Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause recurrent attacks of pain and other symptoms. Facial pain may occur as part of a migraine attack.
The pain can be one-sided or bilateral and may be throbbing, pressing or aching. Some people first seek dental or sinus treatment because the pain is felt in the face.
A clinician must distinguish migraine from dental disease, TMD, cluster headache, TN and other causes.
Diagnosis is based on the pattern, duration, associated symptoms and examination. A headache diary can be helpful.
Imaging is not needed for every typical migraine, but may be considered when red flags, abnormal examination or an unusual pattern are present.
Dental or ENT assessment may be needed when symptoms strongly suggest those areas.
Treatment may include acute medicines taken during attacks, preventive treatment when attacks are frequent or disabling, and management of sleep, meals and other individual factors.
Overuse of acute pain or migraine medicines can worsen headache frequency, so medicine use should be reviewed.
A GP or headache specialist should advise on treatment, pregnancy safety, interactions and preventive options.
Keep a diary of timing, duration, facial location, associated symptoms, medicines and recovery. Avoid rigid trigger restriction unless a consistent personal trigger is clear.
Migraine can affect work, caring responsibilities and social life even when facial pain is the most noticeable symptom.
Migraine can affect work, caring responsibilities and emotional wellbeing even when facial pain is the main symptom.
Support for sleep, anxiety, low mood and coping can sit alongside medical treatment. It does not mean the pain is imagined.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental-health help that is not an immediate emergency, use NHS 111 and select the mental-health option where available.
Yes. Migraine pain can be referred into the face, but dental and jaw causes must be checked when appropriate.
In some people, facial pain is a prominent part of the migraine presentation. Careful clinical assessment is needed because dental disease, TMD, sinus disease and other facial pain conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Many people labelled with sinus headache have migraine, especially when there is nausea or light sensitivity without clear infection symptoms.
Yes. Timing, duration, symptoms, medicines and effect on activity can help diagnosis and treatment review.
Other facial pain conditions and useful information
This information is for general guidance and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional.
What 567 people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain told TNA UK Pain is usually recorded at the point of care. Much of its impact happens somewhere else: at […]
