Molecular Research in Orofacial Pain and Headache
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 6
Special Issue Editor
Interests: neuroophthalmology; neuropathic pain; migraine; trigeminal neuralgia; neurogenic inflammation; oxidative and nitrosative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Orofacial pain is a widespread health concern that significantly hinders an individual’s capacity to engage in daily activities. This type of pain can be classified into three main categories: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain. Each category involves different mechanisms and requires specific treatment approaches. For optimal treatment of orofacial pain disorders, a multidisciplinary pain management approach is essential. This approach should integrate both nonpharmacological and pharmacological modalities to address the diverse underlying causes and manifestations of pain. In this review, we focus on the current evidence and advancements in the pharmacological management of chronic orofacial pain: we explore the effectiveness of different medications, their mechanisms of action, and their role within a comprehensive pain management plan.
Orofacial pain is pain in the face, mouth, jaw, or neck, resulting from a wide range of conditions, including dental problems, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and nerve issues like trigeminal neuralgia or headache. Causes can also include bruxism, and trauma, and it can be acute or chronic. Diagnosis often requires a specialist, and treatment is personalized, potentially including medications, physical therapy, splints, or a combination of approaches.
We invite researchers in this field to contribute to this Special Issue with studies that elucidate the main molecular mechanisms of orofacial pain and various types of headache, the signaling pathways and to identify specific targets and key molecules and potential therapeutic strategies.
Prof. Dr. Adriana Elena Bulboaca
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- neuropathic pain
- trigeminal neuralgia
- temporomandibular joint disorders
- headache
- migraine
- neuroplasticity
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