Could painful temporomandibular disorders be nociplastic in nature? A critical review and new proposal.

Classification of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and, indeed, all types of orofacial pains has significantly progressed in the last decade based on international consensus work and operationalized clustering of signs and symptoms. A challenging gap nevertheless continues to exist in terms of understanding the underlying pain mechanisms and link to management. Recently, a novel mechanistic descriptor 'nociplastic pain' was introduced, and diagnostic algorithms and characteristic features were proposed. This narrative and critical review aim to discuss to what extent could painful TMD conditions fit into this category. Moreover, a number of less common types of orofacial pain could possibly also reflect nociplastic pain mechanisms. A model to differentiate TMD pain mechanisms is proposed, and the implications for management are discussed. The purpose of this review is to stimulate original and novel research into mechanisms of orofacial pain and hopefully thereby improve management of the individual patient.

Other Secondary Headaches: Odontogenic Pain and Other Painful Orofacial Conditions.

This article discusses extremely common odontogenic pain conditions, which may occasionally present to the neurology clinic mimicking headache, and other uncommon orofacial pain conditions, which may do the same. Typical presentations, investigative strategies, and management are discussed, as well as highlighting key diagnostic criteria and the importance of involving oral or dental specialists where diagnostic uncertainty exists.

[Temporomandibular dysfunction and bruxism in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and at-risk patients: a cross-sectional study]. / Temporomandibulaire disfunctie en bruxisme bij patiënten met vroege reumatoïde artritis en risicopatiënten: een cross-sectioneel onderzoek.

What is the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis? 3 groups (of 50 participants each) were examined for a possible TMD diagnosis: 1. patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, 2. at-risk individuals, and 3. healthy controls. A possible association with bruxism, determined on the basis of self-reporting and clinical features, was also examined. At-risk patients had a higher prevalence of TMD pain diagnoses compared to healthy controls (p = 0.046). Within the early rheumatoid arthritis group, seronegative patients had a higher prevalence of TMD pain diagnoses than seropositive patients (p = 0.048). No further differences in the prevalence of TMD diagnoses were found between the groups. Participants with a TMD pain diagnosis were more often diagnosed with probable sleep bruxism than those without a TMD pain diagnosis. The prevalence of TMD pain is increased in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative early rheumatoid arthritis patients, and is associated with signs of bruxism.

Is painful temporomandibular disorder a real headache for many patients?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and primary headaches are common pain conditions and often co-exist. TMD classification includes the term 'headache secondary to TMD' but this term does not acknowledge the likelihood that primary headache pathophysiology underpins headache causing painful TMD signs and symptoms in many patients. The two disorders have a complex link and we do not fully understand their interrelationship. However, growing evidence shows a significant association between the two disorders. This article reviews the possible connection between temporomandibular disorders and primary headaches, specifically migraine, both anatomically and pathogenetically.

Accuracy of temporomandibular disorders diagnosis evaluated through the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder (DC/TDM) Axis II compared to the Axis I evaluations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that facilitates mandibular movements during speech, chewing, and swallowing activities. The Axis I evaluation of the DC/TMD focuses on assessing physical diagnoses related to TMDs. It includes an assessment of pain and functional limitations, such as jaw opening range, joint sounds, and joint tenderness. The Axis II evaluation of the DC/TMD provides information on the patient's psychological status and quality of life. This Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Temporomandibular Disorders diagnosis considered through the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (DC/TDM) axis II compared to the Axis I evaluations. METHODS: A search was made in PubMed, Web of Science and Lilacs for articles published from the inception until 20 January 2023. We applied the Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) model [1] to assess document eligibility. Only studies that evaluated patients by DC/TMD Axis I and Axis II were considered. Review Manager version 5.2.8 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for the pooled analysis. We measured the odds ratio (OR) between the two groups (Axis I and Axis II). RESULTS: Fifty-one articles were selected because of the search. Four papers were excluded before the screening: 2 pieces were not in English, and two were reviewed. The remaining 47 articles were selected for the title and abstract screening to evaluate whether they met the PECO criteria. Among these, four papers were established; the overall effect showed that there was no difference in TMD diagnosis between Axis I and Axis II (RR 1.17; 95% CI: 0.80- 1.71; Z:0.82; P = .41), suggesting that there is no difference between Axis I and Axis II. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DC/TMD is an effective tool for the diagnosis of TMD. It improves the accuracy of TMD diagnosis, allows for the classification of subtypes, and assesses psychosocial factors that may impact the development or maintenance of TMD symptoms.

