What Is Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain?
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Could I Have Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain?
If you have intense, constant facial pain that has been misdiagnosed and you’re still looking for answers, you may want to understand more about Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP). This condition is similar to more commonly known conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia or Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain, and the subtle differences in symptoms can cause Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain to be overlooked as a potential source of your pain.
What Are The Symptoms?
Patients with Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP) report symptoms such as:
- Intense facial pain
- Constant pain that can vary in intensity
- Pain described as aching, throbbing, or burning
- Patients typically do not lose sensation or experience numbness
What Are The Causes?
While the causes of the condition can vary, patients also suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or myofascial pain syndrome may have a higher incidence of PIFP.
How Does PIFP Differ From Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain or Trigeminal Neuralgia ?
It’s important to understand the distinction between Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain, Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain, and Trigeminal Neuralgia as sometimes these conditions can be confused, leading to misdiagnosis.
In Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain patients often
Have had previous trauma or infections affecting the trigeminal nerve or its branches
Have pain resulting from surgery in the area
Have identifiable sensory loss or have been diagnosed with Anesthesia Dolorosa and experience a complete loss of sensation related to the trigeminal nerve
In Trigeminal Neuralgia patients experience
Episodic pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, tongue, or lips.
Pain described as a shock or jolt
Pain only last a few seconds or minutes
Episodes tend to increase in severity and become more pronounced over time
Pain commonly affects one side of the patient’s face at a time. However, in rare cases, pain can occur on both sides usually at different times
How Is This Condition Treated?
Pain medications are largely ineffective in the treatment of PIPF. Dr. Alain de Lotbinière can help you manage or relieve your pain through the use of innovative and advanced treatments such as
How Dr. Alain de Lotbinière Can Help
If you have been suffering from persistent facial pain that has been unresponsive to treatment or you believe you have been misdiagnosed, turn to Dr. de Lotbinière. An expert in the diagnosis and treatment of complex pain conditions, Dr. de Lotbinière can provide the expertise and answers you deserve. Schedule an appointment at either his Connecticut or New York offices today!