Effects of “trigeminal training” on trigeminal sensitivity and self-rated nasal patency

PURPOSE: Patients with the feeling of a congested nose not always suffer from an anatomical obstruction but might just have a low trigeminal sensibility, which prevents them from perceiving the nasal airstream. We examined whether intermittent trigeminal stimulation increases sensitivity of the nasal trigeminal nerve and whether this effect is accompanied by subjective improvement of nasal breathing. METHOD: Thirty-five patients (M(age) = 58.4 years; SD = 14.8; Min(age) = 21 years; Max(age) = 79 years; 43% females) and 30 healthy controls (M(age) = 36.7 years, SD = 14.5; Min(age) = 20 years; Max(age) = 73 years; 60% females) participated in a study comprised of two sessions separated by “trigeminal training”. During each session, trigeminal sensitivity towards CO(2), trigeminal lateralization abilities and ratings of nasal patency were assessed. Age and training compliance were controlled. RESULTS: “Trigeminal training” had a positive effect on trigeminal sensitivity in both groups, (p = .027) and this effect depended on the training compliance (p < .001). “Trigeminal training” had no effect on lateralization abilities of the subjects (p > .05). Ratings of nasal patency increased in patients (p = .03), but not in controls. CONCLUSIONS: “Trigeminal training” consisting of intermittent presentation of diverse stimulants leads to an increase of trigeminal sensitivity, but this effect depended on the training compliance. Importantly, in patients, this training is also associated with an increase in self-rated nasal patency.