Face pain: 8 possible causes and what to do

There are several causes for pain in the face, ranging from a simple blow, infections caused by sinusitis, a tooth abscess, as well as headaches, dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or even trigeminal neuralgia, which is a pain that arises in a nerve of the face and is very strong.

If the pain in the face is intense, constant or comes and goes frequently, it is recommended to see a general practitioner or family doctor so that the first evaluations can be made and, if necessary, order tests, so that you can identify what causes the discomfort. and then indicate the treatment or referral to a specialist.

Generally, the location of the face where the pain appears and the presence of associated symptoms, such as a jaw crack, tooth pain, vision change, ear pain or nasal discharge, for example, can give the doctor tips on what it is about, facilitating the investigation.

Despite the countless causes of facial pain, here are some of the main ones:

1. Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia or neuralgia is a dysfunction that causes severe pain in the face, which appears abruptly, like an electric shock or a sting, caused by damage to a nerve called trigeminal, which sends branches responsible for helping chew and give sensitivity to face.

What to do: Treatment is indicated by the neurologist, usually with antiepileptic drugs, which work by controlling episodes of nerve pain. In cases where there is no improvement with treatment with drugs, surgery may be indicated. Better understand the treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis, or rhinosinusitis, is the infection of the sinuses, which are cavities filled with air between the bones of the skull and face, and which communicate with the nasal cavities.

Usually, the infection is caused by viruses or bacteria, and can reach only one or both sides of the face. The pain is usually like a feeling of heaviness, which gets worse when lowering the face, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, runny nose, cough, bad breath, loss of smell and fever.

What to do: the infection lasts a few days, and some of the doctor's guidelines are nasal washes, pain killers, rest and hydration. In case of suspected bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is advised. Check out more details about sinusitis symptoms and treatment.

3. Headache

The headache can also cause sensitivity in the face, which can arise in cases of migraine, in which there are dysfunctions in the nervous system, or in tension headache, in which there is an increase in the sensitivity of the muscles of the head and neck by tension.

Face pain is also characteristic of a specific type of headache, called cluster headache, which is characterized by very severe pain on one side of the skull and face, accompanied by redness or swelling of the eye, tearing and runny nose.

Cluster headaches usually appear in crises that may occur at certain times of the year or that come and go periodically, however, although it is known that there is a connection with the nervous system, the exact causes that lead to its appearance are still not fully understood..

What to do: Headache treatment is guided by the neurologist, and includes medicines such as pain relievers. In the case of cluster headaches, inhalation of oxygen or a medicine called Sumatriptan to control seizures is also indicated. Learn more about features and how to treat cluster headache.

4. Dental problems

Inflammation of the tooth, such as periodontitis, a cracked tooth, a deep cavity that affects the tooth's nerves or even a dental abscess, can cause pain that can also be radiated to the face.

What to do: in these cases, the treatment is indicated by the dentist, with techniques such as cleaning, root canal treatment and use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example. Find out more about how caries treatment is done.

5. Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction

Also known by the acronym TMD or TMJ pain, this syndrome occurs due to a disorder in the joint that joins the jaw to the skull, causing signs and symptoms such as pain when chewing, headache, pain in the face, difficulty in opening the mouth and crackles in the mouth. jaw, for example.

Problems that prevent the correct functioning of this joint can cause TMD, and one of the most common causes is bruxism, having had a blow in the region, changes in the teeth or bite and the habit of biting nails, for example.

What to do: the treatment is guided by the buccomaxillary surgeon, and in addition to analgesics and muscle relaxants, the use of sleeping plates, orthodontic appliances, physiotherapy, relaxation techniques or, lastly, even surgery is also indicated. Check out more about treatment options for TMJ pain.

6. Temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis is a vasculitis, a disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels due to autoimmune causes, and that mainly affects people over 50 years of age.

Symptoms may include headache, tenderness in the region through which the temporal artery passes, which may be on the right or left side of the skull, pain and tightening of the body's muscles, weakness and spasms of the masticatory muscles, in addition to poor appetite, fever and, in the most severe cases, eye problems and loss of vision.

What to do: after the disease is suspected, the rheumatologist will recommend treatment, especially with corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, which can decrease inflammation, relieve symptoms and control the disease well. The confirmation of temporal arteritis is done with clinical evaluation, blood tests and biopsy of the temporal artery. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of temporal arteritis.

7. Changes in eyes or ears

An inflammation in the ear, caused by otitis, an injury or an abscess, for example, can cause pain that radiates to the face, making it more sensitive.

Inflammation in the eyes, especially when intense, such as caused by orbital cellulitis, blepharitis, herpes oculare or even by a blow, can also cause pain in the eyes and face.

What to do: the ophthalmologist's evaluation is necessary, if the pain starts in one or both eyes and also the otorhin, if the pain starts in the ear or is accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus.

8. Persistent idiopathic facial pain

Also called atypical facial pain, it is a rare condition that causes pain in the face but that still has no clear cause, and is believed to be related to changes in the sensitivity of the facial nerves.

The pain can be moderate to severe, and usually appears on one side of the face, and can be continuous or come and go. It can be worsened with stress, tiredness or be associated with other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, headache, anxiety and depression.

What to do: there is no specific treatment, and it can be performed with the association of the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy, indicated by the doctor after the investigation and exclusion of other causes.