Trigeminal trophic syndrome is an uncommon condition that follows damage to the trigeminal nerve.
Distribution: usually the second branch of the trigeminal nerve, but it can involve all three
Clinical features:
(1) skin ulceration, typically on an ala nasi
(2) unilateral numbness, anesthesia or dysesthesia along the affected branch/branches of the trigeminal nerve
The skin ulceration is self-induced but the patient may be unaware of causing it.
Causes of trigeminal nerve damage:
(1) trigeminal ablation
(2) infarction
(3) vertebrobasilar insufficiency
(4) tumor (acoustic neuroma, astrocytoma or meningioma)
(5) spinal cord degeneration
(6) leprosy-related neuritis
(7) Herpes zoster
(8) syringobulbia
(9) post-encephalitic parkinsonism
(10) trauma or surgery
