title: An experimental study of pain upon stimulation of the nasal and sinus cavities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To map different areas of pain sensitivity and to determine the existence and/or pattern of referred pain from upon stimulating the sinonasal cavity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental human study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mechanical and electrical stimulations to various anatomical structures and areas of the nasal and sinus cavities were conducted on nine volunteers. Intensity, location and character of pain were recorded in all subjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The postero-superior (cephalic) aspect of the nasal cavity, primarily the anterior face of the sphenoid sinus and the superior turbinate, were the most sensitive sites, and the antero-inferior (caudal) region was the least sensitive. Referred pain to the head and face was reported by several subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topographical differences in pain sensitivity exist in the sinonasal cavity. The phenomenon of referred pain from the nasal cavity was demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: 190 Welles St., Forty Fort, PA. Electronic address: dmclerico@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Dean M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Clerico
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D053591:Referred Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology*