Temporomandibular disorders in patients with craniocervical dystonia

Temporomandibular disorders are a set of musculoskeletal dysfunctions within the masticatory system, with multiple etiologies. Objective: Since craniocervical dystonia can involye the same neuromuscular structure as the temporomandibular joint, we sought to assess the correlation between temporomandibular disorders and craniocervical dystonia. Method: We applied the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders to 42 patients with craniocervical dystonia, in order to identify orofacial pain and temporomandibular characteristics on the day of botulinum toxin injection. Results: Twenty-two patients (52.3%) reported temporomandibular joint pain; 24 (57.1%), joint sounds; 20 (47.6%), masticatory muscle pain; and 21(50%), diminished jaw mobility. The patients with oromandibular dystonia presented temporomandibular disorders more frequently than did patients with other types of craniocervical dystonia (p<0.001). Conclusion: Temporomandibular disorders occur frequently in patients with oromandibular dystonia. Further studies should address the proper treatment of temporomandibular disorders associated with dystonia. Key words: botulinum toxin, cervical dystonia, cranial dystonia, temporomandibular disorders.