What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth can help prevent cavities. Skin cancer protection measures such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects are related to the pain and the cause of the pain. If severe pain occurs, which may happen with trigeminal neuralgia, a person may be unable to perform normal activities.

Pain due to trauma or injury usually goes away as the injury begins to heal. The injury may cause no long-term effects, or may cause permanent deformity of the face. Temporal arteritis can cause blindness in some cases.

What are the risks to others?

Facial pain is not contagious and usually poses no risk to others.