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The masseteric post-stimulus electromyographic-complex in people with dysfunction of the mandibular joint
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Tooth grinding habits correlate with specific jaw muscle responses. Myofascial pain dysfunction patients exhibit distinct patterns in post-stimulus EMG complexes, suggesting diagnostic potential for these electrical signals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Science
Background:
- The masticatory system's neuromuscular activity is complex.
- Understanding jaw muscle responses to stimuli aids in diagnosing dysfunction.
- Post-stimulus EMG complexes (PSEC) offer insights into neuromuscular control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of PSEC in symptom-free individuals.
- To explore correlations between PSEC morphology, tooth-grinding habits, and myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD).
- To assess the relationship between PSEC and the Helkimo index.
Main Methods:
- Standardized mechanical stimulation of an upper central incisor during low-level clenching (5% maximal EMG activity).
- Computerized analysis of 72 PSEC sweeps per subject.
- Comparison of PSEC findings with Helkimo index scores and reported tooth-grinding habits.
Main Results:
- Diverse PSEC morphologies were observed.
- No correlation was found between PSEC and the Helkimo index.
- A strong correlation exists between tooth-grinding habits and a single inhibitory period in PSEC.
- Patients with MPD consistently showed a single inhibitory wave.
- Shorter end latency of the second inhibitory wave was noted when one side was affected.
Conclusions:
- PSEC morphology is not correlated with the Helkimo index.
- Tooth-grinding habits are linked to specific PSEC patterns.
- Distinct PSEC findings in MPD patients suggest potential diagnostic value.
- Latency of inhibitory waves may indicate unilateral dysfunction.