Pain on the left side of the face, jaw and ear can be confusing, often leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. In India, conditions like trigeminal neuralgia (TN), temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and chronic sinusitis are common and can present with such pain.
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, a renowned neurosurgeon in Mumbai, says,
“Facial pain, especially if localised to one side, can indicate various underlying conditions. It is essential to approach such symptoms with a comprehensive diagnostic method to determine the exact cause. Early and accurate diagnosis can significantly recover treatment outcomes.“
This blog aims to explore the possible causes of pain on the left side of the face, jaw and ear, differentiate between standard and complex conditions and guide you towards effective treatment.
Could a nerve malfunction be the real cause of this severe facial pain? Let’s look at how nerves can be involved.
Is It Nerve-Related?
Facial pain is often linked to nerve problems, particularly the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is accountable for transmitting sensations from your face to your brain. When damaged, it can cause severe shooting pain on one side of the face.
Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia are characterised by sudden, severe facial pain. These episodes can be activated by everyday activities like brushing your teeth, combing your hair, or applying makeup. The pain is usually one-sided and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Never heard of trigeminal neuralgia? You’re not alone!
Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Common But Misunderstood Condition
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a long-lasting condition that touches the trigeminal nerve. In India, studies have shown that the mandibular branch is affected in about 56.9% of TN cases, followed by the maxillary branch at 42%. Interestingly, while global data suggests a higher prevalence in women, some studies in India report a male predominance.
Symptoms of TN include:
- Pain that occurs when touching, chewing, brushing teeth, or talking
- Sudden and severe, electric shock-like pain in the face
- Episodes that last from a few seconds to a few minutes
- Usually, pain on one side of the face
Due to its severity, TN is often misdiagnosed as dental or sinus problems, leading to unnecessary treatment.
Are you experiencing persistent facial pain? A comprehensive neurological examination may give you the answers you need.
Have you tried visiting a dentist, but the pain is still there? It may be time to think beyond your teeth.
When It’s Not a Dental Problem: Signs It’s More Than a Dental Problem
Dental problems are a common cause of facial pain, but when treatments don’t relieve the discomfort, it’s essential to consider other causes. Signs that the pain may not be dental include:
- The pain persists despite dental treatment
- The pain is triggered by non-dental activities (such as touching the face)
- The pain is sharp, shooting, or electrical
- No dental problems are visible on examination
In these cases, a discussion with a specialist can help identify the underlying cause and avoid unnecessary dental procedures.
Let’s look at some lesser-known, but similarly impacting, conditions that may be the culprit.
Associated Conditions
Several conditions can cause pain in the left side of the face, jaw, and ear:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders:
Recurrent or severe grand mal seizures can lead to:
- Memory problems
- Decreased cognitive abilities
- Mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- Speech and motor problems
- Changes in brain structure, especially in the hippocampus
Fortunately, not all people develop these complications, especially if the seizures are appropriately managed. Treatment outcomes are significantly improved when experienced professionals perform treatment.
Chronic Sinusitis:
Sinus infections can cause facial pain, especially around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. Symptoms include:
- Pressure or pain in the face
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Postnasal drip
In India, chronic sinusitis affects about 134 million people, making it a significant health problem.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia:
A rarer condition, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, causes severe pain in the throat, tongue, and ears pain. The pain comes on suddenly and can be triggered by swallowing or talking.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to see a neurosurgeon.
When to See a Neurosurgeon
Persistent or severe facial pain requires a neurosurgeon, especially when:
- The pain doesn’t respond to standard treatments
- The pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness)
- A nerve-related disorder, such as trigeminal neuralgia, is suspected
A neurosurgeon can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imagination studies, to determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate interventions.
Want to know what relief might look like? From medications to surgery, let’s explore the treatment options available.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause:
Medications:
- Antiepileptics (such as carbamazepine) for TN
- Muscle relaxants for temporomandibular joint disorders
- Antibiotics or nasal corticosteroids for sinusitis
Negligibly invasive procedures:
In cases where medications do not switch nerve-related pain, several slightly invasive options may be considered:
- Radiofrequency rhizotomy: A procedure that selectively destroys the nerve fibres that carry pain signals.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife): A noninvasive procedure that uses focused radiation to destroy the portion of the nerve that is causing pain.
- Glycerol injections: Used for TN to block pain transmission by chemically damaging the nerve fibres.
Surgical Interventions:
When noninvasive methods fail, surgery may be the best route:
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD): This involves relieving pressure on the nerve caused by nearby blood vessels. MVD has a high success rate in patients with TN and preserves normal nerve function.
- Balloon Compression: This temporarily compresses the trigeminal nerve to reduce its ability to transmit pain.
- Arthroscopy or Joint Replacement for severe TMJ disorders: This allows the removal of inflamed tissue or adhesions inside the Joint. In more severe or degenerative cases, a total joint replacement may be required to restore jaw function and relieve severe pain.
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, an experienced neurosurgeon in Mumbai, shares:
“Advanced neurosurgical techniques like MVD and radiosurgery have changed the way chronic facial pain is treated. Patients can often return to a pain-free life with the right diagnosis and the right approach. Our goal is always to preserve nerve function and eliminate the source of discomfort.”
Surgical Interventions:
Along with medical and surgical treatment, supportive therapies play an important role:
- Physical therapy: Especially for TMJ-related symptoms, jaw exercises can restore function and relieve fatigue.
- Stress management: Facial pain can be aggravated by stress. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or biofeedback may help.
- Dietary adjustments: Avoiding difficult foods to chew can reduce TMJ discomfort.
Conclusion
Pain in the left side of the face, jaw, and ear is more than just discomfort — it could be a signal from your nervous system that something deeper is wrong. Proper diagnosis is key, whether it’s a nerve-related disorder like trigeminal neuralgia, a structural problem like temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or a chronic infection like sinusitis.
In India and around the world, millions of people suffer from conditions that are often misdiagnosed or untreated. Early intervention under the guidance of a neurology specialist can significantly improve quality of life. Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai, combines clinical precision with compassionate care to help patients cope with nerve-related facial pain.