Anatomy of headache and facial pain.

Department of Otolaryngology, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, Box 850, Boston, MA 02111, USA. dlarrier@tufts-nemc.org

In this article we review the neural and vascular supply contributing to headache and facial pain. A detailed review of the neuroanatomy, particularly of the trigeminal contribution, was formulated. Emphasis was placed on outlining the dural, supratentorial, and facial structures innervated. A detailed review of the vascular anatomy is performed, with demonstration of the trigeminal innervation of key vascular structures. An outline of pain-sensitive cranial structures is also described. The pathways examined in this article serve as the basis on which concepts of headache and facial pain will build.

PMID: 15025005 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]