Temporomandibular disorders dysfunction in headache patients

Primary headaches in scuba divers and the effect of temporomandibular dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of episodic primary headaches (EPH) and temporomandibular dysfunction's (TMD) effect in experienced scuba divers.

METHODS

A form consisting of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index and a structured headache questionnaire was sent to individuals using social media platforms.

RESULTS

A total of 132 divers and 104 non-divers were included the study. In male divers, EPH and TMD were not different from the non-diver group (p = 0.1, p = 0.1), and TMD had an effect on increasing the possibility of migraine (OR = 2.5, p = 0.04). In female divers, the possibility of EPH and TMD were also lower (OR = 0.1, p < 0.001, OR = 0.2, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Scuba diving does not pose a risk for EPH or TMD in either gender. TMD treatment in male divers is important for uncontrolled migraine attacks.

Interplay of Oral, Mandibular, and Facial Disorders and Migraine

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Migraine and other primary headache disorders can be localized in the face resembling facial or dental pain, indicating the influence of the trigeminovascular system in the structures innervated by the maxillary (V2) and mandibulary (V3) branches of the trigeminal nerve. Disorders of oral and craniofacial structures may influence primary headache disorders. In the current article, we review the potential links of this interplay.

RECENT FINDINGS

This interplay may be related to anatomy, with the trigeminal pathway and the involvement of both peripheral and central mechanisms, and the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a key mediator in migraine pathophysiology. CGRP is also involved in the pathophysiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and their comorbidity with migraine and is also implicated in dental and periodontal pathology. Inflammatory and pathological processes of these structures and their trigeminal nociceptive pathways may influence the trigeminovascular system and consequently may exacerbate or even potentially trigger migraine.

Headache Because of Problems with Teeth, Mouth, Jaws, or Dentures in Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder Patients: A Case–Control Study

This study aimed to characterize self-reported headaches because of problems with the teeth, mouth, jaws, or dentures (HATMJD) in chronic patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in order to compare their results with those of TMD patients without such headaches and to investigate the associations of HATMJD with depression, anxiety, physical symptoms, oral behaviors, and sleep quality. We conducted a case–control study on consecutive chronic TMD patients referred to the University Medical Center of Ljubljana, Slovenia. A self-reported HATMJD was extracted from item #12 in the 49-item version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire. Axis II instruments of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (i.e., for screening of depression, anxiety, specific comorbid functional disorders, and oral behaviors) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used in this study. In total, 177 TMD patients (77.4% women; mean age: 36.3 years) participated in this study; 109 (61.6%) patients were classified as TMD patients with HATMJD. TMD patients with at least mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, with at least low somatic symptom severity, and a high number of parafunctional behaviors had more HATMJD. Parafunctional behavior and sleep quality were the most prominent predictive factors of the occurrence of HATMJD. TMD patients with HATMJD have more psychosocial dysfunction, a higher frequency of oral behaviors, and poorer sleep quality than TMD patients without such headaches.

Association between primary headaches and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this systematic review was to answer the following question systematically: Is there any association between primary headaches (PHs) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in adults?

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The authors performed the search in 7 main databases and 3 gray literature sources. The included articles had to have adult samples. PHs must have been diagnosed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, and TMDs must have been diagnosed using Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, or International Classification of Orofacial Pain. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument tools. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software, Version 5.4. Certainty of evidence was screened according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

RESULTS

Eight of 2,574 articles reviewed met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis and, of these, 6 met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) for painful TMD and tension-type headache (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.80 to 5.54 to OR, 13.06; 95% CI, 2.79 to 61.12), migraines (OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 3.04 to 9.40 to OR, 6.22; 95% CI, 3.81 to 10.14), and chronic headaches (OR, 40.40; 95% CI, 8.67 to 188.15 to OR, 95.93; 95% CI, 12.53 to 734.27) were calculated. Articular TMDs without pain were evaluated in only 1 article, in which ORs of 1.78 (95% CI, 0.90 to 3.51) for migraines and 1.04 (95% CI, 0.53 to 2.06) for tension-type headache were reported. Three studies were classified as moderate risk of bias and 5 as low risk of bias. The certainty of evidence varied between very low and low.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Recognizing the positive association between painful TMD and PHs can help dentists and physicians treat the pain and avoid it, or recommend the patient to a specialist.

