A Case of Bruxism-Induced Otalgia.
10.7874/jao.2016.20.2.123
- Author:
Se Hyung KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea. meddoc98@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Earache;
Tooth wear;
Teeth;
Referred pain
- MeSH:
Adult;
Botulinum Toxins;
Bruxism;
Dentists;
Diagnosis;
Earache*;
Female;
Humans;
Hygiene;
Migraine Disorders;
Muscles;
Occlusal Splints;
Pain, Referred;
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders;
Tooth;
Tooth Wear;
Tympanic Membrane
- From:Journal of Audiology & Otology
2016;20(2):123-126
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Here, the author presents a case of bruxism-induced otalgia in a 29-year-old female patient. The pain was sharp and penetrating in character. It was usually worse in the morning and frequently radiated to the right temporal area. She had received unsuccessful medical treatments for migraine headache. The otoendoscopic examination revealed a normal tympanic membrane. A thorough inspection of her teeth revealed excessive wear on the incisal edges, and the cause of her otalgia was identified as bruxism-related temporomandibular joint disorder. After the use of an occlusal splint and repeated botulinum toxin injections in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, along with good sleep hygiene, she experienced significant relief of pain and symptoms. The author suggests that multidisciplinary cooperation between ENT clinicians and dentists is necessary for the quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment of bruxism and the consequential referred otalgia.
