Craniomandibular disorders in patients with Menière's disease: a controlled study

This study compares the frequency of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders and dental conditions in patients diagnosed with Menière's disease and in control subjects from a population sample. Thirty-one patients (12 men, 19 women) diagnosed with Menière's disease were referred from three otolaryngologic clinics for clinical examination and possible treatment of craniomandibular disorders. Thirty-one control subjects were selected from the population in the same area of Sweden (Ystad). Both groups were subjected to a screening of their symptoms with a self-administered questionnaire and to a routine stomatognathic examination. The function of the masticatory system was further calculated according to the index of Helkimo for both anamnestic dysfunction (Ai) and clinical dysfunction state (Di). Clinical symptoms of craniomandibular disorders such as pain in the face or jaw; pain on movement of the mandible; fatigue of the jaws; and pain located in the vertex area, the neck/shoulder area, and the temples all occurred significantly more often in the patient group. Findings at the clinical examination included a statistically higher frequency of tenderness to palpation of the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and the upper part of the trapezius muscle in the patient group compared to that of the control group. The findings indicate a much higher prevalence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in patients diagnosed with Menière's disease than in the general population.