Infratrochlear neuralgia

Abstract

Introduction The infratrochlear nerve supplies the medial aspect of the upper eyelid, the superolateral aspect of the nose and the lacrimal caruncle. This nerve may contribute to the pain stemming from the trochlea, but infratrochlear neuralgia has not been identified as a specific cause of pain. Methods Over a 10-year period we have been recruiting patients with pain in the internal angle of the orbit that did not show features of trochlear pain. Results Seven patients (six female, one male; mean age, 46.1 ± 18.9) presented with pain in the territory of the infratrochlear nerve. The pain appeared in the internal angle of the orbit and upper eyelid ( n = 3), the superolateral aspect of the nose ( n = 3), or the lacrimal caruncle ( n = 1). All patients had a paroxysmal pain, with the attacks lasting five to 30 seconds. Pain attacks were mostly spontaneous, but two patients had triggers. Between attacks, all patients had local allodynia. Pain did not increase with vertical eye movements. Six patients were treated with gabapentin with complete response, and one patient experienced long-lasting relief with an anesthetic blockade of the infratrochlear nerve. Conclusion Infratrochlear neuralgia should be considered as a possible cause of pain in the internal angle of the orbit.