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Vol 34, (8):610 - 704

Atypical facial pain - A diagnostic challenge

Geoffrey Quail, MBBS, MMed, MDSc, DTM&H, DDS, FRACGP, FRACD, FACTM, is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Monash University, and Head, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Southern Health Network, Victoria.

BACKGROUND Facial pain is a relatively frequent cause of presentation to both general medical and dental practitioners. Although in the vast majority of cases the cause is dental disease or tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction, the remaining patients are often difficult to diagnose and treat.

OBJECTIVE This article discusses the differential diagnosis of facial pain and presents three cases of atypical facial pain.

DISCUSSION A detailed history, clinical examination, imaging and laboratory investigations may be required to establish the cause of atypical facial pain. An assessment of the patient’s mental state is mandatory, as depression or psychological overlay is common. In a small number of cases, the diagnosis remains unclear despite detailed investigation. These patients may have their symptoms ameliorated by empirical pharmacological therapy.

Publication Date: 26 July 2005
Authorised By: Australian Family Physician