The victim often experiences difficulties in swallowing and speaking. Occasionally the joint may lock in the open or closed position.15 Other related conditions which can develop include odontalgia, diplopia, and vertigo. The temporomandibular joints are located just in front of each ear. Each joint contains a condyle16 that fits into the condylar fossa17 and a meniscus is situated between the condyle and the temporal bone. The interrelated portion of the temporal bone provides a disk-like surface upon which the joint pivots.
Muscular movements cause the disk to move back and forth to allow the mouth to open and close.
Diagnosis of a TMJ disorder can be complicated as many other conditions cause similar symptoms. Other conditions which must be ruled out include parotid gland dysfunction, myofascial pain dysfunction, otologic dysfunction, arthritis, ear, nose, throat and bone diseases, abnormal tumors in the area, migraine headaches, vascular anomalies and side effects of various drugs. Diagnosis of TMJ may only be made after reference to x-rays and radiographs of the joints. A variety of therapeutic methods have been developed. Oral treatment and surgery, physical therapy and medication are the most common type of treatment used.