TMJ nerve damage is a condition that affects the nerves that control the jaw muscles and sensation in the face. It can occur due to various reasons such as trauma, surgery, or infection. In some cases, it may also be a complication of TMJ disorder.
Symptoms may include numbness or tingling in the face or jaw, pain in the face or ear, difficulty chewing or speaking, and muscle weakness or paralysis in the face.
What is TMJ nerve damage?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) nerve damage can occur when the nerves that innervate the jaw muscles and TMJ are affected. The nerves involved include the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve and responsible for sensation in the face and jaw, and the facial nerve, which is responsible for motor control of the facial muscles.
Causes
The causes of TMJ nerve damage can include trauma to the face or jaw, prolonged pressure on the nerve, infections, and tumors.
While TMJ nerve damage is not usually fatal, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks. So you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below:
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of TMJ nerve damage may include:
- Pain: The most common symptom of TMJ nerve damage is pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. The pain can be sharp or dull and can be constant or intermittent.
- Numbness: TMJ nerve damage can cause numbness in the face, particularly in the jaw area.
- Tingling or burning sensations: Some people with TMJ nerve damage may experience tingling or burning sensations in the face, particularly in the jaw and chin areas.
- Jaw muscles weakness: TMJ nerve damage can cause weakness in the jaw muscles, making it difficult to chew or open the mouth wide.
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing: In some cases, TMJ nerve damage can cause difficulty speaking or swallowing.
- Ear pain or ringing: TMJ nerve damage can cause pain or ringing in the ears, as the nerves that control the jaw muscles also supply the ear muscles.
- Headaches: Chronic headaches, including migraines, may be a symptom of TMJ nerve damage, as the muscles and nerves in the jaw and neck can refer pain to the head.
TMJ that results in jaw muscle weakness will often lead to changes in speech, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and facial asymmetry (paralysis in the face).
Diagnosis
TMJ nerve damage is relatively rare and can be more challenging to diagnose than TMJ infections because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. A dentist or oral surgeon may perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, to check for nerve damage.
To confirm nerve damage, the dentist or oral surgeon may perform additional tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) tests. These tests can measure the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles and help identify the location and extent of the nerve damage. In some cases, a referral to a neurologist or other specialist may be necessary for further testing and treatment.
Treatment
Following your diagnosis, your dentist or doctor can recommend various interventions, including natural remedies for TMJ to manage the symptoms, including:
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain associated with TMJ nerve damage.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications can help relieve chronic pain associated with TMJ nerve damage.
- Muscle relaxants: These medications can help relieve muscle spasms and pain associated with TMJ nerve damage.
- Physical therapy: Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the jaw and improve jaw mobility can help alleviate pain and restore function.
- Surgery: In severe cases of TMJ nerve damage, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged nerves.
Surgical intervention for TMJ nerve damage
Surgery is usually considered as a last resort option when other conservative treatments have failed to alleviate the symptoms. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the cause and severity of the nerve damage.
Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the joint to visualize the damaged tissue. The surgeon can then remove the damaged tissue or repair the nerve using small instruments.
Open-joint surgery
This is a more invasive surgical procedure that involves creating a larger incision to access the joint. The surgeon can then repair or replace damaged tissue, reposition the disc, or remove scar tissue.
Nerve grafting
If the nerve is severely damaged, the surgeon may need to take a healthy nerve from another part of the body (usually the ankle or wrist) and transplant it to the damaged area.
NB: Surgery is not always necessary for TMJ nerve damage, and many cases can be managed effectively with conservative treatments. Surgery should only be considered after careful evaluation and discussion with a qualified healthcare provider.
Recovering from TMJ nerve damage
Recovery time for TMJ can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, full recovery may take several months to a year or longer. In the event of surgery, pain and swelling may persist for some time, and physical therapy may be necessary to restore proper jaw function.
It is essential to follow the surgeon’s postoperative instructions to promote a speedy recovery, including:
- Resting the jaw and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery.
- Taking pain medication as prescribed.
- Applying heat or cold therapy to the affected area as directed.
- Maintaining a soft diet for several weeks after surgery.
- Performing prescribed exercises to help restore jaw function.
Make sure to follow the prescribed treatment plan, get plenty of rest, and avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
