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Trigeminal neuralgia versus atypical facial pain

1996; Elsevier BV; Volume: 81; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s1079-2104(96)80018-7

1528-395X

Jens C. Türp, John P. Gobetti,

Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research

Trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain are common conditions of facial pain. Although these two painconditions are classically well separated in textbooks, a straightforward diagnosis may not always be possible because of the overlapping clinical signs and symptoms. In this article, a comparison and differentiation between the clinical and diagnostic features of these two pain conditions are presented. The general characteristics, etiologic characteristics, pathophysiology, differential diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options of trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain are described. A case report demonstrates the difficulties that can arise in the diagnosis and differentiation between the two disease entities. The article underscores the responsibility clinicians have in correctly diagnosing and managing patients with facial pain conditions. Trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain are common conditions of facial pain. Although these two painconditions are classically well separated in textbooks, a straightforward diagnosis may not always be possible because of the overlapping clinical signs and symptoms. In this article, a comparison and differentiation between the clinical and diagnostic features of these two pain conditions are presented. The general characteristics, etiologic characteristics, pathophysiology, differential diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options of trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain are described. A case report demonstrates the difficulties that can arise in the diagnosis and differentiation between the two disease entities. The article underscores the responsibility clinicians have in correctly diagnosing and managing patients with facial pain conditions.