Meningioma manifested as temporomandibular joint disorder: a case report

Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding region constitutes a symptom of TMJ disorders. Various dental causes usually stimulate the trigeminal nerve, developing facial pain which triggers trigeminal neuralgia. However, trigeminal neuralgia may also arise from irritation of the endocranial root of the nerve, due to occult damage which has not yet manifested other symptoms, for example a meningioma. In this manner, the actual cause of pain in the ipsilateral half of the face may be interpreted incorrectly and may possibly be attributed to a TMJ dysfunction syndrome. This results in long-term frustration and burdening of the patient. The case of a 47-year-old woman is presented who complained of symptoms of a painful TMJ disorder. She was initially treated with the appropriate dental procedures and, upon continuation of the pain, was examined with CT scanning, which proved to be negative despite the existence of a cerebral lesion. Further investigation with MRI, however, revealed a meningioma of 5 mm size, in the region of the cerebellopontine angle.