ESR Essentials: imaging of facial pain-practice recommendations by the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology.

Facial pain is frequently cited in medical literature as one of the most prevalent neurological complaints, alongside headaches. The clinical manifestations of these two conditions often share similarities. The diagnosis of orofacial pain syndrome can be made using the criteria specified in the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP). In many instances, a thorough patient history and clinical assessment provide sufficient information to suggest a potential cause. Nonetheless, identifying the origin of the pain can be challenging due to the complex innervation of facial and oral structures. The oral cavity, especially dental components, is typically the primary source of orofacial pain. If dental issues are ruled out, imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck may be utilized to confirm the diagnosis. In certain situations, the pain may be classified as idiopathic, meaning that even advanced diagnostic approaches may not reveal the underlying source. Facial pain poses a daily challenge for both clinicians and radiologists. KEY POINTS: Orofacial pain is frequent in population-based studies. The oral cavity is typically the primary source of orofacial pain. CT or MRI may be used selectively in non-odontogenic facial pain after clinical evaluation when a structural cause is suspected.