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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
Published on: June 10, 2013
[Otologic manifestations of the pain dysfunction syndrome of the stomatognathic system]
R Gola1, C Chossegros, J D Orthlieb
1Service de Stomatologie, Chirurgie maxillo-faciale et plastique de la face, CHU Nord, Marseille.
Abstract:
Phylogenesis, ontogenesis and anatomy explain the close relationship between temporo-mandibular joint and the middle ear and can therefore help understanding otologic symptoms such as: otalgia which often correspond to articular and muscular pain irradiation (coming from sterno-cleido-mastoid, lateral and medial pterygoid, deep layer of the masseter and temporal muscles); acouphens and ear block sensation that could be caused by a spasm extension of the manducatory (i.e. medial pterygoid) to levator and tympani tensors. These three muscles, which originate from the first branchial arch, have a proprioceptive sensitivity and share the same innervation. What is more tensor and levator veli exchange certain muscular fibers. Tensor tympani spasm can be held responsible both for a decrease or abolition of the Klockhoff's reflex, together with a decrease of the stapedian reflex, the latter due to tympani rigidity induced by a spasm of the tensor tympani.
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