Neuromuscular Effects of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Abstract

Neurologically intact male and female TMJ dysfunction patients with or without cervical spine involvement were examined using standard clinical neurologic testing for balance and coordination. Seventy percent of the TMJ patients without cervical involvement exhibited positive signs for balance, coordination, and/or ataxia found in response to having the patient's mandible stressed by extending it as far as possible laterally, and also opened (as wide as possible) or closed (biting down). The performance of patients with cervical involvement was not significantly different than those without cervical involvement. Further examination of the relation between the TMJ and auditory, visual, cerebellar, and coordination mechanisms is therefore indicated.

Key Words:

• TMJ
• cervical spine
• balance
• cerebellum