Facial Pain

Background: Facial pain is a common symptom that may be a feature of a primary headache disorder or a secondary feature of organic disease. A thorough clinical history and physical examination may reveal the characteristic clinical features and assist in diagnosis. However, in some cases, the etiology may remain indeterminate. Review Summary: In this article, we summarize the clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and current therapies of trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, dental root pain, temporomandibular dysfunction and facial pain of unknown origin (atypical facial pain). Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of facial pain is extensive and includes potentially sinister, as well as other treatable underlying etiologies, consequently, a thorough diagnostic evaluation should be performed when the cause is not clear from the history or physical examination.