Trigeminal neuralgia can be mistaken for several other conditions that cause facial pain. Here are some conditions that share similar symptoms with trigeminal neuralgia:

• Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MDPS): This condition involves pain around the head, which can range from mild to severe and may persist for a few days in the case of migraines. Migraines and headaches by themselves are different from trigeminal neuralgia because you can still afford to smile if needed. Doing so does not necessarily make your headache worse. With trigeminal neuralgia, you will regret the action right away.

• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN): This condition is often misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. It involves pain in the throat, tongue, and ear, and can be triggered by swallowing, talking, or coughing.

• Dental pain: Dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or abscesses can cause facial pain that may be mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia.

• Sinus infections (sinusitis): Sinusitis can cause pain and pressure in the face, which may be mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia.

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMD): TMD can cause facial pain or jaw spasm, which can overlap with the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

• Cluster headaches or migraines: These conditions can cause facial pain that may be mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia.

• Post-herpetic neuralgia: This condition involves pain following an outbreak of shingles and can mimic the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

• TMJ disorder: TMJ disorder can cause facial pain that may be mistaken for trigeminal neuralgia.

It is important to rule out these conditions to determine the correct diagnosis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to rule out brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other potential causes. If you suspect that you have trigeminal neuralgia, speak with your doctor about your symptoms and how you can manage the pain.