First Bite Syndrome Following Carotid Endarterectomy.

A 67-year-old man with a high position carotid plaque presented with severe pain in ipsilateral parotid region several days after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The pain occurred at the first bite of each meal and resolved as further bite. We diagnosed the pain as first bite syndrome (FBS). FBS is infrequent but known as a complication associated with parapharyngeal space surgery. The pain is characterized by sharp pain in the parotid region associated with mastication. The cause is unclear but thought to the result from sympathetic denervation of the parotid gland, followed by parasympathetic nerve hypersensitivity. Only five cases associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have been reported. We should be in mind that CEA for high position plaque is one of the risk factors to cause FBS associated with CEA. Neurologists and vascular surgeons as well as otolaryngologists should all be informed FBS as one of the complications after carotid endarterectomy.

Classification of Facial Pain: A Clinician's Perspective.

Successful management of facial pain starts with making correct diagnosis. Diagnostic errors, particularly early on in evaluation of facial pain patients are not uncommon, and some of this may be related to the lack of uniform classification that would satisfy needs of different specialists. Here, we critically review several most common classification schemes and try to compare and contrast their strength and unique features. We also attempt to link multiple terminologies describing same clinical conditions and provide a rationale for developing a unified nosological approach. Based on our findings, we conclude that despite many previous attempts, much work needs to be done to create a universally accepted, comprehensive but at the same time simple and user-friendly, facial pain classification, with the ultimate goal of integrating such classification into a treatment-guiding algorithm(s).

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Facial Pain.

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is a novel, minimally invasive and useful treatment modality. Its use in complex facial pain has been on the rise, and its utility will further increase with the advances in the technology and renewed interest in the field of peripheral neuromodulation. PENS therapy can be used both as diagnostic and therapeutic option. The precise mechanism of action is not known, although a combination of electrical neuromodulation and release of endogenous morphine-like substance in the central nervous system appears as plausible explanation. We analyse the various studies in the literature and discuss the Southampton data regarding facial pain treatment with PENS therapy. We believe that PENS therapy for facial pain and headache is currently underutilised. It is safe, economical and should certainly be part of the armamentarium in the treatment of complex facial pain and headache.

The neurosurgical treatment of craniofacial pain syndromes: current surgical indications and techniques.

Craniofacial pain syndromes are comprised of multiple pathological entities resulting in pain referred to the scalp, face, or deeper cranial structures. In a small subset of patients affected by those syndromes, pharmacological and physical therapies fail in alleviating pain. In some of those refractory patients surgical procedures aimed at relieving pain are indicated and have been adopted with variable results and safety profiles. In this review, the authors describe craniofacial pain syndromes that most commonly fail to respond to pharmacological therapies and may be amenable to tailored surgical procedures. In particular, trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and occipital neuralgias are considered, as well as some primary headache syndromes such as cluster headache, short unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing/short unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms, and migraine. Surgical techniques, including the implantation of deep brain or peripheral nerve electrodes with subsequent chronic stimulation, microvascular decompression of neurovascular conflicts, and percutaneous lesioning of neural structures are described. Finally, surgical indications, outcomes, and safety of these procedures are presented.

Eagle Syndrome: An Unusual Cause Limited Mouth Opening and Surgical Management.

Eagle syndrome, defined "stylalgia," occurs when an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament causes dysphagia, facial pain recurrent throat pain or foreign body sensation, also associated symptoms such as neck or throat pain with radiation to the ear. The symptoms related to this condition can be confused or misdiagnosed to a wide variety of facial neuralgias. The incidence of Eagle syndrome varies among population. Usually asymptomatic, it occurs in adult patients, and can be diagnosed by physical examination and radiologically. A 30-year-old male patient presented to the maxillofacial unit of Sulaimaniyah Teaching Hospital with a complaint of pain in the right side of face interfering with mouth opening and causing deviation to the right side of mouth for 6 months duration. The elongated styloid process of the right side was resected surgically by the intra-oral approach. The patient was asymptomatic and comfortably followed up for 5 months.

An overview of common diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are a common complaint amongst the general population and service personnel. Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, and nasal deformity leading to airway obstruction are some of the commonest ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions encountered. However, hidden within this generally benign group of conditions are some potentially lethal problems that clinicians need to be able to recognise. This article aims to provide an overview of common conditions affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses, including fractured nasal bones, acute rhinosinusitis and its complications, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Epistaxis and sinonasal malignancies are largely outside the scope of this paper. Background information on pathogenesis will be described, along with guidance on diagnosis and management with particular stress on emergency pre-hospital treatment and indications for referral to an ENT specialist.

