Keywords: Facial pain, orofacial pain, headache, migraine, chronic migraine, primary headache, temporomandibular disorder, TMD, TMJ, and trigeminal neuralgia.

There can be many causes of facial pain, including temporomandibular disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, and an injury to the face or simply a sinus infection. Diagnosing them could be difficult for a practitioner let alone the patient themselves. Correct diagnosis is very important in treating and managing facial pain. Dr. Stan Farrell, who is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain as well as a member of the American Headache Society, is one of the best choices for your temporomandibular joint disorder treatment. Dr. Stan Farrell also uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to erase the pain caused by TMD in the lives of his patients. If you suffer from headaches, TMD, and or facial pain, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Stan Farrell at 480-945-3629 or visit us online at www.headpaininstitute.com for more information.

Hegarty AM1, Zakrzewska JM. 1Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield S10 2ZS.

Abstract: Correct diagnosis is the key to managing facial pain of non-dental origin. Acute and chronic facial pain must be differentiated and it is widely accepted that chronic pain refers to pain of 3 months or greater duration. Differentiating the many causes of facial pain can be difficult for busy practitioners, but a logical approach can be beneficial and lead to more rapid diagnoses with effective management. Confirming a diagnosis involves a process of history-taking, clinical examination, appropriate investigations and, at times, response to various therapies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although primary care clinicians would not be expected to diagnose rare pain conditions, such as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, they should be able to assess the presenting pain complaint to such an extent that, if required, an appropriate referral to secondary or tertiary care can be expedited. The underlying causes of pain of non-dental origin can be complex and management of pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach.