Myofascial TMD does not run in families

This study tests whether facial pain or associated symptoms and disorders aggregates in first degree relatives of those with myofascial temporomandibular disorders (M/TMD). We randomly selected one first degree relative of 106 probands with a lifetime history of M/TMD and one first degree relative of 118 acquaintance control probands with no history of M/TMD. Relatives were directly interviewed about the lifetime occurrence of a broad range of painful and non-painful health conditions and symptoms. Analyses revealed that rates of facial pain, symptoms of TMDs, and a range of other musculoskeletal conditions were not significantly different in first degree relatives of M/TMD probands and first degree relatives of controls. In addition, proband descriptors of facial pain severity or disability did not significantly predict the likelihood of having a first degree relative with one or more TMD-related symptoms. These results indicate that M/TMD is not a familial disorder.