Reduction of headache intensity and frequency with maxillary stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular disorders-headache comorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effectiveness of maxillary stabilization splint (SS) therapy to reduce headache (HA) intensity and HA frequency in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD)-HA comorbidity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using full-arch coverage, hard resin, and maxillary SS therapy were included. Electronic databases, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched. The risk of bias was analyzed based on Cochrane's handbook. The search yielded 247 references up to January 28, 2020. Nine RCTs were included at a high risk of bias. The comparison groups included other splints, counseling, jaw exercises, medications, neurologic treatment, and occlusal equilibration. Four studies reported a statistically significant reduction in HA intensity, and five studies reported significant improvement in HA frequency from baseline at 2-12 months in patients with TMD-HA comorbidity treated with a full-arch hard maxillary SS. HA frequency in tension-type HA (TTH) comorbid with TMD diagnoses of myofascial pain (MFP) or capsulitis/synovitis improved significantly with SS than that with full-arch maxillary non-occluding splint (NOS) in two studies. Comparison groups receiving hard partial-arch maxillary splint nociceptive trigeminal inhibition (NTI) showed statistically significant improvements in HA intensity in patients with mixed TMD phenotypes of MFP and disc displacement comorbid with "general HA." Comparison groups receiving partial-arch maxillary resilient/soft splint (Relax) showed significant improvements in both HA intensity and frequency in patients with HA concomitant with MFP. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the improvement of pain intensity at 2-3 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch soft [Relax], hard [NTI], and full-arch NOS) or splint use compliance at 6-12 months with comparison of the splints (partial-arch Relax and full-arch NOS) versus the SS groups in patients with various TMD-HA comorbidities. In conclusion, although SS therapy showed a statistically significant decrease in HA intensity and HA frequency when reported, the evidence quality was low due to the high bias risk and small sample size. Therefore, further studies are required.

Association between signs of hyperalgesia and reported frequent pain in jaw-face and head

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between different sites of elicited pain to muscle palpation (PtP), and reported frequent pain in jaw-face and head.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis was based on an epidemiological sample of 1200 randomly selected individuals, of which 779 (65%) both completed a questionnaire and participated in a clinical examination. The questionnaire addressed the presence of pain in the jaw-face region and headache, respectively. Part of the clinical examination entailed palpation of the jaw, neck, shoulder, arm, thumb and calf muscles. Logistic regression was applied with pain and headache as dependent variables. A p-value < .05 determined statistical significance.

RESULTS

Five percent of participants reported frequent pain in jaw-face, and 17% reported frequent headaches. In the regression analysis, frequent headaches were significantly associated with jaw muscle PtP (OR 2.1, CI 1.4-3.4), regional PtP (OR 4.5, CI 2.6-7.6), and generalized PtP (OR 6.1, CI 2.2-17.0). Jaw-face pain was significantly associated with regional PtP (OR 5.3, CI 2.2-13.0) and generalized PtP (OR 30.1, CI 9.3-97.0). The relationship between pain prevalence and PtP showed a dose-response pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that frequent jaw-face pain and headache are primarily associated with signs of regional and widespread hyperalgesia, which may be linked to the central sensitization mechanism. Signs of widespread hyperalgesia should be accounted for in the diagnostic algorithms when examining patients with pain in the jaw, face, and head regions.

Knowledge and management of temporomandibular joint disorders by general dentists in Spain

Background

Given the importance of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we tried to assess general dentists' knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in order to understand their attitude.

Material and Methods

A sample of 130 general dentists answered a 16-item questionnaire on three areas - etiology, diagnosis, and management of common temporomandibular disorders - as well as a question on the need for continuous education regarding TMD management in common clinical practice in Spain. Given that the descriptive statistics achieved reflect significantly different values among means in each area, a variance analysis for repeated measurements was applied in order to contrast differences among etiology, diagnosis, and management knowledge levels.

Results

The contrast test was based on Wilks' Lambda, which assumed a value of 0.120 (F = 467.28; p<.001), demonstrating statistically significant differences among knowledge levels in the three dimensions. The effect size for these differences, measured by partial eta squared, was very high (η2p = 0.88). Such parameters were also analyzed to search for potential differences according to professional experience, with differences being exposed as non-significant at the 0.05 level: etiology (T = 1.60; p = 0.113), diagnosis (T = - 0.17; p = 0.868), and treatment (T = 1.10; p = 0.273).

