Quality of life outcomes in neuropathic orofacial pain: an umbrella review of therapeutic interventions

Background: Neuropathic orofacial pain comprises chronic conditions that severely affect daily function, psychological well-being, and quality of life, yet no umbrella review has synthesized how available treatments influence quality-of-life outcomes. Objective: To critically summarize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the impact of therapeutic interventions on quality-of-life–related outcomes in neuropathic orofacial pain. Methods: This umbrella review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA 2020. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 2 January 2026. Eligible studies were systematic reviews/meta-analyses of therapeutic interventions for neuropathic orofacial pain reporting quality-of-life or patient-reported outcomes. Quality was assessed with AMSTAR 2 and ConQual. Results: Seven systematic reviews were included. Overlap was slight (CCA = 2.14%) and disappeared after adjustment (CCA = 0%). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improved selected patient-reported domains (MD −9.23; 95% CI−11.91 to −6.54). Microvascular decompression showed sustained pain relief, with benefits inferred from satisfaction and functional recovery. Pulsed radiofrequency improved short-term pain/sleep outcomes. Botulinum toxin type A reduced pain but not broader quality-of-life domains. Conclusions: These interventions may improve quality-of-life–related outcomes when pain control is sustained, but evidence remains indirect and methodologically limited. Protocol registration: PROSPERO, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD420251276623.