Temporal artery ultrasonography for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a case report.

Orofacial pain is a worldwide pain problem, with many patients unable to find appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Orofacial pain includes pain arising from the odontogenic and nonodontogenic structures in the head and neck region. Dental clinicians need to have a thorough knowledge and skill to diagnose, manage, and treat patients with odontogenic pain or refer patients for treatment of nonodontogenic pain to specialists such as orofacial pain specialists, neurologists, otolaryngologists, and rheumatologists. More often, dental practitioners diagnose patients with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and when treatment is ineffective, term it "atypical facial pain." The first requirement for effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis. Dental clinicians must be aware of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a chronic large-vessel vasculitis, primarily affecting adults over the age of 50 years, as it frequently mimics and is misdiagnosed as TMD. GCA is associated with loss of vision, and stroke and can be a life-threatening disorder. Therefore, diagnostic testing for GCA and differential diagnosis should be common knowledge in the armamentarium of all dental clinicians. Historically, temporal artery biopsy was considered the definitive diagnostic test for GCA. Temporal artery ultrasound (TAUSG), a safe and noninvasive imaging modality, has replaced the previous diagnostic gold standard for GCA, the temporal artery biopsy, owing to its enhanced diagnostic capabilities and safety profile. The present case report describes a patient with GCA, and the role TAUSG played in the diagnosis. Case report: A 72-year-old woman presented with left-sided facial pain, jaw claudication, dysesthesia of the tongue, and episodic loss of vision of 2 years' duration. She was diagnosed with and treated for a myriad of dental conditions including endodontia and temporomandibular joint therapy with no benefit. A thorough history and physical examination, combined with serologic analysis, led to the diagnosis of GCA and TAUSG, which confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: This report underscores the responsibility of differential diagnosis and early recognition of GCA facilitated by TAUSG in optimizing treatment outcomes as a viable, noninvasive diagnostic tool. (Quintessence Int 2024;55:336-343; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b4938419).

Development of the 12-Item Facial Complaints Evaluation Scale (FaCES-12).

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis and related rhinologic disorders are common in routine otolaryngologic practice. Common presenting symptoms include nasal obstruction, facial pain, facial pressure, headache, and a subjective feeling of the face feeling "swollen," a perceptual distortion. No validated scale exists to assess facial pain in addition to perceptual distortion or headache. The objective was to develop a novel scale for assessment of facial symptoms experienced by patients presenting for rhinologic evaluation. METHODS: This was a prospective validation cross-sectional study. A patient questionnaire, the 12-item Facial Complaints Evaluation Scale (FaCES-12), was created to evaluate facial symptoms based on clinical experience and the literature, including severity and timing of facial pain, facial pressure, facial perceptual swelling, and headache. Each item was assessed utilizing an 11-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10 in severity. Data was collected prospectively from 210 patients in 1 private and 2 academic otolaryngologic practices from August to December 2019 along with the PROMIS Pain Intensity Scale 3a and 22-Item Sino-nasal Outcome Test. Construct validity was determined using Pearson correlation and exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha and assessing test-retest scores. RESULTS: A new 12-item scale named FaCES-12 was developed. FaCES-12 demonstrated high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of .94 and high test-retest reliability (r = .90). The scale revealed very strong correlation with the PROMIS Pain Intensity Scale 3a (r = .81) and moderate correlation with the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (r = .48). Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated the scale contained interrelated variables that measured unique components of facial sensations. CONCLUSION: The FaCES-12 is a valid and reliable instrument for use in the evaluation of facial symptoms. Further research into the application of this scale is warranted.

