Facial pain can be caused by a variety of causes. Here is a list of some sources of facial pain that is similar to trigeminal pain. For a full list, please discuss with your doctor.
Unlike the classical trigeminal neuralgia where the attacks are a few seconds to minutes, the atypical trigeminal neuralgia has a symptom of a dull aching or background pain for hours.
Dental pain and trigeminal neuralgia are two conditions that can cause facial pain and may be easily confused. Dental pain is localized to one or more teeth and can be caused by tooth decay, infection, or trauma. Patients may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling, and gum tenderness. Dental pain can often be treated with dental procedures, such as fillings or root canals, or pain medication.
On the other hand, trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. The pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like and typically affects one side of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, or touching the face, and can be disabling.
Ear, nose, and throat pain (ENT pain) typically involves discomfort or pain in the head, neck, or face region. This type of pain can be caused by several factors, including inflammation, sinus infection, and ear infections. Trigeminal neuralgia, on the other hand, is a chronic pain syndrome that affects the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face. This condition causes brief episodes of severe shooting pain that can last for a few seconds to several minutes. It is often described as an electric shock-like pain that affects either side of the face. Unlike ENT pain, trigeminal neuralgia is not typically associated with other symptoms, such as congestion or fever.
Cluster headaches are severe, debilitating headaches that typically occur in clusters or patterns over a period of weeks or months. They are characterized by a sudden onset of intense pain, usually centered around one eye or one side of the head. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing or piercing sensation, similar as in trigeminal neuralgia. In cluster headache the pain is accompanied by other symptoms including eye watering, runny nose, and sweating, which does not happen with trigeminal pain.
Atypical migraine is a type of migraine that presents differently from typical migraines. Unlike typical migraines, atypical migraines may not involve a headache or involve a headache that is less severe. They can also cause visual, auditory, or sensory disturbances, also known as an aura, that lasts longer than usual. Although the migraines come in attacks, it differs from trigeminal neuralgia from the location and duration of pain
Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is a condition in which there is pain in the joints and muscles that control the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing, headaches, and other facial pain. The pattern of TMJ pain is obviously related with the jaw movement, while trigeminal neuralgia can also be triggered by other activities without jaw movement.