Trigeminal electrophysiology: a 2 x 2 matrix model for differential diagnosis between temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pain due to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) often has the same clinical symptoms and signs as other types of orofacial pain (OP). The possible presence of serious neurological and/or systemic organic pathologies makes differential diagnosis difficult, especially in early disease stages. In the present study, we performed a qualitative and quantitative electrophysiological evaluation of the neuromuscular responses of the trigeminal nervous system. Using the jaw jerk reflex (JJ) and the motor evoked potentials of the trigeminal roots ((b)R-MEPs) tests, we investigated the functional and organic responses of healthy subjects (control group) and patients with TMD symptoms (TMD group).

Method

Thirty-three patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and 3

SUBMITTER: Frisardi G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2909162 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature