Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Temporomandibular Joint Pain Measurement by Bite Force and Von Frey Filament Assays in Mice
Published on: September 13, 2024
Changes in regional gray and white matter volume in patients with myofascial-type temporomandibular disorders: a
Geoffrey Gerstner1, Eric Ichesco, Andres Quintero
1Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA.
Aims:
To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to search for evidence of altered brain morphology in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Methods:
Using VBM, regional gray and white matter volume was investigated in nine TMD patients and nine carefully matched healthy controls.
Results:
A decrease in gray matter volume occurred in the left anterior cingulate gyrus, in the right posterior cingulate gyrus, the right anterior insular cortex, left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as the superior temporal gyrus bilaterally in the TMD patients. Also, white matter analyses revealed decreases in regional white matter volume in the medial prefrontal cortex bilaterally in TMD patients.
Conclusion:
These data support previous findings by showing that TMD, like other chronic pain states, is associated with changes in brain morphology in brain regions known to be part of the central pain system.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

