Facial pain can be caused by a blow to the face, sinusitis, a dental abscess, headache, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), or even trigeminal neuralgia, which is a type of very intense nerve pain.
In general, a diagnosis is made based on where the pain is located and what other symptoms are present. Other symptoms may include jaw popping or clicking, toothache, vision changes, or nasal drainage.
It is important to consult your doctor or primary care provider if you are experiencing facial pain, especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. A correct diagnosis can help ensure proper treatment.
Main causes
Common causes of facial pain include:
1. Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia involves dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve causing intense facial pain. The pain usually comes on all of a sudden and feels like an electric shock or a stabbing pain.
This condition is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions like chewing.
What to do: treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is done by a neurologist, and typically involves the use of antiepileptic medications that help control episodes of nerve pain. Surgery may be indicated if pain does not improve with these medications.
Also recommended: Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment tuasaude.com/en/trigeminal-neuralgia2. Sinusitis
Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in between the bones of the skull and the face that communicate with the nasal passages.
This inflammation is usually caused by an infection, either bacterial or viral, and can affect one or both sides of the face.
The facial pain associated with sinusitis usually feels like a heaviness that worsens with bending forward. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like headache, runny nose, cough, bad breath, loss of smell, and fever.
What to do: a sinus infection usually lasts for a few days. Your doctor may recommend remedies like nasal rinses, analgesics (pain medicine), rest, and hydration. If a bacterial infection is suspected, you may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Also recommended: 8 Sinusitis Medications (w/ Treatment for Children & Pregnant Women) tuasaude.com/en/sinusitis-medication3. Headache
Headaches can also cause facial pain, especially in the case of migraine or tension headache. Migraine results from dysfunction of the nervous system, while a tension headache involves an increased sensitivity to pain caused by tension in the head and neck muscles.
Facial pain can also be a symptom of a specific type of headache called a cluster headache, which is characterized by a severe, one-sided headache accompanied by swelling or redness of the eye, tearing, and nasal discharge.
As the name suggests, cluster headaches usually come in clusters, occurring during certain times of year or coming and going periodically. While there is some connection to the nervous system, the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown.
What to do: treatment of headaches is done by a primary care provider or a neurologist, and may include the use of analgesics for pain. In the case of cluster headaches, treatment with oxygen or medications called triptans is also indicated to help manage a crisis.
4. Dental problems
Dental problems like periodontitis (gum disease), a cracked tooth, or a deep cavity can affect the nerves, leading to facial pain.
A dental abscess can also cause pain that can radiate to other parts of the face.
What to do: in these cases, it is important to see a dentist who can diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Treatment may involve a dental cleaning, a root canal, and/or the use of anti-inflammatories.
5. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ, is a condition affecting the joint that connects the mandible (jaw) to the skull. Symptoms include pain with chewing, headache, facial pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and jaw popping or clicking.
Some of the most common causes of TMJ are bruxism (teeth grinding), a blow to the jaw, problems with bite or alignment, and nailbiting. These conditions interfere with proper functioning of the jaw joint and can lead to TMJ.
What to do: treatment may be done by a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition to analgesics and muscle relaxers, night guards, dental appliances (like bracers or aligners), physical therapy, and relaxation techniques may be indicated for the treatment of TMJ. Surgery may also be indicated as a last resort.
Also recommended: TMJ Treatment: 6 Ways to Treat Pain tuasaude.com/en/tmj-treatment6. Temporal arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a form of vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the blood vessels that primarily affects people over the age of 50.
Symptoms may include headache; sensitivity in the region supplied by the temporal artery (which can be the right or left side of the face); painful, stiff muscles; weakness or spasm of the jaw muscles (muscles of mastication); loss of appetite; and, in the most serious cases, eye problems and loss of vision.
What to do: treatment is done by an autoimmune specialist called a rheumatologist and typically involves the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, that can decrease inflammation, provide symptom relief, and keep the condition under control.
7. Problems with the ears or eyes
Inflammation in the ear, caused by an ear infection, injury, or abscess, for example, can cause pain that radiates to the face.
Eye inflammation, especially severe inflammation cause by orbital cellulitis, blepharitis, ocular herpes, or a blow to the face, can also cause facial pain.
What to do: it is important to contact your doctor or primary care provider right away for any eye pain. You made need a referral to an ophthalmologist for urgent treatment. Make sure to also contact your doctor if you are experiencing ear pain, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears.
8. Persistent idiopathic facial pain
Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), also known as atypical facial pain, is a rare condition that causes facial pain. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it may be related to altered sensitivity of the facial nerves.
The pain can be moderate to intense, and is usually one-sided. The pain may be constant or come and go. Stress and fatigue may make the condition worse. PIFP may also be associated with other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), low back pain, headaches, anxiety, and depression.
What to do: while there is no specific treatment for PIFP, a combination of antidepressants and talk therapy may be indicated after other causes of facial pain have been ruled out.