Authors : Dietrich Eva-Maria, Papamitsou Theodora and Dermentzopoulou- Theodoridou Maria
Abstract: The aim of this review is to present signs and symptoms of two main types of neuropathic orofacial pain to support differential diagnosis. Types of studies reviewed: clinical investigations, reviews and case reports were reviewed via Pubmed. The terms trigeminal neuralgia, atypical odontalgia, gamma knife surgery and microvascular decompression were used as criteria. Studes not adressing cases of recurrent, atypical or idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia or atypical odontalgia were excluded due to the fact that these articles wouldt’n contribute to the main scope of the review which is to focus on the differential diagnosis of primary neuropathic orofacial pain. TN is treated according to the medical history of the patients, classifying them with refractory to pharmaceutical approaches pain as candidates for GKS. If an immediate pain relief is wanted GR is also an option if the possible side-effects and failure of the procedure are taken into account. In case of AO dental treatment is unnecessary and pharmaceutical treatment has a satisfactory result.
Dietrich Eva-Maria, Papamitsou Theodora and Dermentzopoulou- Theodoridou Maria, 2010. Neuropathic Orofacial Pain: Pathology, Management and Differential Diagnosis. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 4: 68-74.