How can tmj cause dizziness

When the jaw becomes misaligned, the trigeminal nerve can be affected, causing headaches and ear pain. In addition, TMJ can cause inflammation of the inner ear, which leads to dizziness and balance problems. It can be difficult to diagnose TMJ disorder due to the variety of symptoms it can cause. Schmid uses sophisticated diagnostic tools along with his years of training and experience to accurately diagnose TMJ in patients. Treatment options may include dental work, an orthotic device, or a night guard to prevent clenching of the teeth.

If you have been experiencing dizziness along with other TMJ symptoms, call Dr. Schmid today at to schedule your consultation. Disclaimer: The information throughout this general and cosmetic dentistry website is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Learn about the relationship between TMD and dizziness and how to stop it.

Patients diagnosed with a TMJ disorder TMD may experience dizziness or an uncomfortable whirling sensation called vertigo. Classic vertigo symptoms also include:. These symptoms connect to the vestibular system, which includes the parts of the inner ear and nervous system that help control balance and eye movements. The inner ear contains sensors that monitor your physical position in space and your body's response to gravity. These sensors transmit signals to the brain's centers called vestibular nuclei, which then notify the eye muscles, arms and legs to make adjustments needed to remain upright and balanced.

When these signals are hindered or transmitted inaccurately, the body's adjustments are inadequate and result in difficulty balancing. Although the connection between TMDs and otological symptoms like vertigo is not yet fully understood, some explain the correlation by the anatomical and structural proximity to the middle and inner ear. The TMJ region's inflammation could affect the vestibular nuclei and interrupt the signals, putting patients with TMD off-balance.

The exact causes of your TMJ dysfunction — or TMD — are often tricky to identify unless you have an apparent injury or trauma to the jaw. Start by making a list of all your symptoms to take with you to your primary care physician or dental professional. This list will help the medical practitioner determine whether TMD is the cause of your dizziness. Other signs you might have TMD include:. The medical practitioner will examine your jaw, the joint, and surrounding muscles to identify pain and listen for sounds while moving the joint.

X-rays are not usually needed unless the practitioner suspects an underlying issue could be affecting your jaw, such as arthritis.

Unless you are experiencing a lot of pain, try some self-care strategies at home to reduce your dizziness. Start by addressing any TMJ pain or problems directly, such as applying a heat or ice pack to the affected jaw area at intervals. Rest the joint by eating soft foods and avoiding extreme movements, such as chewing gum, yawning widely, or talking loudly.

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Top Articles. Try these home-care methods to see if you feel better after a while: Eat only soft foods. Apply ice packs to your jaw to reduce inflammation. Get pain and inflammation relief with over-the-counter medications. Avoid extreme jaw movements, such as singing, yelling, laughing big, yawning big, or chewing gum.

Open your mouth as little as possible to brush and floss. Do some simple physical therapy exercises. Get a massage or try other relaxation techniques. Treatments include: Prescriptions for pain, inflammation, muscle relaxers, and low-dose antidepressants used to control pain, teeth grinding, and sleep disorders Therapies , such as physical therapy, counseling, and the use of mouth guards or oral splints Injections , such as botulinum toxin type A into the jaw muscle and corticosteroid into the jaw joint Surgeries , including minimally invasive procedures and more complex open-joint surgery Though not a common complication, vertigo can perhaps relate to your TMJ.

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