Der Nervenarzt
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Atypical 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. ⋯ 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.