Trigeminal neuralgia and trigeminal neuropathic pain.

It is very important that the dental team are aware of the varied presentations of pain in the mouth, face and other parts of the trigeminal region which are not directly caused by teeth or oral structures. Our understanding of underlying causes in this complex area is evolving. Ultimately, patients who present with what may at first seem to be oral or dental problems will require specialist input in secondary care with potential for use of systemic medications. This article reviews the common non-dental pains encountered in the orofacial region related to dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Screener in Patients Seeking Endodontic Treatment for Tooth Pain.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the accuracy of a TMD Pain Screener questionnaire in identifying patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain among those seeking endodontic treatment for tooth pain. It also investigated whether the screener accuracy could be improved by adding questions regarding putative predictors of TMD status. METHODS: One hundred patients seeking endodontic treatment for tooth pain were enrolled. Participants completed the 6-question TMD Pain Screener before treatment. A board-certified orofacial pain specialist/endodontic resident conducted endodontic and TMD examinations using validated Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD). The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive/negative predictive values (PPVs/NPVs) were calculated for the 6-question and 3-question versions of the TMD Pain Screener. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analyses were performed to determine the screening accuracy. RESULTS: At the screening threshold of ≥3, TMD Pain Screener's sensitivity was 0.85, specificity 0.52, PPV 0.68, and NPV 0.75 for the 6-question version and 0.64, 0.65, 0.69, and 0.61, respectively, for the 3-question version. The AUROC was 0.71 (95% CL: 0.61, 0.82) and 0.60 (95% CL: 0.48, 0.71) for full and short versions, respectively. Adding a rating of current pain intensity of the chief complaint to the screener improved the AUROC to 0.81 (95% CL: 0.72, 0.89) and 0.77 (95% CL: 0.67, 0.86) for full and short versions, respectively, signifying useful overall accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The 6-question TMD Pain Screener, combined with the patient's rating of current pain intensity of the chief complaint, could be recommended for use in endodontic patients with tooth pain for detecting painful TMD.

Self-reported bruxism in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported awake/sleep bruxism, and orofacial pain with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: A case-control study with a convenience sample was designed. Participants were recruited from a university-based Trauma Ambulatory. The diagnosis of PTSD was established through a clinical interview and the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I/P). Thirty-eight PTSD patients and 38 controls completed the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis-II to categorize awake/sleep bruxism and orofacial pain. Following this, we performed a short clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint and extraoral muscles. RESULTS: Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that awake bruxism was associated with PTSD (OR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.01-11.27, p = 0.047). Sleep bruxism was not associated with any covariate included in the model. In a Poisson regression model, PTSD (IRR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38-6.55, p = 0.005) and the muscle pain/discomfort (IRR = 5.12, 95% CI = 2.80-9.36, p < 0.001) were significant predictors for current orofacial pain. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD was associated with self-reported awake bruxism and low-intensity orofacial pain. These conditions were frequent outcomes in patients previously exposed to traumatic events. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We suggest including a two-question screening for bruxism in psychiatry/psychology interviews to improve under-identification and to prevent harmful consequences at the orofacial level.

[Specificities of orofacial neuropathic pain]. / Spécificités de la douleur neuropathique oro-faciale.

Head pain and notably orofacial pain differs from spinal pain on pathophysiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic levels. Its high prevalence, important impact on quality of life and significant socio-economical burden justify specific study of such type of pain. Among them, neuropathic orofacial pain resulting from disease or trauma of the trigeminal nervous system is among the most difficult types of pain to diagnose and to treat. Deciphering of underlying peripheral and central mechanisms has allowed numerous conceptual, clinical and therapeutic advances, notably the role of neural and non neural cell types, such as glia, immunocytes, vascular endothelial cells or the role of trigeminal sensory complex neural circuitry reconfiguration in the development of post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain. Cellular interactions within the trigeminal ganglion, allowing a better understanding of several painful dental, ocular or cephalalgic comorbidities, are also described.

