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Persistent orofacial muscle pain: Its synonymous terminology and presentation
Egilius L H Spierings1, Maxim J H L Mulder2
1a Department of Neurology and Craniofacial Pain Center , Tufts University Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|October 26, 2016
Summary
Persistent orofacial muscle pain, often called myofascial temporomandibular disorder, predominantly affects women and typically presents daily. Key symptoms include pain aggravated by chewing or talking, with masseter muscle tightness or tenderness common.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pain Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common cause of orofacial pain.
- Understanding its clinical presentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- This practice survey analyzed 34 patients diagnosed with persistent orofacial muscle pain.
- The majority of patients were women, with an average age of 44.6 years.
- Pain frequently occurred daily and continuously, lasting a median of 4 years.
Findings:
- 51.9% of patients experienced unilateral pain.
- Aggravating factors included chewing/eating (50%) and talking (29.4%).
- Examination revealed masseter muscle tightness (58.8%) and tenderness (58.8%).
Implications:
- Orofacial muscle pain disproportionately affects women.
- Daily, continuous pain aggravated by function and specific muscle findings are characteristic.
- These findings aid in recognizing and diagnosing myofascial TMD.
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