Facial Pain on the Left Side: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Neurosurgeon
Pain on the left side of the face, jaw, and ear can be confusing and is often misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly. In India, conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and chronic sinusitis are commonly associated with these symptoms.
Dr. Naba J Borah, an acclaimed neurosurgeon in Guwahati, says:
“Unilateral facial pain can stem from several underlying causes. A thorough diagnostic approach is essential to accurately identify the source. Timely diagnosis is key to effective treatment and better outcomes.”
This article will explore potential causes of pain on the left side of the face, jaw, and ear, help distinguish between common and complex conditions, and guide you toward effective treatment options.
Could It Be Nerve-Related?
Facial pain is often linked to nerve issues, especially involving the trigeminal nerve, which carries facial sensations to the brain. When this nerve is affected, it can cause sharp, shooting pain on one side of the face.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a notable example, known for sudden, intense facial pain triggered by everyday actions like brushing teeth, shaving, or applying makeup. These episodes typically last a few seconds to a few minutes.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Common but Misunderstood
TN is a chronic condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. In India, the mandibular branch is involved in around 56.9% of cases, followed by the maxillary branch in 42%. While global studies show a higher female prevalence, Indian data sometimes show male predominance.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain triggered by touch, chewing, or talking
- Sharp, electric shock-like pain
- Episodes lasting seconds to minutes
- Usually one-sided facial pain
Due to the nature of the pain, TN is often misdiagnosed as dental or sinus issues, leading to unnecessary treatments.
When It’s Not a Tooth Problem
If dental treatments don’t resolve the pain, consider these signs that it might not be dental-related:
- Pain persists despite dental procedures
- Pain is triggered by facial touch, not chewing
- Sharp, shooting, or electric sensations
- No visible dental problems on examination
In such cases, a neurological evaluation can uncover the root cause and prevent unnecessary interventions.
Other Conditions to Consider
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Jaw joint dysfunction can radiate pain to the ear and side of the face.
Chronic Sinusitis: Affects over 134 million people in India. Symptoms include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and headaches.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A rare condition causing severe pain in the throat, tongue, and ear, often triggered by swallowing or speaking.
When to See a Neurosurgeon
Consult a neurosurgeon when:
- Pain is persistent or unresponsive to standard treatments
- Neurological symptoms accompany the pain (numbness, weakness)
- Nerve-related conditions like TN are suspected
Dr. Naba J Borah can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging, to diagnose and recommend appropriate interventions.
Treatment Options
Medications:
- Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine for TN
- Muscle relaxants for TMJ disorders
- Antibiotics or nasal corticosteroids for sinusitis
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Radiofrequency Rhizotomy – selectively destroys pain fibers
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) – non-invasive, focused radiation
- Glycerol Injections – chemically damage nerve fibers to stop pain
Surgical Interventions:
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD) – relieves nerve pressure, often effective in TN
- Balloon Compression – temporarily interrupts pain signals
- TMJ Arthroscopy or Joint Replacement – for severe joint dysfunction
Supportive Therapies:
- Physical Therapy – improves jaw function in TMJ disorders
- Stress Management – reduces flare-ups triggered by stress
- Dietary Adjustments – soft foods reduce TMJ-related strain
“Modern neurosurgical techniques offer highly effective options for managing persistent facial pain. With the right diagnosis and timely intervention, patients can often find lasting relief without compromising nerve function.”
— Dr. Naba J Borah
Pain on the left side of the face, jaw, and ear is not something to ignore—it could signal deeper neurological or structural problems. Whether it’s trigeminal neuralgia, TMJ dysfunction, or chronic sinusitis, early and accurate diagnosis is critical.
Millions of Indians suffer from misdiagnosed facial pain. A specialist like Dr. Naba J Borah can provide a neurologically focused evaluation that may lead to effective relief and significantly improve quality of life.
Still dealing with unexplained facial pain? Take the next step—get a proper neurological evaluation and move closer to a pain-free life.