Pain Over the Face & Head
Pain Over the Face & Head
Pain Over the Face & Head can include a headache or an underlying infection or problem in the neck, teeth or jaw. Nerve disorders and certain chronic conditions can also cause pain in the head and face. The pain might be dull, throbbing, or sharp, and discomfort might be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or nausea. Common head and facial pain causes and conditions include migraine and tension headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, neuralgia and TMJ.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) causes knotted muscles with a dull ache that can radiate to the teeth, jaw, or ears, making it difficult to open the mouth widely or chew without pain. MPS has various causes, including grinding the teeth, clenching the jaw, trauma to the jaw, or infection. This condition can also be caused by stress, anxiety, or even a nutritional deficiency.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located on both sides of the head right in front of the ears, connects the lower jaw to the skull. It allows you to eat and speak by opening and closing the jaw. The abbreviation “TMJ” refers both to the joint itself and to a group of disorders that can affect this portion of the jaw. More common among women than men, TMJ has many possible causes ranging from teeth grinding to arthritis or congenital structural problems within the jaw. This can make it difficult to diagnose. TMJ causes stiffness and pain in the face, jaw, and neck, along with clicking and locking of the jaw.
- Sinusitis can be one of the causes.
- Migraine secondary to sinusitis is also not uncommon
Diagnosis:
- History
- DNE
- CT Scan of PNS if undiagnosed or if planning for surgery
Treatment:
- Medical if acute