Title: Spécificités de la douleur neuropathique oro-faciale. Abstract: Les douleurs de la région céphalique ­ et notamment les douleurs oro-faciales ­ diffèrent des douleurs spinales sur les plans physiopathologique, clinique, thérapeutique et pronostique. Leur prévalence élevée, leur fort retentissement sur la qualité de vie individuelle et leur impact économique et sociétal important justifient une étude spécifique. Parmi ces douleurs, les douleurs neuropathiques, résultant d'une maladie ou d'un traumatisme du système nerveux trigéminal, sont parmi les plus difficiles à diagnostiquer et à soigner. L'étude des mécanismes neurobiologiques, périphériques et centraux les sous-tendant a permis de nombreuses avancées conceptuelles, cliniques et thérapeutiques, avec, par exemple, la mise en évidence du rôle des cellules nerveuses et non nerveuses, telles que la glie, les immunocytes, les cellules endothéliales vasculaires ou le rôle de la reconfiguration de la circuiterie nerveuse au niveau du complexe sensitif trigéminal, dans la genèse des douleurs neuropathiques post-lésionnelles. Les interactions cellulaires au sein du ganglion trigéminal, susceptibles d'éclairer la compréhension de certaines comorbidités douloureuses dentaires, oculaires ou céphalalgiques, sont également décrites.

Effects of Two Different Cold Application Methods After Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of two methods of cold application on eye ecchymosis, periorbital edema, pain around the eyes and face, and patient comfort in postoperative rhinoplasty patients. Patients were randomly divided and evaluated in two groups: an ice in disposable latex gloves (IDLG) group and a cooling gel eye mask (CGEM) group. We used the CONSORT checklist to report the study. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, preoperative blood pressure, respiration, fever status, oxygen saturation, or postoperative vital signs. Patients in the IDLG group had significantly higher scores for pain around the eyes, facial pain, and periorbital edema on the first postoperative day, and significantly higher facial edema scores during the first postoperative hour (p ≤ .05). Patients in the CGEM group reported that they slept more comfortably (p ≤ .05). The results of our study showed that CGEMs reduce pain, periorbital edema, and facial edema after rhinoplasty.

Chronic temporomandibular disorder pain patients with a history of neuropathic pain treatment: a narrative research on their diagnosis and treatment history.

The aims of this qualitative research were (1) to gain more insight in the diagnostic and treatment history of patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain; (2) to get a deeper understanding of possible factors that are involved in the possible delay in setting a TMD-pain diagnosis and receiving appropriate treatment; and (3) to get a deeper understanding of the perspectives and experiences of chronic TMD-pain patients on the possible improvement of various aspects of their diagnostic and treatment journey.MethodsIn this narrative research, semi-structured interviews took place with patients who experienced chronic orofacial pain (OFP) for at least three years before getting diagnosed with, and treated for, TMD pain by an OFP specialist in an interprofessional setting.ResultsIn total, ten patients were interviewed in-depth. Patients experienced their chronic OFP in different ways, but all reported a significant impact of their pain on their quality of life. All patients visited numerous health care professionals before their TMD diagnosis was set. Among others, they underwent anti-neuropathic pain medication therapies and invasive surgeries, which did not significantly reduce their chronic OFP. The interprofessional TMD-pain treatment reduced the suffering of the chronic OFP substantially, also 6 months after the start of therapy, and improved the quality of life for all patients. In most of them, the OFP intensity was also decreased.ConclusionChronic TMD-pain patients with a history of neuropathic pain treatment may experience a long journey until receiving the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This stresses the need to improve the implementation of chronic TMD-pain guidelines.

