Facial Thermography, Basis, Protocol, and Clinical Value

Abstract

Computerized electronic telethermography provides clinicians with a reliable evaluation of subtle body surface temperature changes that show underlying physical disorders characterized by pain. The first study population involved 4000 measurements of 100 volunteers at the Medical School of New Jersey. This study of normal volunteers evaluates the validity and reliability of using 0.5°C skin surface temperature difference between opposite sides of the head as a minimum difference standard for recognition of a clinically significant thermographic abnormality. A second study population of over 300 patients with clinically suspected temporomandibular disorder were used. The authors used a standard thermographic protocol procedure that is approved by the Academy of Neuromuscular Thermography. Also discussed in detail are artifactual influences and trigger point detection. The clinical value of this information in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorder patients is self evident.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Alan Weinstein

Dr. S. Alan Weinstein has been active in the field of thermography since 1979. At the present time he is president of the Academy of Neuromuscular Thermography, director of the Division of Thermography at New Jersey Medical School and director of the Center for Neuromuscular Injury, Old Bridge. New Jersey. He has authored more than 30 articles that have been published in the field.

Gay Weinstein

Ms. Gay Weinstein is chairperson of the Academy of Neuromuscular Thermography—Technologist Division. She is a member of the Certifying Board of the American Board of Neuromuscular Thermography. She is technical director of the Division of Thermography at New Jersey Medical School and developer of the “Weinstein Facial Pain Protocol” for the evaluation of facial pain thermography.

Edwin L. Weinstein

Edwin L. Weinstein, Ph.D.

Dr. Weinstein is a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Psycholinguistics with a minor in Statistics. He has a master's degree from McGill University in Psychology and a bachelor's degree from Boston University in Psychology. He is currently director of a research group in Toronto doing work with private businesses in Canada and the Canadian government.

Michael Gelb

Michael Gelb, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Gelb is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Oral Medicine, at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he is also the director of the TMJ and Craniofacial Pain Program. After graduating from Columbia University, he completed a Masters in Neuromuscular Research in Clinical Dentistry at State University of New York, Buffalo. Dr. Gelb is past president and founder of the Craniomandibular Society of New York and a member of the International Association of Dental Research and the American Equilibration Society. Dr. Gelb maintains a private practice in New York City.