Conclusions

Our study found that, even though clinicians are generally skilled regarding the knowledge of the etiologic that explain the diagnosis of TMD, they have room for improvement in terms of TMD management compared to the other two areas studied. General dentists could benefit from specific educational programs enhancing TMD management skills. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), knowledge and management. Clinical competence, postgraduate, continuing professional development. Surveys, education,orofacial pain.

Preclinical Signs of a Temporomandibular Disorder in Female Patients With Episodic Cervicogenic Headache Versus Asymptomatic Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition, accepted "headache attributed to temporomandibular disorders" as a valid headache. The neurophysiologic interplay between cervical structures and the temporomandibular joint, however, might also suggest that a temporomandibular disorder could develop in patients with cervicogenic headache.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the presence of preclinical temporomandibular signs between female patients with episodic cervicogenic headache and a control group.

DESIGN

Case-controlled cross-sectional design.

SETTING

Institutional setting: Hasselt University.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-two women (mean age ± SD: 20.7 ± 2.5 years) with episodic cervicogenic headache, without temporomandibular signs and 22 matched (gender, age, level of education, occupation) asymptomatic controls (21 ± 2.3 years).

METHODS

(Un)assisted temporomandibular range of motion, pressure pain thresholds, painful palpations were examined and the level of perceived stress was measured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Temporomandibular range of motion (mm), pressure pain thresholds (kPa/cm²), painful palpations (yes/no), and level of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale).

RESULTS

Maximal mouth-opening was significantly smaller in the headache group (P <.05; effect size [ES] -0.45). Palpation of the masseter resulted in significantly more positive pain responses in the headache group at the left (P = .009; ES ∞) and right (P = .002;ES 17.5) origin, left (P = .004; ES 14.54) and right (P = .03; ES 5.71) body and left (P < .001; ES 12) insertion. Significantly lower pressure pain thresholds on the left and right anterior (P = .03; ES -0.33 resp. P = .02; ES -0.35), central (P = .003; ES 1.02 resp. P = .02; ES 0.79) and right posterior (P = .03; ES 0.62) temporalis and right tibialis anterior (P = .03; ES -0.33) were measured in the headache group. The level of perceived stress was significantly higher (P = .02) in the headache group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with episodic cervicogenic headache present with signs of a preclinical temporomandibular disorder and sensitization. The smaller range of motion, lower pressure pain thresholds, and higher levels of stress accentuate the multidimensionality of the problem.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

An Introduction to Orofacial Pain

The assessment, diagnosis, and management of orofacial pain (OFP) disorders is often a complex, multifactorial, and multidisciplinary process. Nociception leads to the perception of pain, causing the personal experience of suffering, which results in pain behavior. Many patients present with various comorbidities that may influence these conditions in a multitude of ways. The clinical presentation of OFP often includes biological, psychological, social, behavioral, and belief system components.

Effect of temporomandibular joint articular disc repositioning on anterior open-bite malocclusion: An orthodontic-surgical approach

An anterior open bite is a challenge to orthodontic treatment; it has a multifactorial etiology and a wide range of intervention options. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a risk factor for the development of malocclusions such as the anterior open bite, especially in patients who have TMJ osteoarthritis with disc displacement. Articular disc repositioning surgery is an available option for treating this pathology, and it contributes to maintaining the condyles in a more stable position. The aim of this article was to report the case of a 20-year-old woman diagnosed with anterior open bite and TMJ osteoarthritis with bilateral disc displacement. The patient received both orthodontic treatment and TMJ disc repositioning surgery. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to create 3-dimensional models of the condyles with regional superposition, and assessment of bone remodeling was performed at different time intervals. Complete orthodontic and surgical treatment time was approximately 12 months. The results provided a stable correction of the patient's anterior open bite with a 2-year follow-up and favorable bone remodeling of the condyles due to functional improvement of the TMJ.

