Neuropathic-nociceptive pain in ENT diseases: persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Abstract

Chronic craniofacial pain poses a considerable health burden, leading to severe physical, psychological, and social consequences, as well as substantial economic costs through healthcare expenditure and productivity loss. The foundational step in managing craniofacial pain, characterized by similar symptoms with diverse underlying causes, is an accurate diagnosis. A contemporary approach to understanding craniofacial pain emphasizes a comprehensive biopsychosocial perspective in pain management, integrating diagnostic codes from various modern classification systems. Continuous advancements and the smooth integration of recent diagnostic codes, along with AI systems, into daily medical practices are notable areas to watch for potential enhancements in the diagnosis and treatment planning for craniofacial pain in the future. A multidisciplinary approach that embraces these recent advances seems to be the appropriate path for clinicians to pursue in this field.