Abstract
Background and Overview
Trigeminal neuralgia due to a metastatic lesion is a relatively rare occurrence. These
cases pose a diagnostic challenge for the clinician due to a complex clinical presentation.
Case Description
The authors describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with left-sided facial pain and
occasional numbness. The patient also reported autonomic features associated with
facial pain, facial muscular weakness, and hearing and visual impairment. The patient’s
history of breast cancer, for which she was receiving treatment for bone metastasis,
warranted diagnostic imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging with and without contrast
was performed and revealed a possible metastatic lesion.
Conclusions and Practical Implications
Unusual clinical features must be identified, and prompt appropriate imaging is instrumental
in making at an accurate diagnosis and management plan.
Key Words
Abbreviation Key:
CN (Cranial nerve), IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), TN (Trigeminal neuralgia)
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Biography
Dr. Thomas is an assistant professor, Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, 110 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07101-1709
Biography
Dr. Katzmann is a postgraduate resident, Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ.
Biography
Dr. Singer is the chair, Department of Diagnostic Sciences Director, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ.
Biography
Dr. Pitchumani is a postgraduate resident, Department of Periodontology, Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH.
Biography
Dr. Kohli is a research teaching specialist V, Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ.
Article Info
Publication History
Published online: September 03, 2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected Proof
Footnotes
Disclosures. None of the authors reported any disclosures.
Identification
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2021.06.011
Copyright
© 2021 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.
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