The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most frequent non-dental orofacial pain disorders and may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), resulting in oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). However, clinicians' understanding of involvement with OD caused by RA-related TMDs is limited and the methodological quality of research in this field has been criticised. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the prevalence of oral preparatory and oral stage signs and symptoms of OD in adults presenting with TMDs associated with RA. A systematic review of the literature was completed. The following electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2016, with no date/language restriction: EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Elsevier Scopus, Science Direct, AMED, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A & I. Grey literature and reference lists of the included studies were also searched. Studies reporting the frequency of OD in adults presenting with TMD and RA were included. Study eligibility and quality were assessed by three independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Down's and Black tool. The search yielded 19 eligible studies. Typical difficulties experienced by RA patients included impaired swallowing (24.63%), impaired masticatory ability (30.69%), masticatory pain (35.58%), and masticatory fatigue (21.26%). No eligible studies reported figures relating to the prevalence of weight loss. Eligible studies were deemed on average to be of moderate quality. Study limitations included the small number of studies which met the inclusion criteria and the limited amount of studies utilising objective assessments. Valid and reliable prospective research is urgently required to address the assessment and treatment of swallowing difficulties in RA as TMJ involvement may produce signs and symptoms of OD.

International consensus on the most useful physical examination tests used by physiotherapists for patients with headache: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

A wide range of physical tests have been published for use in the assessment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in patients with headache. Which tests are used depends on a physiotherapist's clinical and scientific background as there is little guidance on the most clinically useful tests.

OBJECTIVES

To identify which physical examination tests international experts in physiotherapy consider the most clinically useful for the assessment of patients with headache.

DESIGN/METHODS

Delphi survey with pre-specified procedures based on a systematic search of the literature for physical examination tests proposed for the assessment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in patients with headache.

RESULTS

Seventeen experts completed all three rounds of the survey. Fifteen tests were included in round one with eleven additional tests suggested by the experts. Finally eleven physical examination tests were considered clinically useful: manual joint palpation, the cranio-cervical flexion test, the cervical flexion-rotation test, active range of cervical movement, head forward position, trigger point palpation, muscle tests of the shoulder girdle, passive physiological intervertebral movements, reproduction and resolution of headache symptoms, screening of the thoracic spine, and combined movement tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Eleven tests are suggested as a minimum standard for the physical examination of musculoskeletal dysfunctions in patients with headache.

Can palpation-induced muscle pain pattern contribute to the differential diagnosis among temporomandibular disorders, primary headaches phenotypes and possible bruxism?

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of possible differences in the distribution or characteristics of palpation-induced pain in the masticatory muscles could be valuable in terms of diagnostic assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different combinations of anterior temporalis (AT) and masseter palpation-induced pain in the diagnostic of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), primary headaches and bruxism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 1200 dental records of orofacial pain adult patients were analyzed. The outcomes were dichotomously classified (presence/absence) as following: a) AT and/or masseter palpation-induced pain; b) myogenous TMD; c) temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia (arthrogenous TMD); d) migraine; e) tension-type headache (TTH); f) self-reported bruxism. Binomial logistic regression model (α = 5%) was applied to the data considering the palpation-induced muscle pain as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Mean age (SD) were 35.7 years (13.4) for 635 included dental records (83% females). Myogenous and arthrogenous TMD, migraine, TTH and bruxism were mainly associated with, respectively, masseter palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=5.77, 95%CI 3.86-8.62), AT or masseter palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=2.39, 95%CI 1.57-3.63), bilateral AT palpation-induced pain (p<0.001 - OR=2.67, 95%CI 1.64-4.32), masseter and AT palpation-induced pain (p=0.009 - OR=1.62, 95%CI 1.12-2.33) and bilateral masseter palpation-induced pain (p=0.01 - OR=1.74, 95%CI 1.13-2.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Palpation-induced pain in the masticatory muscles may play a role in the differential diagnosis among painful TMD, primary headaches and bruxism.

Temporomandibular Joint Hypermobility Manifestation Based on Clinical Observations

BACKGROUND

Joint range of motion might affected by some factors like laxity and increase joint mobility. Generalized joint hypermobility and temporomandibular joint hypermobility (TMJH) are reported as risk factors for temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to survey the etiological factors of TMJH and its relations to habitual status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 69 patients with TMJH were involved. After profiling personal information and medical history, the patients were divided into three groups based on their maximum mouth opening (MMO) as follow: (Light) MMO of 50-55 mm, (moderate): MMO between 55 and 65 mm, (severe) MMO >65 mm. For subjective observations, patients were asked to fill the prepared questionnaire. The objective evaluations conducted by a specialist. Finally, all the data subjected Chi-Square test by using SPSS software version 22 at a significant level of 0.05.

RESULTS

TMJH was more common in women (74.2%). The light group had significant differences with other groups in the discomfort of TMJ and TMJ sound (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sever group manifested highest percentage of masticatory pains, significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that pain in TMJ would have a correlation with MMO.