What is the difference between cranial mandibular pain and maxillofacial pain?
**Cranial mandibular pain** and **maxillofacial pain** both refer to pain in the facial region but have distinct sources and areas of focus: 1. **Cranial Mandibular Pain (CMP):** This term is more specific to pain related to the **cranial (head)** and **mandibular (jaw)** regions. It primarily includes issues associated with the **temporomandibular joint (TMJ)**, jaw muscles, and the bones of the lower skull. CMP is often caused by TMJ disorders, which can result from misalignment, stress, or overuse of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking. 2. **Maxillofacial Pain:** This is a broader term encompassing pain in the **maxilla (upper jaw)** and the entire **facial area**, including the cheeks, forehead, and sometimes the neck. Maxillofacial pain can arise from a variety of sources such as dental issues (toothaches), infections (sinusitis), nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia), and trauma to the facial bones. It covers a wider range of conditions than CMP and may involve multiple facial structures beyond the jaw. In summary, cranial mandibular pain is more focused on the jaw and TMJ-related issues, while maxillofacial pain refers to a wider range of pain affecting the entire facial area. Sources: - [Temporomandibular disorders and related orofacial pain](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20424211/ ) - [Maxillofacial pain](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/maxillofacial-pain )