Do you often experience headaches, dizziness, or tingling sensations in your face or jaw? Perhaps you have also noticed a popping sound behind your ear when chewing. These symptoms may indicate a condition known as TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ affects the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. However, what many people don’t realize is that TMJ can also have a significant impact on neurological function.
It is said that women tend to suffer more from TMJ neurological symptoms than men. A study also shows that those suffering from TMJ symptoms are more likely to perform worse with different cognitive function tasks.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is responsible for opening and closing the mouth, allowing us to chew, talk, and perform other essential functions. When something goes wrong with the temporomandibular joint, it can lead to different symptoms, including constant pain in the jaw, facial pain, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
TMJ can also cause problems with the jaw muscles, leading to discomfort or constant pain when chewing, yawning, or talking. Additionally, TMJ has been associated with a range of neurological disorders, including headaches, dizziness, and tingling or numbness in the face or jaw. While the exact causes of TMJ are not always clear, treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and surgery can often help manage the symptoms.
Read More: What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
Link Between TMJ and Your Brain
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is not just a condition that affects your jaw and facial muscles. Recent neurological research has shown that TMJ can also impact your brain and neurological function.
Researchers found out that patients with TMJ exhibited changes in brain activity compared to healthy individuals. TMJ patients had decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex part of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making, working memory, and other higher cognitive functions. There are also instances in which patients with TMJ experience “brain fog,” in which chronic pain affects short-term memories.
A study published in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache found that TMJ patients had higher levels of depression and anxiety than healthy individuals. The researchers hypothesized that the chronic pain associated with TMJ might contribute to these mental health issues.
So, how exactly does TMJ affect your brain? The chronic pain associated with TMJ can cause changes in the way your brain processes pain signals. Over time, this can lead to a hypersensitivity to pain and a decreased ability to cope with stress. Treating TMJ early can not only alleviate pain and discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles but may also help prevent neurologic disorders and mental health issues.
Read Also: Best Proven Home Remedies For TMJ Pain
Signs and Symptoms of Neurological Problems From TMJ
Aside from the common temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptom, neurological symptoms can be challenging to diagnose. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention to determine if they’re TMJ-related pain:
- Headaches – Chronic headaches, particularly those in the temple region or behind the eyes, can be a sign of TMJ. These headaches can be severe and debilitating and may not respond to traditional headache treatments.
- Dizziness – Patients with TMJ might experience lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when moving the head or standing up.
- Facial pain – TMJ can cause pain and discomfort in the face, particularly in the jaw, cheekbones, and temples.
- Tingling or numbness – TMJ can induce tingling or numbness in the face or jaw.
- Ear problems – TMJ can cause a range of ear problems, including ear pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and difficulty hearing.
- Neck pain – Persistent pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders can be a sign of TMJ.
- Cognitive problems – TMJ is linked to cognitive issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog.
Related Article: How Do You Know If You Have TMJ Disorder Or Lockjaw?
Managing TMJ-Related Neurological Symptoms
Below are health tips you can apply if you’re suffering from TMJ symptoms. These may only alleviate the relentless pain and may not target the source of pain directly.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress can trigger TMJ symptoms, so practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation can help reduce tension in the jaw and promote relief from jaw pain.
Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ. In some cases, muscle relaxants or antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Food Choices
Certain foods, such as those that are hard or chewy, can worsen TMJ symptoms. Avoiding these foods can help reduce pain and discomfort.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or ice to the jaw can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.
Dental Interventions
A dentist may recommend interventions such as bite guards or orthodontic treatment to help manage TMJ symptoms.
Related Article: Can You Treat TMJ Disorder With Injections?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a neurologist do for TMJ?
A neurologist may be involved in evaluating and managing TMJ, particularly if the condition is causing neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or tingling sensations in the face or jaw.
If you’re referred to a neurologist for TMJ, they may perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. This may include a physical exam, review of medical history, and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to evaluate the brain and jaw joint.
Does TMJ show up on brain MRI?
TMJ does not typically show up on a brain MRI scan. This is because TMJ affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which are located outside the brain. A brain MRI may be ordered if a healthcare professional suspects that TMJ-related neurological symptoms are due to an underlying brain condition, such as a brain tumor or neurological disease. In these cases, the MRI can help identify any abnormalities in brain structure or function contributing to the symptoms.
Can TMJ affect brain function?
TMJ can affect brain function. Research has shown that TMJ can change brain activity and cognitive function, particularly in areas of the brain responsible for pain processing, decision-making, and working memory.
Chronic pain associated with TMJ can also contribute to anxiety or depression, further impacting brain function.
Can TMJ cause permanent nerve damage?
In rare cases, TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder can cause permanent nerve damage. This can occur if the condition is left untreated for an extended period or if there is severe compression or inflammation of the nerves. However, it’s important to note that permanent nerve damage from TMJ is relatively uncommon.
What can an ENT do for TMJ?
An ENT or otolaryngologist is a medical professional specializing in treating and diagnosing disorders affecting your ears, nose, and throat. While ENTs may not specialize in TMJ specifically, they can play a role in evaluating and managing TMJ-related symptoms.
If you’re referred to an ENT for TMJ, they may perform a comprehensive evaluation like a physical exam and imaging test. Based on the evaluation findings, an ENT may recommend various treatment options to manage TMJ-related symptoms.
Can TMJ put pressure on nerves?
Yes, TMJ can pressure nerves, leading to neurological symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the face, jaw, or ears. The temporomandibular joint is located close to several important nerves, including the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face, and the facial nerve, which controls facial movements. If the joint becomes misaligned or damaged, it can put pressure on these nerves, leading to a range of neurological symptoms.
Should I see a neurologist for TMJ?
A neurologist can help diagnose and treat neurological conditions, and they may not have specific expertise in TMJ.
Instead, you may consider seeking treatment from a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon specializing in TMJ disorders. These professionals are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the jaw and facial muscles, including TMJ.
Additionally, your primary care physician can refer you to a specialist who can help diagnose and treat your TMJ-related symptoms. They may also recommend a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like MRI or X-ray, to better understand the condition’s extent.
Consult Garza DDS for a Thorough Evaluation of Your TMJ Symptoms
TMJ can not only cause discomfort and pain in the jaw and facial muscles, but it can also have a significant impact on neurological function.
If you’re looking for a healthcare professional who specializes in TMJ, Dr. Garza is a TMJ dentist in Gilbert, AZ, who can help. With years of experience treating TMJ-related symptoms, Dr. Garza can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options to alleviate pain, improve jaw function, and prevent further complications.
Don’t let TMJ-related neurological symptoms interfere with your daily life. Contact Dr. Garza today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you deserve. With expert care and management, you can improve your overall health and well-being and get back to enjoying life to the fullest.