Trigeminal trophic syndrome

Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is a rare consequence of central or peripheral trigeminal nerve injury, characterized by the classic triad of unilateral anesthesia, paresthesia, and ulceration. Most cases are preceded by iatrogenic injury to the trigeminal nerve. Other causes include stroke, head trauma, intracranial tumors, herpes virus infection, and degenerative central nervous system illnesses. Some cases are idiopathic. Limited information exists regarding pathogenesis, although neurotrophic factors and altered sympathetic activity are implicated. Self-mutilation is widely considered pivotal. We report a patient with TTS who presented with numbness, paresthesia, and a unilateral ulcer of the right forehead following herpes zoster infection.