Neuropathic orofacial pain – diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Chronic neuropathic orofacial pain (OFP) is the leading symptom for a wide range of conditions. It can exist independently of any addition signs, symptoms and radiological or laboratory abnormalities. In addition to physical suffering, OFP causes emotional, psychological and social disturbances and thus significantly influences the quality of life of those affected. Several key factors make OFP a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. These include a lack of diagnostic criteria that are both validated and readily applicable in clinical settings and a lack of sufficient education about pain in undergraduate medical training programs. There is also a need to develop more analgesic therapies offering improved efficacy and side effect profiles. Finally, the provision of analgesic therapies by health insurance programs need to be harmonized with the most current evidence-based treatment protocols. In addition to offering recommendations in these areas, this paper provides an overview of the most common clinical forms of nonodontogenic OFP, epidemiological data, and current diagnostic and therapeutic options