Abstract
This chapter focuses on neuropathic orofacial pain (NOP); that is, painful neuropathies affecting oral and facial structures. NOP may be generally classified as peripheral or central, or based on the symptomology as episodic and continuous. NOP shares mechanisms and features with spinal neuropathic pain, yet it demonstrates inimitable characteristics. Sensory changes within the trigeminal distribution are prevalent findings in painful trigeminal neuropathy. Varicella vaccine may offer an effective method of preventing herpes zoster and post‐herpetic neuralgia in individuals at risk. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia may occur with trigeminal neuropathy and, when this occurs, a search for a common central lesion is essential. Direct damage to the central nervous system or indirect damage induced by diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis may result in central pain. The methods used for pain assessment may include indirect, self‐report, physiological, and behavioral methods.