FACIAL / HEAD PAIN
There are a large number of conditions that are covered under the terms facial or head pain. For instance, this comprises headaches (including migraines and tension headaches), as well as medical conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. Facial pain can also be associated with injuries.
Three-quarters of adults worldwide experience headaches every year and about 30% recount having a migraine. Individuals who have headaches at least half the month count for 2 to 4% of the population. Trigeminal neuralgia impacts about 12 in 100,000 people each year.
There are a large number of conditions that are covered under the terms facial or head pain. For instance, this comprises headaches (including migraines and tension headaches), as well as medical conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. Facial pain can also be associated with injuries.
Three-quarters of adults worldwide experience headaches every year and about 30% recount having a migraine. Individuals who have headaches at least half the month count for 2 to 4% of the population. Trigeminal neuralgia impacts about 12 in 100,000 people each year.
Since there are many types of head and facial pain, the risk factors cover a lot of ground. For instance, the risk factors for trigeminal neuralgia can include:
- Aneurysm
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
For headaches, the risk factors are different and composed of a huge number of possibilities. Some more common risk factors are:
- Anger, fatigue, or stress
- Allergies
- Anxiety or depression
- Colds or upper
- respiratory infections
- Cystic fibrosis
- Missing meals
- Sleep issues
- Alcohol use
- Nasal issues
- Use of certain medications
- Immune system problems
- Menstruation
- Changes in weather or altitude
- Strong scents
- Facial injuries
- Bright lights
The risk factors can be different between types of headaches, as well. For instance, allergies can cause a higher risk of sinus headaches, cluster headaches occur more often in those who smoke tobacco.
Headache symptoms also range in type and severity. Migraines may cause a visual aura and sensory and visual disturbances, while cluster headaches create a burning sensation near the temples and eyes. Tingling and numbness, swollen eyes, runny noses, and nausea are other symptoms of headache.
For trigeminal neuralgia, the main symptom is pain similar to an electric shock on the left or right of the face. Attacks may be spontaneous or triggered by speaking, chewing, or brushing teeth. Over time, the attacks start to happen more often and greater pain is felt.
The treatment needed for facial and head pain will largely depend on the diagnosis. For instance, some people with trigeminal neuralgia will be prescribed medications. Others may need to have surgery. Balloon compression, radiofrequency lesioning, and glycerol injections can also be used to alleviate the pain.
Some people who have headaches may rest at home, use compresses, and try medications for the issue. Others may benefit from oxygen therapy, nasal sprays, injectable medications, and physical therapy.
Modern Pain Consultants offers a wide variety of treatment options for facial and head pain. We will determine the source so the pain through an assessment and exam before recommending minimally invasive procedures to alleviate your pain. Treatments can rid you of pain and let you get back to an active life.
For trigeminal neuralgia, the main symptom is pain similar to an electric shock on the left or right of the face. Attacks may be spontaneous or triggered by speaking, chewing, or brushing teeth. Over time, the attacks start to happen more often and greater pain is felt.