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

 

When visiting your doctor, make sure that you tell them:

• what part of your face is hurting
• how often you feel pain
• exactly where the pain is coming from
• what kind of pain you feel
• how long the pain lasts
• what relieves the pain
• any other symptoms experienced

Your doctor may order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI scan to make a diagnosis. These imaging tests are useful in diagnosing problems within the bones, muscles, and tissue. Your doctor can also use an X-ray to check the sinuses.

Your doctor may take a blood sample to test for certain infections. This is a procedure with minimal pain that involves drawing blood from your arm.

If your symptoms reveal a possible eye condition or if your doctor is concerned you may be having heart problems, they’ll order additional tests.