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. 2014 Jun 4;2014:563786. doi: 10.1155/2014/563786

Table 1.

Differential characteristics of pain in the course of trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Common features of pain in trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions Differential characteristics of pain in the course of trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Trigeminal neuralgia Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions
Increase in pain as a result of activity of facial or masticatory muscles Unilateral location of pain (97%) Bilateral pain
Possibility of pain being located on one side of the face Characteristics of pain: acute and stabbing Characteristics of pain: continuous and dull
Possibility of otolaryngological symptoms Remission of the neuralgic pain during nights Pain may still be present during the nights
Significant reduction in patients' quality of life and the development of depressive disorders The duration of pain: very short, lasting several seconds to several minutes with long periods of remission during the day The duration of pain: long-lasting (several hours) with short intermissions
Pain being radiated into the neighboring regions Pain accompanied by facial muscle convulsions (tics), skin redness, lachrymation Lack of such symptoms