What are the features of persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP)
Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), formerly called as an atypical facial pain
According to ICHD-3, the diagnostic criteria are the following:
“A) Pain in the face, present daily and persisting for all or most of the day, fulfilling criteria B and C;
B) Pain is confined at onset to a limited area on one side of the face, and is deep and poorly localized;
C) Pain is not associated with sensory loss or other physical signs;
D) Investigations including X-ray of face and jaws do not demonstrate any relevant abnormality.”
“Note: Pain at onset is commonly in the nasolabial fold or side of the chin, and may spread to the upper or lower jaw or a wider area of the face and neck.”
Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) has a lifetime prevalence of perhaps 0.03% with a female:male ratio of 2:1.
