Final answer:
The likely diagnosis for Eric's sudden, severe pain in his face associated with the muscles of chewing is TMJ disorder. Symptoms include headaches, pain while chewing, and difficulty moving the jaw. Treatment options include pain medication, physical therapy, and bite guards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likely diagnosis for Eric's sudden, severe pain in his face associated with the muscles of chewing is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, causing pain and difficulty with jaw movement. It can be caused by multiple factors, including arthritis, muscle fatigue, damage to the joint, or jaw injury.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include headaches, pain while chewing, difficulty moving the jaw, and lock jaw. In some cases, TMJ disorder can also lead to referred pain in the face and neck.
Treatment for TMJ disorder may involve pain medication, physical therapy, bite guards, and relaxation techniques. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.