What you may feel
- Burning or electric pain in part of the face, lip, jaw or mouth.
- Tingling, numbness or altered touch sensation may occur.
- Light touch, washing the face or cool air may feel uncomfortable.
- Pain may be continuous or episodic, depending on the nerve problem.
- A link with injury, shingles or a procedure helps guide assessment.
How it is assessed
Assessment considers dental and ENT causes, nerve distribution and previous procedures.
Record the pain location, attack duration and frequency, possible triggers and medicines used. Mention previous dental or other procedures.
Approaches to care
Care depends on the specific type. Repeated dental procedures without a confirmed dental cause should be reconsidered.
Track not only pain intensity but attack frequency and impact on daily life. Review medication changes and treatment response with your clinician.
When to seek urgent help
A sudden unusually severe headache, new speech or vision problems, weakness, altered consciousness, or a stiff neck with fever need emergency care.
Further reading: UT Southwestern Medical Center
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.