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Primary BMS Diagnosis — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral MedicinePrimary BMS DiagnosisNDEB AFK

A patient reports a 'burning' or 'scalded' sensation of the tongue bilaterally with no visible mucosal abnormality. All secondary causes have been excluded. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Glossodynia (primary burning mouth syndrome)

Primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS, glossodynia, stomatodynia) is defined as an intraoral burning or dysaesthetic sensation, recurring daily for >2 hours/day over >3 months, without clinically evident causative lesions. It is a diagnosis of exclusion — all secondary causes (nutritional deficiency, candidiasis, xerostomia, diabetes, contact allergy, medication side effects, parafunctional habits) must be excluded. Primary BMS is now classified as a neuropathic pain condition. Treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy, low-dose clonazepam (topical or systemic), and alpha-lipoic acid.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016