Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review of Understanding, Management, and Prognosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTNP) is a distinct clinical entity resulting from injury to the trigeminal nerve.
• The trigeminal nerve is crucial for sensory and motor functions in the head and face.
• PTNP prevalence varies, reported between 1.55% and 13% in different studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of PTNP, covering its etiology, prevalence, evaluation, management, and prognosis.
• To highlight the challenges in PTNP diagnosis and management.
• To promote uniformity in PTNP evaluation and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature on PTNP.
• It synthesizes information on causative factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic interventions.
• The review focuses on identifying trends and best practices in managing PTNP.

Main Results:

• Dental procedures, especially third molar removal and implant placement, are primary causes of PTNP.
• Females, particularly aged 40-60, show a higher incidence, with the mandibular nerve frequently affected.
• Symptoms range from paresthesia to severe pain, posing diagnostic challenges due to lack of standardized criteria.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for effective PTNP management.
• Early intervention is critical to prevent the progression of pain and improve patient outcomes.
• Standardizing evaluation and treatment approaches is necessary to enhance patient care for PTNP.