Fig. 2

Z-score QST profiles of the tongue in patients with BMS. A Z-score of 0 means the score is the same as for the mean of the healthy subjects. It can also be negative or positive indicating loss or gain of function. Filled-circles represent the QST profiles of the tongue for all patient’s suffering from burning mouth syndrome. Open circles show the QST profile of all patient’s foot. Z-Score range represents physiologic values of healthy volunteers. The profile shows a predominant small fiber deficit; which is possible a conditioning input to central neurons and thus mediates cold hyperalgesia and also Pinprick hypoalgesia. For DMA and PHS there was no significant difference. (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001)