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Facial pain associated with cardiac origin
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|February 27, 2018
Summary
Facial pain can be an unusual symptom of ischemic heart disease. Prompt diagnosis and pharmacotherapy led to complete resolution of symptoms in a patient presenting with atypical facial pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD) typically presents as chest pain, but can manifest as referred pain to the face.
- Facial pain, particularly in the mandibular or periorbital region, can be an atypical presentation of cardiovascular disease.
- Prompt recognition of this association is crucial for effective management and to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the association between atypical facial pain and ischemic heart disease.
- To present a case study of a patient with facial pain ultimately diagnosed as cardiovascular in origin.
- To emphasize the importance of considering cardiac causes in patients with unexplained facial pain.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 57-year-old male patient presenting with chronic, severe facial pain.
- Diagnostic evaluation included a comprehensive assessment at an Oral and Maxillofacial Pain Center.
- Treatment involved pharmacotherapy guided by cardiovascular disease diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced severe, sharp pain in the mandibular, periorbital, and neck regions, exacerbated by physical activity.
- Diagnostic workup suggested an association between the facial pain and underlying cardiovascular disease.
- Pharmacotherapy resulted in complete resolution of the patient's facial pain symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Facial pain associated with exercise and relieved by rest, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, warrants thorough investigation for cardiac causes.
- Atypical facial pain can be a presenting symptom of ischemic heart disease.
- Considering cardiovascular disease in the differential diagnosis of facial pain is essential for identifying rare and potentially fatal conditions.
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