The brain’s pain relay system is the Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis (TNC). Most all pain associated with the head, neck, jaw, and face pass through the TNC. The central nervous system can often become damaged due to injury and or infection from dental procedures. This can lead to orofacial pain or trigeminal neuropathic pain and should be diagnosed and treated by an orofacial pain specialist. Conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), Headaches, Migraines, and Jaw pain are just a few of many conditions that should be addressed by a specialist. Dr. Stan Farrell, whose office is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain, making him one of the best choices for your Orofacial pain symptoms. He uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to improve the lives of his patients by erasing the pain caused by these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing headaches, face and or neck pain, please contact Dr. Stan Farrell at 480-945-3629 or at www.aztmj.com to schedule a consultation.
Romero-Reyes M, Uyanik JM. Orofacial and Head Pain Service , Department of Orofacial and Maxillofacial pathology Radiology and Medicine, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract: Some of the most prevalent and debilitating pain conditions arise from the structures innervated by the trigeminal system (head, face, masticatory musculature, temporomandibular joint and associated structures). Orofacial pain (OFP) can arise from different regions and etologies. Tempromandibular disorders (TMD) are the most prevalent orofacial pain conditions for which patients seek treatment. Temporomandibular disorders include a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or both. Trigeminal neuropathic pain conditions can arise from injury secondary to dental procedures, infection, neoplasias, or disease or dysfuction of the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Neurovascular disorders, such as primary headaches, can present as chronic orofacial pain, such as in the case of facial migraine, where the pain is localized in the second and third division of the trigeminal nerve. Together, these disorders of the trigeminal system impact the quality of life of the sufferer dramatically. A multidisciplinary pain management approach should be considered for the optimal treatment of orofacial pain disorders including both non-pharmacological and pharmacological modalities.
