Recurrent idiopathic trigeminal sensory neuropathy.

Idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy is a rare disorder characterized by transient sensory disturbances in the territory of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Acute and chronic forms of the disease have been recognized, but to our knowledge no recurrent cases have been reported. Two cases of recurrent idiopathic trigeminal sensory neuropathy are reported. The patients presented sensory alterations limited to the territory of the trigeminal nerve in the absence of other clinical features. In both cases sensory disturbances began in the tongue and lips and later spread throughout the face. The whole trigeminal nerve territory was involved in the first patient, but in the second patient only the second and third trigeminal branches were affected. There was no muscle weakness or pain, and the corneal reflex was present in both patients. The first patient recovered completely after 3 months, but the symptoms recurred in a similar fashion 3 years later. In the second patient the symptoms occurred each winter for more than 10 years. The conditions in these two patients could be considered as recurrent idiopathic forms of trigeminal sensory neuropathy.