Comparison of Clonazepam and Tongue Protector in the Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome. 2022

Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
Department of Periodontology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.

BMS is a chronic pain syndrome affecting the oral mucosa. It consists of experiencing a burning or dysesthetic sensation. BMS prevalence varies, with up to 15% among women. An effective treatment is still unattainable. A total of 60 patients with BMS qualified for a randomised trial, divided in two groups: the clonazepam-treated and tongue protector group. Treatment was provided for 4 weeks in both groups. In the former, the oral dosage of clonazepam 0.5 mg; in the latter, a tongue protector was used. Clinical oral examination was performed, and the presence of taste disorder and pain intensity, on the visual analogues scale, were recorded. Psychological domains were explored with the Beck depression inventory (depression), Athens insomnia scale (insomnia), Eyesenck personality questionnaire-revised (personality traits), and WHO quality of life questionnaire (quality of life). Complete recovery was observed in three patients after clonazepam and one patient after tongue guard treatment. A greater improvement in the VAS scores, from baseline to the control values, was demonstrated in the clonazepam group, and it was statistically significant. In women, the level of depression significantly correlated with all domains of quality of life. BMS is an ongoing multi-specialist challenge. The development of new pathophysiological concepts of BMS offers hope for more effective treatment. Considering the influence of BMS on the quality of life and mental disorders in most patients, further research on the possibilities of therapy seems to be very important.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007319 Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders Disorders characterized by impairment of the ability to initiate or maintain sleep. This may occur as a primary disorder or in association with another medical or psychiatric condition. Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep,Insomnia,Sleeplessness,Chronic Insomnia,DIMS (Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep),Early Awakening,Insomnia Disorder,Nonorganic Insomnia,Primary Insomnia,Psychophysiological Insomnia,Rebound Insomnia,Secondary Insomnia,Sleep Initiation Dysfunction,Transient Insomnia,Awakening, Early,Dysfunction, Sleep Initiation,Dysfunctions, Sleep Initiation,Insomnia Disorders,Insomnia, Chronic,Insomnia, Nonorganic,Insomnia, Primary,Insomnia, Psychophysiological,Insomnia, Rebound,Insomnia, Secondary,Insomnia, Transient,Insomnias,Sleep Initiation Dysfunctions
D011788 Quality of Life A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral, social environment as well as health and disease. HRQOL,Health-Related Quality Of Life,Life Quality,Health Related Quality Of Life
D002054 Burning Mouth Syndrome A group of painful oral symptoms associated with a burning or similar sensation. There is usually a significant organic component with a degree of functional overlay; it is not limited to the psychophysiologic group of disorders. Burning Mouth Syndromes,Mouth Syndrome, Burning,Mouth Syndromes, Burning,Syndrome, Burning Mouth,Syndromes, Burning Mouth
D002998 Clonazepam An anticonvulsant used for several types of seizures, including myotonic or atonic seizures, photosensitive epilepsy, and absence seizures, although tolerance may develop. It is seldom effective in generalized tonic-clonic or partial seizures. The mechanism of action appears to involve the enhancement of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID receptor responses. 2H-1,4-Benzodiazepin-2-one, 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-,Klonopin,Antelepsin,Rivotril,Ro 5-4023,Ro 54023
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014059 Tongue A muscular organ in the mouth that is covered with pink tissue called mucosa, tiny bumps called papillae, and thousands of taste buds. The tongue is anchored to the mouth and is vital for chewing, swallowing, and for speech. Tongues

Related Publications

Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
September 2011, Oral diseases,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
January 2001, The Annals of pharmacotherapy,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
May 1986, Dental update,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
April 2022, Oral diseases,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
January 2010, The Clinical journal of pain,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
December 2009, Australian dental journal,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
April 2003, Postgraduate medicine,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
July 1981, Ear, nose, & throat journal,
Jacek Zborowski, and Tomasz Konopka
August 2015, Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society,
Copied contents to your clipboard!