ABSTRACT
History taking Since there are very few diagnostic tests for the many primary causes of facial pain, a careful history is extremely important. The history taking allows the patient and the doctor to establish a rapport. Each element of the history should be systematically addressed when evaluating a patient (Figure 1.2). The interview is specific and detailed and once completed allows the physician to make further decisions about ordering diagnostic testing and what areas of the physical examination need to be emphasized. In trigeminal neuralgia the history is often the means by which the disease is diagnosed.
