Is Your Facial Pain a Sign of a Neurological Disorder?

When most people think of facial pain, they assume it’s caused by a dental issue, sinus infection, or maybe even a migraine. But what if the pain is sharp, electric, and seemingly triggered by something as simple as brushing your teeth or smiling? You could be dealing with a rare but treatable neurological condition called trigeminal neuralgia.

At BASS Medical Group, our neurology specialists help diagnose and manage conditions like trigeminal neuralgia that affect the nerves of the face and head. Here's how to recognize if your facial pain may have a neurological cause.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It can cause sudden, severe, shock-like pain—often described as stabbing or electric—on one side of the face.

Key symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:

• Intense, stabbing pain lasting seconds to minutes
• Pain triggered by mild stimuli like washing your face, talking, or chewing
• Spasms or twitching in facial muscles during an episode
• Pain isolated to the cheeks, jaw, mouth, or—in rare cases—the eyes or forehead
• Pain usually affecting only one side of the face

Other Causes of Facial Pain

Not all facial pain is neurological. Before a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia can be made, other causes must be ruled out, including:

• Migraines – May cause pain around the eyes or forehead
• Sinus infections – Create pressure or discomfort in the face
• Dental problems – Such as impacted wisdom teeth or tooth abscess
• Salivary gland infections – Can cause swelling and tenderness

If traditional treatments like decongestants or pain relievers aren’t working—or if the pain feels electric or one-sided—it’s time to consult a neurologist.

When to See a Neurologist for Facial Pain

You should see a doctor if your facial pain:

• Occurs frequently or has no clear cause
• Doesn’t improve with standard treatments like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Is described as sudden, stabbing, or electric
• Affects your ability to eat, speak, or go about daily life

At BASS Medical Group, our providers may begin with a neurological exam to test facial reflexes and sensitivity. Imaging such as MRI scans may also be ordered to rule out underlying causes like multiple sclerosis or tumors.

Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatable?

Yes—facial nerve pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia is very treatable, and most people respond well to medication.

Common treatments include:

• Anticonvulsant medications – To calm abnormal nerve activity
• Muscle relaxants – In some cases, to reduce spasms
• Minimally invasive procedures – Such as radiofrequency ablation or glycerol injections
• Surgical options – For severe or drug-resistant cases, microvascular decompression may be considered

Early diagnosis is key to improving quality of life and avoiding prolonged discomfort.

Specialized Neurological Care at BASS Medical Group

If you’re experiencing unusual facial pain that hasn’t responded to typical treatments, don’t ignore it. The neurology specialists at BASS Medical Group can help you find the root cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Serving patients across Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakland, and the Greater Bay Area.
Schedule an appointment today to get expert neurological evaluation and lasting relief.