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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:35
Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Facial Neuropathy in Patients with Recurrent Painful Ophthalmoplegic Neuropathy
Jae-Myung Kim1, You-Ri Kang1, Hak-Loh Lee1
1Department of Neurology, https://ror.org/00f200z37Chonnam National University Hospital and Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Facial nerve involvement is common in recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON), often preceding or accompanying eye muscle paralysis. This suggests facial neuropathy should be considered within the RPON spectrum.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON) rarely involves non-ocular motor cranial nerves.
- Previous reports have limited data on multi-cranial nerve involvement in RPON.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical significance of multi-cranial nerve involvement in RPON.
- To investigate the association between facial neuropathy and RPON.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients meeting RPON diagnostic criteria were enrolled.
- Evaluations included cranial nerve examination, MRI, CSF analysis, and serologic testing.
- Clinical features, neuroimaging, and laboratory results were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Facial nerve involvement occurred in 87.5% of patients.
- Abducens and oculomotor nerves were most frequently affected during ophthalmoplegic attacks.
- Facial neuropathy often presented with postauricular pain and resolved within weeks.
Conclusions:
- Facial neuropathy is more common in RPON than previously thought.
- Findings support including facial neuropathy in the RPON spectrum.
- Recurrent, multifocal cranial neuropathy may be key to RPON pathophysiology.
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