Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is defined as “pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system.” Neuropathic pain syndromes are relatively common and induce significant suffering with loss of quality of life. In the area of the head and neck, there are a number of well-recognized painful neuropathic disorders affecting the cranial nerves, other regional nerves, and central nervous system structures. This chapter reviews the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of the more common neuropathic pain entities affecting the head and neck region.