to shared mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of central sensitization (CS) in patients diagnosed with BMS.
- To assess the extent of generalized pain, associated symptoms, and co-occurring chronic pain conditions in BMS patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 82 participants (40 BMS patients, 42 controls).
- Diagnosis of BMS followed International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition, beta version (ICHD-IIIβ) criteria.
- Central sensitization assessed using Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity (SS) Score questionnaires and the Neblett inventory for concurrent chronic pain conditions.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between central sensitization indicators and BMS.
- Patients with BMS exhibited higher Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity scores compared to controls.
- BMS patients reported a significantly greater number of other central sensitivity syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Burning mouth syndrome may include a central sensitization component.
- BMS patients frequently experience other chronic pain conditions.
- Questionnaires are valuable tools for quantifying central sensitivity in BMS.
