Abstract

PERSISTENT IDIOPATHIC FACIAL PAIN - A PROFILE OF 25 CASES

Navneet Kaur Bhatia, Navleen Kaur Bhatia and M.S. Bhatia*

ABSTRACT

Atypical facial pain (or persistent idiopathic facial pain or PIFP) is not an uncommon presentation in a clinical practice. These patients are often inappropriately investigated, incorrectly diagnosed and unsuccessfully managed. The present study describes the profile of 25 patients with atypical facial pain or PIFP. Majority of patients were in age-group of 36-40 years and women. The duration of pain was from 5 weeks to 9 months. Pain was bilateral in 66% cases and in upper jaw, extending to cheek, eyes or temple (84%). Depression was the commonest diagnosis (44%) followed by Somatoform disorder (24%) and anxiety disorder (20%). Antidepressants or anxiolytics were successfully used in the treatment.

Keywords: Atypical facial pain, Persistent idiopathic facial pain, Etiology, Symptomatology, Management.