This article describes the anatomy and function of the mandibular nerve and the conditions that can adversely affect it.
It also explains how injuries are treated and what is involved in rehabilitation.
The mandibular nerve is the largest division.
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Dental procedures are also common causes of mandibular nerve injury along with facial trauma and certain medical procedures.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a long-term pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve.
In severe cases, trigeminal neuralgia may be accompanied by jaw stiffness or locking.
It rarely affects both sides of the face.
This can cause severe, shooting nerve pain in some instances and throbbing pain or numbness in others.
One of the procedures that commonly causes mandibular nerve injury is awisdom tooth extraction.
This can also cause numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
Other Causes
Radiation therapyused to treatoral cancersorhead and neck cancerscan also damage parts of the mandibular nerves.
On the flip side, the spread of cancer to the median pterygoid muscle can have the same effects.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatories, such as steroids or ibuprofen, and possibly surgical repair.
The recovery time can also vary by the cause and severity of the injury.
The mandibular nerve is vulnerable to injury leading to nerve pain known as trigeminal neuralgia.
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Trigeminal neuralgia fact sheet: how is trigeminal neuralgia treated?
