• V Pfaffenrath, M Rath, W Keeser, and W Pöllmann.
• Neurologische Praxis, München.
• Nervenarzt. 1992 Oct 1;63(10):595-601.

AbstractAtypical facial pain is generally an unclearly defined pain syndrome. We tested in 35 patients (31 women, 4 men) with a mean age of 53.2 +/- 14.9 years and a chronic facial pain syndrome the quality of the new diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS), at the same time using the SCL-90-R (Self-Report Symptom Inventory), to identify any associated psychopathology. In accordance with the literature there is a marked female preponderance, an altogether vague description of symptoms and a long history of incorrect diagnoses. Of note is the high number of invasive procedures (3.5 +/- 3.0). In agreement with the IHS commentary, an operation or injury to the face was a suspected cause in 43%. In contrast to the IHS criteria, we found in our patient sample dysaesthesia (63%), bilateral occurrence (37%), remission periods (57%), pain attacks (23%) and presence of superficial as well as deep pain. Depression is by no means the only psychopathological abnormality in atypical facial pain; a broad spectrum of complaints is seen. The IHS classification appears insufficient to separate atypical facial pain from other primary headache and facial pain syndromes. We therefore suggest a modified version of the IHS criteria for atypical facial pain.

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