Trigeminal neuropathy

Question 1

Prevalence

Answer 1

• rare

Question 2

CS & aetiology

Answer 2

• sudden onset dropped jaw
• jaw easy to close manually with no pain
• no known aetiology, not thought to be traumatic but often reported as such

Question 3

Diagnosis

Answer 3

• if you can exclude TMJ problems and masticatory myositis (should be painful and usually cannot open the jaw) then can make a presumptive diagnosis
• no definitive diagnostic test

Question 4

Tx & prognosis

Answer 4

• usually respond to conservative therapy and return of function in 4-6w
• need to support eating and drinking