Atlantic Brain and Spine · Facial Pain & Spasm
Multiple perspectives.
One patient.
A clearer diagnosis can change everything.
The Facial Pain & Spasm Review Program brings specialists from multiple disciplines together to evaluate complex cases, improve diagnostic accuracy and help patients find the right treatment pathway.
Finding the right diagnosis
When the answer is unclear, the next step should be a closer look.
Facial pain and facial spasm disorders are among the most challenging neurological conditions to diagnose. Symptoms may cross several specialties, leaving patients with different opinions, unsuccessful treatments or no clear explanation at all.
One case · Multiple perspectives
How multidisciplinary review works
A structured process turns a complicated history into a more informed path forward.
Symptoms
Persistent facial pain, spasm or unexplained symptoms prompt a closer evaluation.
Case Review
Your imaging, medical history and previous treatment are gathered for review.
Team Evaluation
Specialists examine the case together from their respective disciplines.
Diagnostic Clarity
The team works to identify or refine the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Treatment Pathway
Recommendations help guide the most appropriate next step in your care.
Meet the founder
Built for patients who have spent too long searching for answers.
Stephen A. Johnson, MD, developed the Facial Pain & Spasm Review Program after caring for patients who had spent months—or years—moving between providers, undergoing repeated testing or receiving differing opinions.
Recognizing that these conditions frequently overlap multiple specialties, Dr. Johnson created a structured setting where experts can review challenging cases together. The goal is simple: help patients reach the right diagnosis and treatment pathway as efficiently and accurately as possible.
Stephen A. Johnson, MD
Director, Facial Pain & Spasm Center · Founder, Facial Pain & Spasm Review Program
“Many facial pain conditions are highly treatable, but only after the correct diagnosis is established. Bringing multiple experts together allows us to evaluate complex cases more thoroughly and helps ensure patients receive the most appropriate care.”— Stephen A. Johnson, MD
Collective expertise
The right perspective at the right time.
Complex facial pain and spasm can involve more than one system. The review program brings relevant specialties together so important details are less likely to be viewed in isolation.
Neurosurgery
Neurology
Neuroradiology
Radiation Oncology
Oral-Facial Pain
Dentistry
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Neuropsychology
Cases commonly reviewed
Designed for difficult, persistent and uncertain cases.
The program may be appropriate when symptoms remain unexplained, a diagnosis is uncertain, treatment has not worked or another perspective would help.
Once a diagnosis is established, patients may be connected with specialists within the ABS Facial Pain & Spasm Center.
More than a case review
Collaboration that strengthens every recommendation.
Regular discussion of challenging cases supports deeper clinical understanding, ongoing knowledge sharing and more confident diagnostic decision-making.
Reduce uncertainty
Multiple perspectives can reveal patterns or possibilities that may not be apparent within a single specialty.
Connect the expertise
Relevant specialists contribute to a shared understanding of the case rather than working in isolation.
Identify the next step
The review helps patients and referring providers move forward with a clearer, more informed plan.
For patients
Still searching for answers?
Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion or greater confidence in an existing treatment plan, our goal is to ensure your case is evaluated from multiple perspectives.
For referring providers
Have a challenging facial pain case?
Consider multidisciplinary review when symptoms persist, diagnoses remain uncertain, imaging is complex, treatment has failed or additional specialty input would be valuable.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before requesting review.
Who may benefit from multidisciplinary review?
Patients with persistent, recurrent or difficult-to-diagnose facial pain or spasm may benefit, particularly when previous evaluations or treatments have not produced a clear answer.
Is this program only for surgical cases?
No. The purpose of the program is to improve diagnostic clarity and help identify the most appropriate treatment pathway—not to direct every patient toward surgery.
What information is reviewed?
The team may consider symptoms, medical history, prior diagnoses, previous treatment and relevant imaging. The specific records needed will depend on the case.
Can a physician submit a case?
Yes. Referring providers may submit complex or unresolved cases for multidisciplinary consideration using the secure provider review process.
What happens after the review?
Recommendations help guide appropriate next steps. When relevant, patients may be connected with specialists within Atlantic Brain and Spine or directed to another appropriate area of care.
