Mental Neuropathy

Synonyms:

a.k.a. numb chin syndrome

Diagnosis:

This is a clinical syndrome diagnosed by signs and symptoms. The underlying cause is determined by investigations and clinical correlation. The distal branches of the trigeminal nerve V3 are affected.

Clinical features:

Unilateral numb chin
+/-anaesthesia of chin & lower lip

Investigations to consider:

Imaging for underlying neoplasm
Mandible X-ray: assess for local disease
CT Mandible: assess for local disease tumors, osteomyelitis
+bone scan if CT is negative