SENSORY NERVE DISTURBANCES FOLLOWING MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA -A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The study was designed to evaluate the incidence and duration of the recovery of post-traumatic and postoperative sensory disturbances with the help of standard neurosensory tests. And, to compare which nerve, site and age group is most likely to suffer from neurosensory disturbances.

Materials & methods:

Neurosensory tests included pin-prick, blunt and two-point discrimination test. Sensory function was evaluated in 25 patients affected by maxillofacial trauma pre-operatively, 1st week, 2nd week and 3rd week post-operatively. Non-traumatized area was used as control and the responses of the two sides were compared.

Conclusion:

The conventional clinical examination methods were quite significant according to the statistics provided. Around 84% of patients had altered sensation before the surgery showing that it is less likely paraesthesia develops later but in fact improves post-surgery. Most of the patients belonged to young age group, v3 being the most commonly involved secondary to mandibular fractures.