[Cluster headache and brain imagery]. / Algie vasculaire de la face : place de l'imagerie.

Cluster headache is defined on clinical international criteria developed by International Headache Society (IHS, 2013). The realization of a brain MRI with arterial angio-MRI is required according to the French recommendations (Donnet et al., 2014) based on recent the literature. Numerous causes or diseases can mimic typical or atypical AVF (Edvardsson, 2014). Identification of these causes allows an appropriate treatment in addition with symptomatic treatment.

[Cluster headache differential diagnosis]. / Diagnostic différentiel de l'AVF.

Cluster headache is characterized by disabling stereotyped headache. Early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment, unfortunately diagnostic errors are frequent. The main differential diagnoses are other primary or essential headaches. Migraine, more frequent and whose diagnosis is carried by excess, trigeminal neuralgia or other trigemino-autonomic cephalgia. Vascular or tumoral underlying condition can mimic cluster headache, neck and brain imaging is recommended, ideally MRI.

[Heterozygote forms of familial Mediterranean fever can be manifested in adults as myofacial pain syndrome]. / Heterozygote Formen des familiären Mittelmeerfiebers können beim Erwachsenen als myofasziales Schmerzsyndrom imponieren.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease characterized by recurrent fever, serositis, arthritis and unspecific myalgia. It is prevalent among Mediterranean people and has been shown to be associated with mutations in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene which, encodes pyrin a regulatory protein of the inflammasome. As heterozygous mutations in MEFV can be associated with only mild inflammatory symptoms, such as arthralgia or chronic fibromyalgic pain, FMF may be underdiagnosed in the current diagnostic work-up of musculoskeletal diseases. METHODS: The selection of patients was carried out according to the following criteria: myofacial pain syndrome, seronegative oligoarthralgia, a slight inflammatory constellation and ethnic origin from the Mediterranean area. When these criteria were fulfilled a molecular genetic investigation was carried out RESULTS: This article presents evidence that 9 out of 12 Mediterranean patients with recurrent myofascial pain syndrome and mild inflammation revealed heterozygote mutations in the MEFV gene and 7 of these patients benefitted from treatment with colchicine. DISCUSSION: As colchicine treatment not only improved the myofascial pain but also prevented FMF-associated amyloidosis and nephropathy, differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia in patients of Mediterranean origin should include FMF and a genetic screening of the MEFV locus.

Diagnostic role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing orofacial pain and paresthesia.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of CT and MRI in evaluating orofacial pain and paresthesia. A total of 96 patients with orofacial pain and/or paresthesia were included in this study. The patients who underwent CT and/or MRI examinations were assessed, and the efficacy of CT and/or MRI examinations in detecting the causative disease of the orofacial pain and paresthesia was evaluated. Seventy (72.9%) of 96 patients underwent CT and/or MRI examinations. Whereas CT examinations detected 2 diseases (4.5%) in 44 tests, 13 diseases (37.1%) were detected in 35 MRI examinations. Seven (53.8%) of 13 diseases, which were detected by MRI, were found in elderly patients. A high percentage of patients, who claimed orofacial pain and paresthesia, have other diseases in their brain, especially in elderly patients, and MRI is more useful than CT for evaluating these patients.

Intermediate nerve neuralgia can be diagnosed and cured by microvascular decompression.

Here, we present a case of a 55-year-old woman with a 10-year history of hemifacial spasm accompanied by 1-month ipsilateral paroxysmal otalgia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of vessels around the facial nerve root. Surgical exploration via suboccipital retromastoid craniotomy showed converging compression of the facial nerve root and intermediate nerve from both sides by an anterior inferior cerebellar artery loop. The patient's hemifacial spasm and ipsilateral otalgia were completely relieved after microvascular decompression of the facial nerve root and intermediate nerve. Intraoperative findings and the postoperative result of this case confirmed that vascular compression of the intermediate nerve was the exclusive cause of paroxysmal otalgia. The presence of ipsilateral hemifacial spasm, combined with preoperative neuroimaging studies, contributed to the diagnosis of intermediate nerve neuralgia. Microvascular decompression should be considered for the management of patients with intermediate nerve neuralgia.

The neurosurgical treatment of neuropathic facial pain.

This article reviews the definition, etiology and evaluation, and medical and neurosurgical treatment of neuropathic facial pain. A neuropathic origin for facial pain should be considered when evaluating a patient for rhinologic surgery because of complaints of facial pain. Neuropathic facial pain is caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve in the prepontine cistern and is characterized by an intermittent prickling or stabbing component or a constant burning, searing pain. Medical treatment consists of anticonvulsant medication. Neurosurgical treatment may require microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve.

