When ORN develops, it typically starts as a small area of mucosal
breakdown with exposure of the underlying bone. As ORN progresses,
patients often develop trismus, neuropathic pain, and
chronic drainage. Additionally, these patients usually experience
the full spectrum of collateral damage from radiation therapy
(i.e. xerostomia, chronic trismus, dysgeusia, dysphagia, decreased
tongue mobility). These extremely difficult problems, in combination
with symptoms from ORN, often leave patients physically and
emotionally disabled. Furthermore, the treatment of ORN can be
frustrating for these already fragile patients because they often
must endure repeated interventions without a clear end in sight
(i.e. multiple debridements and HBO therapy).