Facial Pain

Causes of facial pain can range from jaw disorders and migraines to nerve conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. The board-certified neurologists at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute’s offices in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia, have extensive experience determining facial pain’s cause. They offer comprehensive patient care, including treatments like nerve blocks to relieve facial pain. Call your nearest Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute office to request an appointment or book online today.

What is facial pain?

Facial pain happens when nerves in your face or head are irritated, damaged, or not working properly. This kind of pain often feels sharp, burning, or electric-like and can come on suddenly or be long-lasting.

Common causes of facial pain include:

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve (neuropathic) disorder. It causes sudden, severe facial pain, usually on one side. Even mild touch, talking, or brushing your teeth can trigger the pain.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

This type of neuralgia causes pain that affects your throat, back of your tongue, and ear. It’s linked to irritation of a nerve in your throat.

Postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that stays after a shingles infection, often affecting your face or scalp.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

MS affects your brain and spinal cord. It can sometimes damage your facial nerves.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

TMJ causes pain in the joint attaching your jaw to your skull.

Migraines

In addition to severe headaches, migraines can sometimes cause facial pain.

Facial pain may also be due to sinus infections that cause pressure and pain around your nose and cheeks or dental issues like tooth infections and gum disease.

How is facial pain diagnosed?

To diagnose facial pain, the Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute team completes a full exam, asks about your symptoms, and analyzes your medical history. Tests may include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRIs detect nerve damage, tumors, or conditions like multiple sclerosis.

CT scan

CT can help rule out other facial pain causes like sinus or bone issues.

Electromyography (EMG) nerve testing

EMG checks how well your facial nerves and muscles are working.

What facial pain treatments are available?

Facial pain treatments include:

• Anti-seizure medications (like carbamazepine or gabapentin) to calm nerve signals
• Antidepressants that help reduce nerve pain
• Nerve block injections to numb the painful area
• Lifestyle changes, including stress management and gentle face care

In rare cases, you may need surgery such as microvascular decompression if the problem is severe and other treatments don’t work.

If you experience facial pain that’s sudden, intense, or keeps coming back — especially if it’s triggered by touch or movement — visit Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute. Early treatment improves your quality of life and prevents symptoms from worsening, so call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.