Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

The Korean Dental Society of Anesthsiology (대한치과마취과학회)
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Peripheral nerve blocks for acute trigeminal neuralgia involving maxillary and mandibular branches: a case report

  • Ricardo Luiz de Barreto Aranha (Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) / Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain - Department of Dentistry, Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens (HMOB)) ;
  • Renata Goncalves Resende (Faculty of Medicine Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) / Stomatology - Department of Dentistry, Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens (HMOB)) ;
  • Fernando Antonio de Souza (Multiprofessional Health Residency at Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens (HMOB))
  • Received : 2023.09.24
  • Accepted : 2023.10.30
  • Published : 2023.12.01
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Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is neuropathic pain that affects the trigeminal nerve branches. Facial pain experienced by patients with TN is typically intense and excruciating. The second and third branches (maxillary and mandibular) are commonly affected. This case report focuses on the potential treatment options for acute TN attacks involving these branches. The proposed approach involves extra-oral peripheral blocks using local anesthetics. Pain levels were measured using a visual numeric scale (VNS) with potential side effects and other relevant documented information. The patients showed responses from high pain levels to almost complete remission (from 8 to 2 and from 10 to 2 on the final VNS), with no significant side effects. This technique provides immediate pain relief and complements oral medications by offering comfort and confidence until the desired drug effect is achieved.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the management of Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens (HMOB), BH/MG, Brazil for providing personnel and all necessary resources for data collection. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the patients, whether directly involved in this study or not, for their commitment and contribution. Their willingness to provide data and support scientific advancement is greatly appreciated.

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