Temporomandibular joint dysfunction with facial pain in children

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction with myofascial pain, a well-known clinical disorder in adults, is reported in children. In a series of 400 patients, 40 children less than 16 years of age were seen. Of these pediatric patients, 35% had a reactive depression as primary psychopathology. The multifactorial nature of the disorder is described. The need to differentiate this syndrome from recurrent otitis media and other pain syndromes is emphasized. A combined medical, oral surgical, and psychiatric management program is outlined.