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The trigeminal function questionnaire (TriFunQ): a tool for clinical and research use
Wiktoria Jędryczka1,2, Susanne Weise1, Anabell Bormann1
1Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Chemical Senses
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new questionnaire to assess trigeminal function, measuring self-perceived comfort and sensitivity. This reliable and valid tool offers a brief method for evaluating trigeminal sensations in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The trigeminal nerve plays a crucial role in facial sensation and comfort.
- A need exists for a self-report measure to assess individuals' perception of trigeminal function.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the subjective experience of trigeminal sensations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a self-reporting questionnaire for assessing trigeminal function.
- To evaluate participants' self-perception of comfort and sensitivity related to trigeminal sensations.
- To create a psychometrically sound tool for measuring trigeminal perception.
Main Methods:
- A 15-item questionnaire was administered to 1001 participants (aged 18-86) in Dresden, Germany.
- Validation included objective measures: nasal trigeminal stimuli (ammonium), eucalyptol lateralization, odor identification, and self-ratings of nasal airflow/olfactory function.
- Factor analyses were used to refine the questionnaire structure, leading to an 8-item final version.
Main Results:
- Exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution for the 8-item questionnaire.
- The final questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.74) and satisfactory validity.
- Invariance analysis indicated the need for gender-specific norms.
Conclusions:
- The developed trigeminal function questionnaire is a brief, reliable, and valid instrument.
- It effectively assesses the self-perception of trigeminal function.
- The tool can be utilized in research and clinical settings, with consideration for gender differences.
