Διαταραχές Αιθουσοκοχλιακού Συστήματος Σε Σύνδρομο Δυσλειτουργίας Κροταφογναθικής Άρθρωσης

Abstract

The literature has documented a controversial discussion on the possible relationship of otogenous manifestations and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) since the 1920s. Common symptoms such as tinnitus, vertigo, otalgia and dizziness occur frequently in TMD patients. The present investigation was conducted in order to determine if otologic symptoms are more prevalent in TMD patients than in the normal population. We surveyed 40 patients suffering from confirmed TMD. Otologic symptoms and laboratory findings were significantly more frequent in our TMD cohort than in the general population. PURPOSE: Many authors have reported that patients suffering from TMD are repeatedly complaining of various otologic symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare a group of TMD patients with the normal population (according to the international literature) in order to clarify if there is a considerable connection between TMD and neurotologic findings, and to determine if these findings are in fact prevalent in this group. INTRODUCTION: The association of neurotological symptoms with TMD has been debated for many years. Various otogenous symptoms such as otalgia, pain around the ear area, dizziness, tinnitus and vertigo are often reported from TMD patients. The mechanism of this association is unknown. Only hypotheses support at presently the coexistence of TMD and vestibular-cochlear manifestations. The fact that tinnitus, otalgia, dizziness and vertigo are often reported from the normal population does not necessarily imply a causal relationship between TMD and these symptoms. However, we found that the incidence of these symptoms was significantly higher in our TMD cohort, than that of the general population according to the international bibliography. Therefore, a meaningful association can be insinuated. In this study we selected our TMD cohort from the once a week strictly TMD clinic of the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of our hospital. Patients with any positive otological history were excluded. All patients underwent a complete neurotological examination. .....................................................................................................