Facial Pain and Headaches

Facial pain and headaches are two conditions that often seem to go hand in hand. While there are several causes of these types of pain, two reasons you may suffer facial pain and related headaches include underlying dental problems, such as cavities or misalignment of the teeth, and neuralgia, a nerve disorder in the face.

Dental Problems

A whopping 80% of all headaches suffered by Americans are caused by muscle tension. But what does muscle tension have to do with dental problems, you may ask. Some of this muscle tension which causes headaches can be attributed to having a “bad bite.” This simply means the teeth don’t meet correctly when the mouth is closed.

Headaches which are caused by dental problems generally involve the muscles. These muscles can begin to hurt after they are tight for a period of time. The pain of a headache triggered by dental problems can be described as a dull ache that surrounds the head like a band. The pain can also be felt on either one or both sides of the head. This type of headache can be easily relieved with aspirin.

Symptoms of Headaches Caused by Dental Problems

• Pain behind the eyes
• Tired, sore jaw muscles upon waking in the morning
• Frequent teeth grinding
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the jaws
• Head and scalp that is tender or painful to the touch

Headaches Caused by Neuralgia

While any type of facial pain can be miserable, there is one that can make the sufferer deviate from his normal routine to avoid the pain. This type of pain is usually described using terms such as intense, piercing or stabbing and often comes and goes. While this type of facial pain is most often felt in the jaws or cheeks, it can also affect the eyes or forehead. In 97% of headache cases, the pain is only felt on one side of the face. The headache with facial pain can start with a stabbing pain which may last for only a few moments, or can persist for hours or even days. The stabbing pain is generally replaced by a dull, prolonged ache.

The medical term for this facial pain is Trigeminal neuralgia or TGN. Neuralgia is generally described as extreme pain that comes directly from a nerve. In the case of TGN, the trigeminal nerve if affected. This nerve runs along each side of the face. This nerve splits into three nerves, thus the name trigeminal. The purpose of these nerves is to transport the feelings of touch and pain from the face, teeth and mouth to the brain. While the causes of TGN pain are not fully understood, it is believed the pain is caused when blood vessels expand and press directly on this nerve.

Women and people over the age of 50 are those most often affected with TGN. However, it is not unknown for children to suffer with this facial pain. During TGN, the face becomes so sensitive that even the slightest touch can trigger pain. In an effort to avoid the pain, TGN sufferers often stop washing their faces, stop shaving, and may even resort to not eating just to avoid starting the pain.

Treatment

While there are no diagnostic tests for TGN, its symptoms are quite distinct. If you describe your symptoms fully, your doctor will recognize the disorder. Over-the-counter painkillers will not treat TGN; instead, your doctor will probably prescribe an anticonvulsant type drug such as the ones used to treat epilepsy in order to treat your condition. This type drug seems to help control the pain of TGN by slowing down the nerve impulses which carry the pain from your face to your brain. Once you start taking it, the drug will typically require two or three days to begin working. If you suffer constantly from severe TGN pain, the best option may be surgery. Your surgeon will perform a procedure that will help to relieve the pressure on the trigeminal nerve.

Conclusion

Facial pain is one common cause of headaches. One of the causes of this facial pain is dental problems such as cavities or badly aligned teeth. The easiest way to solve these problems is to see a good dentist or orthodontist for treatment.

Facial pain which leads to headaches can also come from a nerve disorder known as trigeminal neuralgia. An anticonvulsant drug or even surgery may be required to treat and relieve this disorder.

Whichever form of facial pain and headaches you suffer, there is treatment available if your consult your doctor. Remember, however, you must give him all the information you can for him to properly treat your facial pain and headaches.

Facial Pain and Headaches