Facial pain - A diagnostic challenge

Facial pain is one of the most common neurological complaints together with headache, and back and abdominal pain. In most cases, the aetiology can be ascertained from a detailed history and examination. However, the source of pain may be obscure as oral and facial structures frequently have multiple innervations, and referred pain to the ear is common. The oral cavity, particularly dental structures, is the most common source of facial pain; patients should be referred for a dental assessment when pain is precipitated or aggravated by thermal change or eating.

The aim of this article is to provide a framework for assessment of patients presenting with facial pain.

This paper examines the aetiology, diagnosis and management of non-dental/oral mucosa causes of facial pain.