title: [Atypical facial pain--quality of IHS (International Headache Society) criteria and psychometric data].
abstract: Atypical facial pain is generally an unclearly defined pain syndrome. We tested in 35 patients (31 women, 4 men) with a mean age of 53.2 +/- 14.9 years and a chronic facial pain syndrome the quality of the new diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS), at the same time using the SCL-90-R (Self-Report Symptom Inventory), to identify any associated psychopathology. In accordance with the literature there is a marked female preponderance, an altogether vague description of symptoms and a long history of incorrect diagnoses. Of note is the high number of invasive procedures (3.5 +/- 3.0). In agreement with the IHS commentary, an operation or injury to the face was a suspected cause in 43%. In contrast to the IHS criteria, we found in our patient sample dysaesthesia (63%), bilateral occurrence (37%), remission periods (57%), pain attacks (23%) and presence of superficial as well as deep pain. Depression is by no means the only psychopathological abnormality in atypical facial pain; a broad spectrum of complaints is seen. The IHS classification appears insufficient to separate atypical facial pain from other primary headache and facial pain syndromes. We therefore suggest a modified version of the IHS criteria for atypical facial pain.
authors.affiliation: Neurologische Praxis, München.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pfaffenrath
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rath
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Keeser
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pöllmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012803:Sick Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology
vernacular_title: Atypischer Gesichtsschmerz--die Qualität der IHS-Kriterien und psychometrische Daten.