Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is an unusual presentation of painless facial ulceration with associated facial anaesthesia and paraesthesia. The syndrome stems from injury to branches of the trigeminal nerve. TTS can also be triggered by conditions such as ischaemic strokes and herpes zoster virus....
No actionable change for audiology practice; however, audiologists and otolaryngologists should be aware of trigeminal trophic syndrome as a differential diagnosis when encountering patients with unexplained facial ulceration and numbness following trigeminal nerve injury.
Trigeminal trophic syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed, and recognising its hallmark presentation can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and guide appropriate neurological referral.
- 01Trigeminal trophic syndrome arises from trigeminal nerve branch injury and causes painless facial ulcers, facial numbness (anaesthesia), and abnormal sensations (paraesthesia).
- 02The condition is rare and commonly mistaken for infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease.
- 03Published in BMJ Case Reports; evidence is limited to a single case description.
- 04Recognition of the characteristic facial ulceration pattern is key to diagnosis.
- 05No effective standardised treatment is described; management focuses on wound care and addressing the underlying nerve lesion.
Trigeminal trophic syndrome presents with a recognisable pattern of painless facial ulceration, anaesthesia, and paraesthesia arising from trigeminal nerve injury.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42185017
- DOI
- 10.1136/bcr-2025-270507.
- Journal
- BMJ Case Reports
- Publication type
- case_report
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Single patient presenting with trigeminal trophic syndrome
- Intervention
- Clinical characterisation and pattern recognition of trigeminal trophic syndrome
Primary outcomes
Description of diagnostic presentation pattern of trigeminal trophic syndrome