First bite syndrome following ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy.

First bite syndrome (FBS) is characterized by unilateral pain in the parotid region after the first bite of each meal, usually following ipsilateral neck surgery. The proposed mechanism is sympathetic denervation of the parotid gland, from iatrogenic injury to the sympathetic trunk supplying this gland. Local botulinum toxin injection has emerged as a promising treatment option with favorable results. To date, there are 3 published cases in the literature describing FBS after carotid endarterectomy. We present a case of a 75-year-old gentleman who developed FBS after carotid endarterectomy, to raise the awareness of this unusual and uncommon complication.

The central myelin-peripheral myelin transitional zone of the nervus intermedius and its implications for microsurgery in the cerebellopontine angle.

The central myelin-peripheral myelin transitional zone, also referred to as the "Obersteiner-Redlich zone (ORZ)" or "glial/Schwann junction" of the nervus intermedius, is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of nervus intermedius neuralgia (NIN). To evaluate the location and histological features of the ORZ of the nervus intermedius (NI), 10 NI specimens from five fresh cadavers were microscopically analyzed for structural differences between their central and peripheral myelin segments. The ORZ was analyzed under a light microscope, and the exact location of the ORZ was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining using an oligodendroglial antibody. The total diameter of the NI showed a mean of 0.62 mm. The cisternal segment of the NI from the brain stem to the porus acusticus internus had a mean length of 13.97 mm. The mean extent of central myelin was 0.5 mm from the brain stem on the medial side and 0.33 mm on the lateral side. Moreover, the mean length of the ORZ was 0.279 mm on the medial side and 0.134 mm on the lateral side. The distance between the brain stem and the most distal point of central myelin that could be detected was 0.67 mm. Accordingly, the ORZ of the NI appears closer to the brain stem compared to the other cranial nerves. The exact location of the ORZ may play a role in diagnostic preoperative imaging, in the planning of surgical procedures for NIN, and may offer suitable landmarks for surgeons performing microvascular decompression in NIN treatment.

Sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular crônica / Sensibilidad dolorosa a la palpación en pacientes con disfunción temporomandibular crónica / Painful sensitivity to palpation in patients presenting with chronic temporomandibular dysfunction

Cefaléias primárias estão freqüentemente relacionadas à disfunção temporomandibular, sendo o aumento da sensibilidade dolorosa um achado comum nesses pacientes. Este estudo propôs investigar a sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular crônica, comparando grupos com presença ou ausência de cefaléias primárias. A disfunção temporomandibular e o tipo de cefaléia primária foram diagnosticados, respectivamente por meio dos critérios de diagnóstico para pesquisa das desordens temporomandibulares e por um questionário baseado na Classificação Internacional de Cefaléias (2004). A localização, avaliação e o agrupamento dos sítios musculares e articulares para palpação foram realizados segundo os critérios de diagnóstico para pesquisa das desordens temporomandibulares, considerando-se o temporal, masseter, articulação temporomandibular e sítios cervicais bilateralmente. A amostra foi composta por 213 (88,0 por cento) mulheres e 29 (12,0 por cento) homens, com faixa etária média de 37,41 anos. As médias do número de sítios positivos à palpação nos grupos sem cefaléia, cefaléia do tipo tensional, migrânea e cefaléia crônica diária e foram respectivamente: 12,43; 14,38; 15,21 e 15,62 (p= 0,107) (mínima 2 e máxima 22). Apenas para os sítios do músculo temporal foi detectada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos de cefaléia quanto à sensibilidade dolorosa à palpação (p= 0,007). O número de sítios dolorosos não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos estudados e apenas o músculo temporal demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante quanto ao grau de dor à palpação(AU)

The cephalalgias are frequently associated with the temporomandibular disorders being common to find an increase of pain sensitivity in these patients. Thus, the objective of present study was to assess the sensitivity to palpation in patients presenting with chronic temporomandibular disorders comparing two groups one with headache and other without it, respectively. The temporomandibular disorders and the primary cephalalgias were diagnosed according the Diagnostic Criteria for the Research of Temporomandibular Disorders and by a questionnaire based on the International Classification of the Cephalalgias (2004). Location, assessment and grouping of muscular and articular areas for palpation were carried out according to the Diagnostic Criteria for above mentioned disorders, considering bilaterally the masseter muscle, the temporalis muscle, the cervical region and the temporomandibular joint. Sample included 213 (88.0 percent) of women and 29 (12.0 percent) men with a mean age of 37.41 years. The mean of number of zones positive to palpation in the groups without headaches, tension headache, migraine and daily chronic headache were: 12.43, 14.38, 15.21 and 15.62 (p= 0.107) (min 2 max 22). The areas of temporalis muscle showed significant differences among groups (p= 0.007). The number of painful points was not statistically different among groups and only in the temporalis muscle there were differences with statistical significant to palpation(AU)

