Key Info:
- Atypical Facial Pain may be a part of other chronic pain disorders and often associated with chronic headaches, fatigue & sleep disorder
- 10-20% population may suffer from Facial Pain during their lifetime
- Investigations to rule out a sinister cause of pain
- Pain intensity may wax and wane with time
- Neuro destructive procedures certainly not recommended, as they can make pain worse
- Condition often misdiagnosed and under diagnosed
“Please ask us, if you need more information, at the time of Pain Consultation. Your GP or Practice Pharmacist could be able to advise you further if needed”
Atypical Facial Pain:
• Also called as ‘Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain’• Dull ache or burning pain affecting cheeks, eyes, tooth or jaw
• Pain extends to neck or scalp
• Altered sensations in the mouth
• Background pain between episodes
• Affects one side more than the other
• Aggravated by stress, low mood & cold weather
• Affects women more than men
• Caused by: Sensitised nerves, myofascial triggers, previous injury, previous surgery.
Conditions mimicking Atypical Facial Pain:
• Trigeminal Neuralgia• Post Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (after dental procedures)
• Dental Pain
• Sinusitis
• Cluster headache
• Temporo Mandibular Disorder
• Anaesthesia Dolorosa
Investigations:
• MRI of Brain and Trigeminal nerve roots• Dental assessment
• ENT assessment
Conservative management:
• Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline• Duloxetine, Venlafaxine
• Pregabalin, Gabapentin
• Baclofen
• Dental splints
• Physiotherapy
• Self-management program
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
• Peripheral Nerve Blocks (Mental, Infraorbital, Supraorbital)• BOTOX to Trigger Areas
• Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
• Stellate Ganglion Block