Trigeminal neuralgia and burning mouth syndrome
Oral Medicine and Radiology · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
Light touch on the cheek triggers electric pain; teeth test normal. Why is extraction the wrong answer? Trigeminal neuralgia is neuropathic - the nerve misfires; removing healthy teeth can't fix a nerve and creates new pain. Students learn the cardinal rule: normal dental tests plus trigger-zone electric pain equals neurology referral (carbamazepine first-line) - the drill never treats neuralgia.
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