[Importance of diagnosis in facial pain]

The diagnosis and treatment of facial pain remains a great challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. By taking an exact anamnesis--especially a pain anamnesis--and by starting specific examinations the patient can quickly be recommended to a qualified therapist. The pain syndromes are classified according to the IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain). The pain syndromes the maxillofacial surgeon is most frequently confronted with--idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain and the temporomandibular joint--are described. The necessity of a multidisciplinary examination is emphasized and the different diagnostic investigations are illustrated, particularly in the case of myo-arthropathy. Beside the analysis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a radiologic examination is performed. In some cases the advise of a neurologist, ophthalmologist or otolaryngologist may be indicated.