Dr. Roach: I have a burning tongue. Ive had it since my 40s. Im now 84 years old. I could cook an egg on my tongue. It never goes away. Any ideas? C.B.
Answer: Burning mouth syndrome is the term used to describe a burning sensation in the mouth when no medical or dental cause can be identified. It is most common in women after menopause, and symptoms may be only on the tongue or even just the tip of the tongue. It sometimes is associated with a dry mouth or with abnormal taste sensation.
Some authorities believe it is related to trigeminal neuralgia.
No treatment is effective for everyone, but a tricyclic antidepressant (such as amitriptyline, which works on pain fibers), gabapentin and pramipexole have been effective for some people. A neurologist might be a useful consultant, since your doctor was remarkably unhelpful and lacking in curiosity.