Clinical features of chronic primary pain in individuals presenting painful temporomandibular disorder and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of chronic primary pain (CPP), according to the recently released International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) criteria, refers to conditions with complex aetiologies. CPP is characterized by specific clinical features such as generalized sensory hypersensitivity and widespread pain, and is associated with functional disability and emotional distress. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated clinical features of CPP in individuals with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and comorbidities (fibromyalgia, migraine and/or tension-type headache). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 129 individuals. Painful TMD, fibromyalgia and primary headaches were evaluated based on well-established international criteria. Generalized sensory hypersensitivity was assessed using psychophysical tests. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The Central Sensitization Inventory was applied to assess central sensitization-related symptoms and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index to evaluate the quality of sleep. The presence of widespread pain was assessed using a body map. The sample was stratified into three groups: control (n = 25), TMD-painful TMD only (n = 35) and TMD + Cm-painful TMD and comorbidities (n = 69). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, chi-squared test and ANCOVA, considering gender as a covariate (α = .05). RESULTS: Compared to controls, individuals presenting painful TMD and comorbidities showed lower pressure pain thresholds in all evaluated areas (p ≤ .012) and a higher number of painful areas in the body (p = .001). They presented more symptoms of anxiety (p = .040) and depression (p = .018), and a higher score in the Central Sensitization Inventory (p ≤ .006) than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with painful TMD and comorbidities presented more clinical features of CPP compared to those affected by TMD only.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in clear aligner patients using orthodontic intermaxillary elastics assessed with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) axis II evaluation: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this investigation is to assess the relationship between the utilisation of orthodontic intermaxillary elastics and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms in clear aligner patients and to examine the correlation between the elastic usage time with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)-Axis II Evaluation Forms. METHODS: This study was carried out on a total of 40 clear aligner patients using intermaxillary elastics in the experimental group and 30 clear aligner patients who did not use any intermaxillary elastics in the control group. The data were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Fisher's exact chi-square, and Fisher Freeman Halton exact chi-square tests. RESULTS: The characteristic pain intensity, mastication, mobility, communication, global and PHQ-9 scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < .05). The characteristic pain intensity score, interference score and chronic pain grade score of patients using Class III elastics were statistically significantly higher than those of patients using Class II elastics (p < .05). Patients who used elastics for less than 6 months had statistically significantly higher PHQ-9 scores than those who used elastics for more than 6 months (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment may affect occlusion, bite force and jaw movement, which may cause or worsen TMD symptoms, and the DC/TMD questionnaires can determine if orthodontic patients acquire TMD by assessing their psychosocial state and pain-related problems.

A rare case of vestibular schwannoma manifesting as trigeminal neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: In this case report, the authors reviewed a rare case of a vestibular schwannoma manifesting as trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Intracranial tumors can have a variety of orofacial pain symptoms. Among benign cerebellopontine angle tumors, vestibular schwannoma is the most common cause of a TN-like manifestation. Although the most common symptoms of a vestibular schwannoma are hearing loss and vestibulopathy, the unique feature of this case was the manifestation of symptoms consistent with TN. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient had right-sided episodic facial pain that was short in duration and severe in intensity. The initial differential diagnoses included short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing and TN. As part of the routine evaluation, the patient was referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a right-sided vestibular schwannoma. The patient was prescribed 200 mg of gabapentin 3 times daily and was referred to neurosurgery for excision of the schwannoma. Surgical excision resulted in complete resolution of pain. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This case illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary treatment and how it can lead to an optimal outcome for a patient with complex orofacial pain symptoms.

Lymphoma masquerading as jaw pain, headache, and syncope: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Lymphomas of parapharyngeal space often have complex manifestations, posing a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old man sought treatment for a 4-month history of unresolving right-sided headache and jaw pain associated with syncope, all of which started with a toothache. Since the onset of pain, the patient had undergone multiple diagnostic tests with various specialists, with no pain relief. A detailed clinical and radiologic examination by an orofacial pain specialist revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parapharynx. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: A thorough knowledge of the head and neck anatomy helps in identifying the pathophysiology of complex orofacial pain manifestations, which assists in early diagnosis and treatment.

