Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
The midfacial segment pain: little known disorder in need of scientific evaluation
Marcin Straburzyński1, Adrian M Agius2, Magdalena Boczarska-Jedynak3
1Department of Family Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland.
Despite its inclusion in the International Classification of Orofacial Pain, tension-type orofacial pain has little support in the scientific literature. However, a similar-in-phenotype orofacial pain perceived in the middle segment of the face has been described by few case series from mostly ear, nose and throat clinics. The authors of these descriptions used the term 'midfacial segment pain'. Patients had no significant sinonasal disorder in these studies, but experienced symmetrical pain perceived mostly over the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. No aura or autonomic symptoms were present apart from mild nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea in some individuals. This description appears similar to tension-type headache, but with midfacial location. In this viewpoint, we indicate a need to fill this gap in scientific knowledge and propose a multicentre interdisciplinary study that would give a detailed description of this type of orofacial pain.
Despite its inclusion in the International Classification of Orofacial Pain, tension-type orofacial pain has little support in the scientific literature. However, a similar-in-phenotype orofacial pain perceived in the middle segment of the face has been described by few case series from mostly ear, nose and throat clinics. The authors of these descriptions used the term 'midfacial segment pain'. Patients had no significant sinonasal disorder in these studies, but experienced symmetrical pain perceived mostly over the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. No aura or autonomic symptoms were present apart from mild nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea in some individuals. This description appears similar to tension-type headache, but with midfacial location. In this viewpoint, we indicate a need to fill this gap in scientific knowledge and propose a multicentre interdisciplinary study that would give a detailed description of this type of orofacial pain.
Related Concept Videos
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Pain
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

