Facial pain

Facial pain can come from teeth, sinuses, the jaw joint or the nerves of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition causing brief electric-shock-like pain.

Common symptoms

• Sudden stabbing or electric-shock pain on one side of the face
• Pain triggered by touching the face, chewing or brushing teeth
• Constant aching around the jaw or cheek
• Pain with clicking of the jaw

How it is assessed

The doctor examines the face, jaw and nerves and may ask for dental review or an MRI scan to look for a cause.

Possible options

• Specific nerve-pain medicines, which often help trigeminal neuralgia
• Jaw care and physiotherapy for jaw-joint pain
• For selected patients: nerve blocks or radiofrequency treatment of the facial nerve
• Referral to a surgeon when an operation may be suitable

What to keep in mind

Medicines can cause side effects such as drowsiness and doses need adjusting. Procedures may give long but not always permanent relief, and can leave numbness.

Next step

Note what triggers the pain and see your dentist if you have not already, then request an assessment.

General information only. Your doctor will advise what suits you.