Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain

Abstract

Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) is an enigmatic condition which has caused a great deal of suffering yet has been difficult to define and remains a challenging disorder to treat. In addition, the presentation of PIFP has considerable overlap with many other causes of facial pain making the malady a diagnostic challenge. The condition is often resistant to treatment and patients often have comorbid syndromes or psychological factors. This chapter reviews the history and development of the current diagnostic criteria of PIFP according to the latest edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Using a case-based approach, the pathophysiology, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment options of PIFP are explored.