Quality of life outcomes in neuropathic orofacial pain: an umbrella review of therapeutic interventions

Background Neuropathic orofacial pain comprises chronic conditions that severely affect daily function, psychological well-being, and quality of life, yet no umbrella review has synthesized how available treatments influence quality-of-life outcomes.Objective To critically summarize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the impact of therapeutic interventions on quality-of-life–related outcomes in neuropathic orofacial pain.Methods This umbrella review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA 2020. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 2 January 2026. Eligible studies were systematic reviews/meta-analyses of therapeutic interventions for neuropathic orofacial pain reporting quality-of-life or patient-reported outcomes. Quality was assessed with AMSTAR 2 and ConQual.Results Seven systematic reviews were included. Overlap was slight (CCA = 2.14%) and disappeared after adjustment (CCA = 0%). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improved selected patient-reported domains (MD −9.23; 95% CI−11.91 to −6.54). Microvascular decompression showed sustained pain relief, with benefits inferred from satisfaction and functional recovery. Pulsed radiofrequency improved short-term pain/sleep outcomes. Botulinum toxin type A reduced pain but not broader quality-of-life domains.Conclusions These interventions may improve quality-of-life–related outcomes when pain control is sustained, but evidence remains indirect and methodologically limited.Protocol registration PROSPERO, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD420251276623.