Myofacial pain dysfunction: a clinical examination procedure

Myofacial pain dysfunction (MPD), a commonly occurring illness, presents with a variety of clinical appearances and patient symptoms which mimic many other illnesses. The family physician and medical specialist are often first consulted by patients suffering from the pain and/or limited functions associated with MPD. Although the definitive diagnosis and therapy is usually provided by a dental specialist, the attending physician is often required to make the initial clinical diagnosis of MPD and then select proper referrals and consultations. Physicians with an understanding of the cause and clinical picture of MPD can, by obtaining a comprehensive history and performing a concise clinical examination, make a diagnosis of MPD. A description of the nature of the illness and a clinical examination procedure are presented.