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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Relief for Occipital Neuralgia at the Nuchal Line
Published on: September 13, 2024
Neuralgia and Atypical Facial, Ear, and Head Pain
Raffaello M Cutri1, Dejan Shakya2, Seiji B Shibata3
1Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1537 Norfolk Street, Suite 5800, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Abstract:
Though there have been considerable strides in the diagnosis and care of orofacial pain disorders, facial neuralgias, and myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome remain incredibly cumbersome for patients and difficult to manage for providers. Cranial neuralgias, myofascial pain syndromes, temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), dental pain, tumors, neurovascular pain, and psychiatric diseases can all present with similar symptoms. As a result, a patient's quest for the treatment of their orofacial pain often begins on the wrong foot, with a misdiagnosis or unnecessary procedure, which makes it all the more frustrating for them. Understanding the natural history, clinical presentation, and management of facial neuralgias and myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome can help clinicians better recognize and treat these conditions. In this article, we review updated knowledge on the pathophysiology, incidence, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and medical management of TN, GPN, GN, and MPDS.
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