Orofacial Pain
A broad clinical category encompassing pain originating in or perceived within the mouth, face, and jaws, which may be of dental, musculoskeletal, neuropathic, neurovascular, or psychosocial origin.
Full Definition
Orofacial pain is a multidisciplinary diagnostic category that includes conditions such as temporomandibular disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, persistent idiopathic facial pain, and neuropathic pain syndromes. The International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP) provides the current nosological framework, aligning with the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). From an editorial perspective, 'orofacial pain' should be hyphenated as an attributive adjective (orofacial-pain specialist) but left open in predicative use (the pain was orofacial). Authors frequently conflate this with 'temporomandibular disorder', which is only one subtype.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as attributive modifier: 'orofacial-pain clinic'. Use open form in all other positions. Define ICOP at first mention.
In Context
- "The patient was referred to the orofacial pain unit for further evaluation of persistent burning and tingling." — Oral medicine referral letter
- "Orofacial pain encompasses a heterogeneous group of conditions that require multidisciplinary assessment." — Textbook chapter introduction