Las cefaleas están frecuentemente relacionadas con los trastornos temporomandibulares, por esta razón es común encontrar un aumento de sensibilidad al dolor en los pacientes que padecen dicha enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la sensibilidad a la palpación en pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares crónicos. Se realizó una comparación entre 2 grupos con cefalea y sin cefalea respectivamente. Los trastornos temporomandibulares y las cefaleas primarias, fueron diagnosticados mediante los criterios diagnósticos para la investigación de los trastornos temporomandibulares y por un cuestionario basado en la clasificación internacional de cefaleas en el año 2004. La localización, evaluación y agrupación de las áreas musculares y articulares para la palpación, se realizaron de acuerdo a los criterios diagnósticos para la investigación de los trastornos temporomandibulares, se tuvo en cuenta el músculo masetero, el temporal, la región cervical y la articulación temporomandibular bilateralmente. La muestra fue de 213 mujeres (88,0 por ciento) y 29 hombres (12,0 por ciento), con una media de edad de 37,41 años. La media del número de zonas positivas a la palpación en los grupos sin cefalea, dolor de cabeza de tipo tensional, migraña y cefalea crónica diaria fueron: 12,43; 14,38; 15,21; 15,62 y (p= 0,107) (mínimas 2 y máximas 22). Las áreas del músculo temporal demostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p= 0,007). El número de puntos dolorosos no fue estadísticamente diferente entre los grupos y solo en el músculo temporal se observó diferencias estadísticamente significativas a la palpación(AU)

First-bite syndrome complicating carotid endarterectomy: a case report and literature review.

First-bite syndrome (FBS) is an infrequently encountered complication of parapharyngeal space surgery. Patients experience excruciating pain in the ipsiltateral parotid gland region at the first bite of each meal, which improves with subsequent mastication. This is thought to be due to parotid gland sympathetic denervation from surgery with resultant hypersensitivity to parasympathetic impulses. There is no consensus on best treatment for FBS although symptoms tend to improve with time. There are only 2 case reports linking carotid endarterectomy and FBS so far. We report the third case of FBS after carotid endarterectomy to raise awareness among vascular surgeons of the possibility of this complication.

Feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS): a retrospective study of 113 cases.

Feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS) is a pain disorder of cats with behavioural signs of oral discomfort and tongue mutilation. This report describes the findings from a case series of 113 cats including 100 Burmese. FOPS is suspected to be a neuropathic pain disorder and the predominance within the Burmese cat breed suggests an inherited disorder, possibly involving central and/or ganglion processing of sensory trigeminal information. The disease is characterised by an episodic, typically unilateral, discomfort with pain-free intervals. The discomfort is triggered, in many cases, by mouth movements. The disease is often recurrent and with time may become unremitting - 12% of cases in this series were euthanased as a consequence of the condition. Sensitisation of trigeminal nerve endings as a consequence of oral disease or tooth eruption appears to be an important factor in the aetiology - 63% of cases had a history of oral lesions and at least 16% experienced their first sign of discomfort during eruption of permanent teeth. External factors can also influence the disease as FOPS events could be directly linked to a situation causing anxiety in 20% of cats. FOPS can be resistant to traditional analgesics and in some cases successful management required anti-convulsants with an analgesic effect.

Incidence of myofascial pain syndrome in breast cancer surgery: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pain after breast cancer therapy is a recognized complication found to have an adverse impact on patient's quality of life, increasing psychosocial distress. In recent years, case reports about myofascial pain syndrome are emerging in thoracic surgery as a cause of postsurgery pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is a regional pain syndrome characterized by myofascial trigger points in palpable taut bands of skeletal muscle that refers pain a distance, and that can cause distant motor and autonomic effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of myofascial pain syndrome prospectively 12 months after breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Each participant was assessed preoperatively, postoperatively between day 3 and day 5, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. A physical therapist, expert in the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome, performed follow-up assessments. Pain descriptions by the patients and pain pattern drawings in body forms guided the physical examination. The patients were not given any information concerning myofascial pain or other muscle pain syndromes. RESULTS: One year follow-up was completed by 116 women. Of these, 52 women developed myofascial pain syndrome (44.8%, 95% confidence interval: 35.6, 54.3). CONCLUSION: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common source of pain in women undergoing breast cancer surgery that includes axillary lymph node dissection at least during the first year after surgery. Myofascial pain syndrome is one potential cause of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors who have undergone this kind of surgery.