Facial Pain Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for facial pain is extensive and can be categorized into several groups. Here's a breakdown of the possible causes:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition is characterized by sudden, severe, and shock-like pain in the face, typically triggered by light touch or other stimuli. It's a common cause of facial pain, especially in older adults.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tension Headache: Tension headaches can cause facial pain, especially in the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. They're often associated with muscle tension and stress.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw, face, and temples, often accompanied by clicking or locking of the jaw.
- Dental Problems: Dental issues like toothaches, abscesses, or gum disease can cause facial pain, especially if the problem is severe or left untreated.
- Sinusitis: Sinus infections can cause pain and pressure in the face, especially in the cheeks and forehead.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, headache, and facial pain. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition can cause facial pain, especially in the temples, and is associated with a high risk of vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: This rare but life-threatening condition can cause facial pain, especially in the forehead and cheeks, and is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever and vision changes.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple Sclerosis: This condition can cause facial pain, especially in the form of trigeminal neuralgia, although it's a less common symptom.
- Lyme Disease: Lyme disease can cause facial pain, especially in the form of meningitis or encephalitis, although it's a rare manifestation of the disease.
- Sphenoid Sinusitis: Infection of the sphenoid sinus can cause facial pain, especially in the forehead and behind the eyes, although it's a rare condition.
- Raeder's Syndrome: This rare condition is characterized by facial pain, especially in the forehead and temples, and is often accompanied by other symptoms like ptosis and miosis.