Orofacial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia pharmacological management: Report of two clinical cases

Abstract

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition described as a sudden, stabbing, temporary, paroxysmal, unilateral, and chronic neuropathic pain in the craniofacial region. It is characterized as a debilitating facial pain syndrome that presents episodes of painful electrical shocks in the affected branches of the trigeminal nerve. Objective: The main aim of this study is to describe the pharmacological management received by two patients with orofacial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Case description: Case 1.- A 45-year-old female patient who attended to a dental practice, presented facial discomfort on the right side, with a confirmed diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia type I. Infiltrative-pharmacological therapy of the trigeminal nerve was performed, and pain relief was assessed periodically to measure a favourable progression. Case 2.- A 47-year-old female patient who attended to a dental practice, presented chronic pain that suddenly exacerbated 1 month and a half ago. The patient reported having received infiltrative-pharmacological therapy of the trigeminal nerve 3 years ago; clinical examination showed type 2 trigeminal neuralgia. Infiltrative-pharmacological therapy of the trigeminal nerve was performed with periodic controls to assess pain relief. Conclusion: A personalized treatment protocol should be developed for each patient with trigeminal neuralgia, considering any clinical manifestation that may lead to the treatment of pain episodes using pharmacological therapy.