Facial Pain Triggered by Inferior Turbinate Partial Resection in a Patient with a Previous History of Inferior Meatal Antrostomy: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVES: Inferior meatal antrostomy (IMA) is regarded as a safe method, with minimal complications, for managing various lesions in the maxillary sinus. However, in patients with persisting IMA window, resection of the inferior turbinate may result in direct airflow into the antrum, irritating the antral mucosa. METHODS: Case report and review of literature. RESULTS/CASE: The present report describes a 29-year-old man who previously underwent unilateral IMA for the excision of a dentigerous cyst. The patient did not report any facial pain following the excision of the cyst. One year later, this patient underwent partial resection of the inferior turbinate for the resolution of nasal stuffiness by another surgeon. Soon after surgery, the patient developed severe facial and ocular pain on the side of the IMA, with the pain being especially aggravated upon inhalation. Endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) revealed a persisting IMA window. The patient's severe discomfort was thought to result from direct airflow into the maxillary sinus, as the resected turbinate may have altered normal nasal airflow. A unilateral inferior meatal augmentation procedure (IMAP) with an autologous ear cartilage implant was performed, resulting in complete relief of pain and discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Although IMA alone is a relatively safe surgical procedure, care should be taken when performing inferior turbinoplasty in patients with persistent IMA opening.

Bruxism and oro-facial pain not related to temporomandibular disorder conditions: Comorbidities or risk factors?

INTRODUCTION: Bruxism has historically been of particular interest to the field of dentistry, primarily due to the inferred damage it may cause to the dentition and supporting periodontal structures. The definition of bruxism itself has undergone multiple changes over time. In addition, the effects of bruxism as it relates to oro-facial pain conditions has remained a debatable topic. PURPOSE: To review the available literature relating to bruxism and non-temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain conditions. METHODS: A literature search was conducted with the assistance of an expert librarian. The following databases were reviewed: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. For additional references, articles were also retrieved by hand search from the selected papers. Any articles that were not published in English, or the focus were related to temporomandibular disorders were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: While bruxism and certain headache conditions do tend to occur together frequently, evidence relating to any clear common pathophysiological mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Robust evidence as it relates to the relationship between bruxism and other non-TMD oro-facial pains is also lacking.

Management outcomes of peripontine arteriovenous malformation patients presenting with trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia as the presenting symptom of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) has been rarely reported. Treatment of reported cases has been skewed toward surgery for these scarce, deeply located bAVMs. Here, the authors report their management and outcomes of bAVM patients presenting with ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia (TN) at their institution. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. The authors' institutional bAVM database was queried for non-hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia bAVMs in pontine, cistern, brainstem, trigeminal nerve, or tentorial locations. Patients with complete data were included in a search for trigeminal neuralgia or "facial pain" as the presenting symptom with TN being on the same side as the bAVM. Demographics, TN and bAVM characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of bAVM and TN management were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven peripontine bAVMs were identified; 8 (14.0%) of these bAVMs were discovered because of ipsilateral TN, including 4 patients (50%) with facial pain in the V2 distribution. Five patients (62.5%) were treated with carbamazepine as the initial medical therapy, 2 (25%) underwent multiple rhizotomies, and 1 (12.5%) underwent microvascular decompression. None of the patients with TN-associated bAVMs presented with hemorrhage, compared with 25 patients (51%) with bAVMs that were not associated with TN (p < 0.01). TN-associated bAVMs were overall smaller than non-TN-associated bAVMs, but the difference was not statistically significant (1.71 cm vs 2.22 cm, p = 0.117), and the Spetzler-Martin grades were similar. Six patients (75%) underwent radiosurgery to the bAVM (mean dose 1800 cGy, mean target volume 0.563 cm3) and had complete resolution of TN symptoms (100%). The mean time from radiosurgery to TN resolution was 193 (range 21-360) days, and 83.3% of treated TN-associated bAVMs were obliterated via radiosurgery. Two patients (12.5%) were recommended for conservative management, with one undergoing subsequent rhizotomies and another patient died of hemorrhage during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: TN-associated bAVM is a rare condition with limited evidence for management guidance. Radiosurgery can be safe and effective in achieving durable TN control in patients with TN-associated bAVMs. Despite their deep location and unruptured presentation, obliteration can reach 83.3% with radiosurgery.