Vestibular assessment in patients with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction attending Otolaryngology and Oral medicine outpatient clinics

Rezumat

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is caused by inflammation of the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints. TMD is associated with several comorbidities, one of these comorbidities are otological problems. The otological symptoms related to TMD are tinnitus, otalgia, ear fullness, and Vertigo. Vertigo is observed in many diseases and etiologic factors should be investigated to increase the efficiency of treatment Objective Here we assess VNG and cVEMP findings in patients with TMD via objective vestibular testing tools including VNG and cVEMP recordings. Here, we compare findings of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) and of the caloric test, to assess which one is the more sensitive test for explanation of vestibular findings among patients with TMD and vertigo. Methods This study was carried out on three groups of subjects including 20 normal subjects with bilateral normal hearing sensitivity and free from TMD and vestibular symptoms, 20 subjects complaining of TMD but not complaining of vertigo, and 20 subjects complaining of TMD with vertigo. Results : Finding of VNG and cVEMP in patients with TMD with vertigo is more significant than in patients with TMD without vertigo which supports the relationship between vestibular and stomatognathic systems. Conclusion : cVEMP is a more sensitive test in otolaryngology patients with TMD and vertigo and it's able to identify these patients.