A case of facial myofascial pain syndrome presenting as trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Facial pain has many causes, including idiopathic factors, trigeminal neuralgia, dental problems, temporomandibular joint disorders, cranial abnormalities, and infections. However, the clinical diagnosis of facial pain is sometimes difficult to establish because clinical manifestations commonly overlap. The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is based solely on clinical findings. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the patient history and a thorough physical examination are essential. This case describes a patient with facial myofascial pain syndrome involving the right zygomaticus, orbicularis oculi, and levator labii muscles, which presented as trigeminal neuralgia. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;107:e29-e31)