Hot towel massage relieved a 7 years orofacial pain – a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis and management of orofacial pain of non-odontogenic origin has always been a challenge to dentists. Inaccurate diagnosis would result in delay of treatment and in cases of orofacial pain, affects patient’s quality of life. Temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome is the most common temporomandibular disorder that presents to dental clinics. Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux is a relatively rare condition that causes electric shock-like pain when the trigger zone is stimulated by triggering factor. Case report: A case of temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome in a 52 years old Indian lady that was managed as trigeminal neuralgia for 7 years is presented. Conclusion: The aim of this case report is to make dentists aware of the signs and symptoms of different orofacial pain, so that early and accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment instituted.