PIFP is usually described as daily pain present for more than two hours a day over more than three months. It is often poorly localised and does not follow the exact distribution of a single nerve.
The older term atypical facial pain is still sometimes used, but PIFP is the preferred classification term.
The diagnosis should be made only after relevant dental, medical and neurological causes have been considered.
Under formal diagnostic criteria, neurological examination is normal and a dental cause has been excluded by appropriate examination and investigations.
Assessment may involve a dentist, GP, oral medicine specialist, neurologist or pain service.
The history should include previous dental work, trauma, surgery, pain distribution and the effect of touch or movement.
PIFP should not be used as a quick label before adequate assessment.
Management often combines clear explanation, avoidance of unnecessary procedures, medicines used for persistent pain when appropriate and pain-management support. Psychological therapies may help with sleep, distress, activity and the impact of persistent pain alongside medical care. Their use does not mean that the pain is imagined.
Treatment may aim to reduce pain, improve daily function and lessen distress.
Treatment should be agreed with an experienced clinician and reviewed for benefit and side effects.
Normal tests do not mean the pain is not real. A consistent care plan can reduce repeated investigations and conflicting advice.
Track function, sleep, food, activity and treatment response, not only pain scores.
Living with persistent pain and normal test results can be isolating and can lead to repeated searching for an explanation.
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.
No. PIFP is usually persistent and poorly localised; TN typically causes brief electric shock-like attacks.
No. Persistent pain can exist without a visible structural abnormality.
Only when there is a clear dental diagnosis. Repeated irreversible treatment can worsen unexplained pain.
It can help with coping, sleep, activity and distress alongside medical care. It does not imply the pain is imaginary.
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.
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