[Thermoprofile analysis of the face for diagnosing trigeminal nerve lesions].

In the framework of differential diagnosis thermography as a non-invasive method has gained in importance. 34 patients suffering from lesions of the trigeminal nerve were examined by our method of thermoprofile analysis of the facial skin. In those lesions where perception disorders were dominant hypothermia occurred, while those lesions where pain was preponderate showed hyperthermic changes. The temperature of the facial skin, however, only shows a small difference compared to the skin of the trunk and the extremities. Therefore, our method of thermoprofile analysis should not be used as a single diagnostic test but as an objective screening procedure for nerve lesions in the facial area.