Long-term effects of splint therapy in patients with posttraumatic stress disease (PTSD)

Abstract

Objectives The aim of a pilot study was to clarify the question of whether mouth opening restrictions in patients with PTSD by means of splint therapy (st) show long-term therapeutic effects in the case of functional disorders. Material and methods In 31 of 36 inpatients (soldiers, average age 37.1 ± 7.3 years, 26.7 ± 2.1 teeth) with confirmed posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain intensity > 6 (visual analogue scale 0 to 10), the mouth opening was determined, and the functional status (RDC-TMD) was recorded. All participants received a splint that was worn at night. A control of the therapeutic effect of the splint occurred after 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results The mouth opening initially had an average of 30.9 ± 6.5 mm (median 31 mm). The pain intensity (PI) was reported to be on average VAS 8.3 ± 0.9, the chronic degree of pain according to von Korff was 3.9 ± 03. Six weeks after the st (n = 31), the average mouth opening was 49.5 ± 6.3 mm (median 51.5). PI was given as VAS 2.3 ± 1.1 on average. After 3, 6, and 12 months, 24, 15, and 14 subjects could be interviewed regarding PI. Based on the last examination date of all subjects, the average PI was given as 1.1 ± 0.9 (median 1). Conclusion The presented data show that the therapeutic short-term results achieved by means of a splint remain valid on the long term despite continued PTSD. Clinical relevance The presented study shows that patients will benefit in the long term from a splint and remain symptom-free, even if this mental illness persists.

Use of a Modified Mandibular Splint to Reduce Nocturnal Symptoms in Persons With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

“…In relation to other relevant studies, Wolowski et al 22 recently provided additional support for the present results by finding an inverse relationship ( r = –0.48, P < 0.01) between increases in splint thickness related to mouth opening and self-reported reduction of ‘painful craniomandibular dysfunction’ 22 among PTSD patients. While providing useful clinical information, this investigation was limited by its lack of assessment of PTSD symptomatology and psychiatric comorbidity.…”

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Stress Levels and Occurrence of Stomatoghnatic System Disorders (SSDs) among Physiotherapy Students in Poland

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Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints associated with post-traumatic stress disorders in patients

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