Facial Pain can arise from 4 documented medical conditions. Understanding the clinical context helps identify urgent causes early.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, often following a cold or allergy. It causes facial pain, nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. Acute sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks; chronic sinusitis persists over 12 weeks.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is sudden, unilateral facial nerve paralysis causing drooping of one side of the face, inability to close the eye, and loss of taste. Most cases resolve within 3-6 months; corticosteroids started within 72 hours improve outcomes.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain along the trigeminal nerve distribution. It is one of the most painful conditions known; carbamazepine is the first-line treatment.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are one of the most painful conditions, causing severe unilateral pain around one eye, accompanied by tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness. They occur in cyclical patterns (clusters) and respond to oxygen therapy and triptans.
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