Serum Biomarkers and Their Clinical Correlates in Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the serum biomarker levels in patients with painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTTN) and explore the associations between these biomarkers and the clinical and psychological characteristics of the patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients with PPTTN were included. Serum levels of various cytokines and neurotrophic factors were measured. Patients were assessed for clinical and psychological characteristics, including pain severity, pain interference, numbness severity, and symptom duration as well as psychological factors using validated questionnaires. Results: No significant differences in serum biomarker levels were found based on age, sex, pain severity, pain interference, or type of injured nerve after adjusting multiple comparisons. Significant differences were observed in interleukin-8 (IL-8) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels based on symptom duration, with higher levels in patients whose symptoms lasted for more than 6 months. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between clinical and psychological variables. Pain outcomes were more strongly associated with psychological factors than with serum biomarkers. Conclusion: IL-8 and BDNF may be biomarkers for disease progression in PPTTN based on symptom duration, with pain outcomes more related to psychological factors rather than serum biomarker levels, highlighting the need for psychological support in management.