Prevalence of Burning Mouth Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Case-Control Study

To determine the prevalence of Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and compare it with an age- and sex-matched control group.

The study included 150 PD patients and 150 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Participants were asked about any possible burning or tingling sensation in the oral mucosa. Those who responded positively underwent a clinical examination and blood analysis to help in diagnosing BMS.

Prior to clinical examination, the prevalence of probable BMS was 6.7% (10/150) in PD patients and 2% (3/150) in the control group. After the clinical examination, 6 participants were excluded (3 from each group), resulting in a BMS prevalence of 4.7% in the PD group (7/150) and 0% in the control group (0/150). The difference in prevalence between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.015). Patients reported that their BMS symptoms began either after or around the time of their PD diagnosis.

BMS is more prevalent in PD patients than in the general population, indicating a potential role of dopaminergic system dysfunction in BMS pathophysiology. The onset of BMS symptoms after or around the time of PD diagnosis suggests that BMS may be a secondary condition.