Temporomandibular Joint Pain Dysfunction Syndrome: Characteristics of Its Complex of Symptoms; Effectiveness of Traditional Treatment Supplemented by Neurologist Recommendations

Introduction. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a pathological condition that does not allow the maxillofacial system to function properly and is determined with a high frequency among the population, including young people. Nowadays, many theories of the origin of dysfunction are considered: occlusion disorders, muscle imbalance, psychoneurological disorders. The picture of clinical manifestations of TMJ dysfunction is often accompanied by pain and is determined by many factors, which greatly complicates diagnosis and treatment. This indicates the need for further in-depth study of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which determined the relevance and created the prerequisites for this study. The aim of the study. To characterize the complex of signs of painful dysfunction syndrome of the temporomandibular joints, to optimize methods of its treatment and to determine their effectiveness. Materials and methods. The aim was achieved by performing successive stages of the study, according to which: at the first stage, general clinical examination methods were performed (history taking, assessment of occlusal relationships, assessment of neurological status, if necessary - examination by a neurologist, psychologist and related specialists). At the second stage, additional examination methods were performed - methods of radiological diagnostics. At the third stage, statistical methods were used: they were carried out on a personal computer using a library of statistical functions. Results. The results of clinical examination in patients with TMJ dysfunction allowed us to identify the following main clinical manifestations: pain syndrome of various nature (bilateral – 15 patients, paroxysmal pain on the affected side – 29, increased pain when chewing or opening the mouth – in 65 patients), deviation of the lower jaw (84 patients), joint noise (clicking) – in 70 patients and crunching – in 46 people. Neuropsychological indicators in patients with TMJ dysfunction were characterized by high personal anxiety, depressive disorders, which were directly related to the severity of pain. Among the main neurological manifestations were diffuse persistent dermographism (78.8 %) and distal hyperhidrosis, hypothermia (60.9 %). The results of the assessment of patients’ lives using a general questionnaire showed that the treatment carried out with the recommendations of a neurologist significantly improves the quality of life of patients in almost all indicators (sadness, self-satisfaction, desire to communicate, etc.) of the questionnaire scales. Almost all indicators of the scale, a month after the treatment were 57.7 % higher than the initial level. Conclusions. According to the results of applying the proposed algorithm for diagnosis and treatment in this group of patients, positive results were obtained, thanks to which this algorithm can be considered effective when used in a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of patients with painful temporomandibular joint dysfunction.