Facial pain is common and often the result of headaches and injuries. However, other causes of facial pain include nerve conditions, jaw and dental problems, and infections.
Facial pain can originate from a specific area of the face, or it may radiate from another part of the head.
Doctors often categorize facial pain into one of several types, including:
- dental pain, which relates to problems with the teeth and gums
- nerve pain, or neuralgia, which relates to conditions that affect the facial nerves
- temporomandibular pain, which relates to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles of the jaw
- vascular pain, which occurs due to issues with blood vessels and blood flow
There are many different types of headache, a number of which can also cause facial pain. Some of these headaches include:
- Ice pick headaches cause a sharp, stabbing pain. These bouts of intense pain typically last for around 3 seconds and can affect the temples, eye sockets, and sides of the head.
- Cluster headaches usually occur very suddenly and can be extremely painful. They cause a burning pain around the eyes and temples that sometimes radiates toward the back of the head. Other symptoms can include a runny nose and red, swollen eyes.
- Migraine headaches are sudden and severe and may only affect one part of the head. Around one-thirdTrusted Source of people with migraine also experience an aura before the physical pain starts. As well as visual and sensory disturbances, an aura can also cause tingling and numbness on one side of the face, body, or both.
People who experience recurring headaches should consider seeing a doctor. Treatment varies depending on the type of headache but can include making suitable lifestyle changes and taking certain medications to prevent painful episodes and reduce symptoms.
