The Temporomandibular Joint Compromise (TMJC) as a Cause of Otoneurological Symptoms: Headaches, Dizziness and Tinnitus

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the population with chronic or recurrent headaches is too high for a relationship not to exist. Publications propose the examination of the masticatory system in all patients with headache....

Audiologists evaluating patients with unexplained tinnitus or dizziness should consider asking about jaw pain or jaw-joint dysfunction as a potential contributing cause, though the review's evidence base should be appraised before changing referral pathways.

Recognising temporomandibular joint compromise as a driver of otoneurological symptoms could improve multidisciplinary referral practices and reduce diagnostic delays for patients with tinnitus and dizziness of unclear origin.

1. 01Temporomandibular joint compromise (TMJC) may produce headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus through shared nerve and anatomical pathways.
2. 02The article is a clinical review focused on a patient population presenting with otoneurological symptoms.
3. 03Tinnitus and dizziness are common complaints in audiology; identifying jaw-joint dysfunction as a cause is clinically relevant.
4. 04Multidisciplinary collaboration between audiologists and dental/maxillofacial specialists may be warranted.
5. 05Published in a peer-reviewed journal (DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1819593).

PMID

42100383

DOI

10.1055/s-0046-1819593.

Journal

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Clinical patients presenting with otoneurological symptoms (headaches, dizziness, tinnitus)

Intervention

Temporomandibular joint compromise (TMJC) assessment