Comparison of the Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Analysis of the Masseter Muscle Between Epilepsy Patients and Healthy Subjects

Abstract

It is important to investigate the changes in the masseter muscle, one of the chewing muscles, in epilepsy patients and to determine whether epilepsy can be effectively predicted on muscle. The aim of this study is to measure masseter muscle thickness, circumference and cross-sectional area in individuals with epilepsy and healthy individuals. This study was performed with 128 individuals (64 epilepsy patients and 64 healthy subjects) aged between 18 to 59 years. The mean cross-sectional area, thickness and circumference determined by measuring both of the masseter muscles were using cone beam computed tomography. The mean right masseter muscle cross-sectional area varied across age groups in epilepsy individuals (P=0.020). Significant differences were observed in the right masseter muscle circumference among age groups in epilepsy individuals (P=0.003). Significant differences were observed in the mean among age groups in epilepsy individuals (P=0.004). Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean right masseter muscle cross-sectional area between sexes in healthy individuals (P<0.001). Similarly, significant differences were observed in the mean right masseter muscle thickness between sexes in healthy individuals (P<0.001). Significant differences were observed in the mean left masseter muscle cross-sectional area between sexes in healthy individuals (P<0.001). Although jaw joint’s muscular dislocations are common, the masseter muscle, which has a very strong function in masticatory movements, is very important in terms of location, neighbourhood and clinical aspects. For this reason, our study examining the masseter muscle morphometric measurements in the epileptic and healthy population using cone beam computed tomography provides important information and normative data.