First bite syndrome treated with onabotulinumtoxin A injections.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: First bite syndrome (FBS) is an orofacial pain condition characterized by moderate to severe unilateral facial pain associated with the first bite or taste of food. It is important that dentists and physicians be aware of patient history and examination findings commonly associated with FBS, as well as treatment options available for managing this condition.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Described here is a case of FBS arising in a 43-year-old man after partial parotidectomy for the treatment of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. His orofacial pain was being successfully treated by injection of onabotulinumtoxin A into the residual parotid tissue.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Onabotulinumtoxin A is a promising therapeutic option for FBS owing to its profound relief of pain and minimal reported adverse effects. Therefore, oral health care providers treating FBS should be aware of this option.