Painful Post-traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy Treatment in Regular Practices – A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Health Care Centre

Background: Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) is a severe cranial nerve disorder often overlooked or misdiagnosed, despite its clear delineation in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 Beta). It typically presents as recurrent, unilateral facial pain following trauma or dental procedures, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Objective: To investigate diagnostic and treatment errors in PTTN management and assess clinical strategies based on disease progression over time. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (February–August 2024) at a tertiary healthcare centre in Varanasi. Using a 15-item questionnaire, 505 patients with suspected PTTN were evaluated during consultations or follow-ups. Participants predominantly hailed from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with some from Nepal. A PubMed literature search supported the study’s background and rationale. Results: Of the 505 patients (295 females, 210 males; all >18 years), the majority were misdiagnosed with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. Common errors included delayed diagnosis, mismanagement, and medication misuse. Conclusion: PTTN remains underdiagnosed and mismanaged despite its well-defined characteristics, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and enhanced medical education. Larger studies are warranted to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.