Use of botulinum toxin type A injection for neuropathic pain after trigeminal nerve injury

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present a case that neuropathic pain following traumatic injury of the inferior alveolar nerve, which was relieved by the injection of BTX-A.

DESIGN: Case report.

SETTING: Tertiary care University hospital.

SUBJECT: A 62-year-old female was referred by her general dentist to our clinic due to numbness and pain over the left side of her lower lip and chin region.

INTERVENTION: Botulinum toxin type A injected into the middle of chin area subcutaneously.

RESULTS: At 1 month after BTX-A injection, the affected area had decreased in size. And at 2 months, the patient reported a slight decreased in pain, and CPT differences being sustained at a reduced level.

CONCLUSIONS: This case report suggests an effective new modality for treating neuropathic pain after trigeminal nerve injury. A further randomized controlled study involving a large number of patients is needed.