Facial Pain Specialist in NYC

Understanding Facial Pain

Facial pain is not a single condition; it is a symptom that can result from several neurological, dental, or muscular causes. Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Common sources of chronic facial pain include:

  • Trigeminal neuralgia (compression of the trigeminal nerve)

  • Atypical facial pain or neuropathic pain

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles)

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

  • Sinus or dental nerve irritation

  • Skull base tumors or vascular compression

Because these conditions can overlap, evaluation by an experienced facial pain specialist ensures that the underlying cause is identified correctly.

Symptoms of Facial Nerve Pain

Facial pain can present in many ways depending on the nerve involved.
Patients may experience:

  • Sudden, electric shock–like pain episodes

  • Burning or throbbing sensations on one side of the face

  • Pain triggered by talking, chewing, or touching the skin

  • Persistent dull ache that spreads across the jaw or cheek

  • Sensitivity to cold air or brushing teeth

If pain becomes frequent or interferes with daily activities, it’s important to see a neurosurgeon who understands the full range of facial nerve disorders.

Treatment Options for Facial Pain

Every patient’s treatment plan is customized. Non-surgical treatments may include:

  • Medications such as anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine)

  • Nerve-calming agents (Gabapentin, Baclofen)

  • Local nerve blocks or injections

If medication no longer provides relief, surgical options may be considered, including:

  • Microvascular Decompression (MVD) — relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve

  • Percutaneous Rhizotomy — targets specific pain fibers for relief

  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) — non-invasive, precise nerve treatment

Dr. Babu performs a detailed neurological examination and uses advanced MRI imaging to identify nerve compression, vascular loops, or underlying tumors that could be causing facial pain. This allows him to distinguish between trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, or other cranial nerve pathologies, ensuring the most effective treatment plan.

Why Choose Dr. Ramesh Babu

With decades of experience and international training in microvascular and skull base surgery, Dr. Babu has helped thousands of patients overcome chronic facial pain.


He currently serves as Director of Neurosurgery at BronxCare Health System and is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital (Northwell Health) and NYC Health + Hospitals / South Brooklyn Health. His reputation for precision, compassion, and excellent patient outcomes makes him one of New York’s most trusted neurosurgeons for facial pain and nerve disorders.