CHECK OUT TMJ DISORDERS BEFORE BEGINNING PARKINSON’S TREATMENTS

It is important that before you begin treatment related to Parkinson’s disease, you take a look at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In many of the patients we see at our office in Vienna, VA, we have found that there is a dislocation of the TMJ and this in turn puts pressure on the jaw joint which can precipitate movement disorders such as Parkinson’s.

It is generally believed that the mechanism of action for this is due to pressure on the bundles of nerve fibers that exist in the back portion of the jaw joint. In other words, when the jaw joint is compressed too much, the nerves in the joint become irritated and send aberrant signals to the brain, and this is what we believe may be a cause of movement disorders. This dislocation can often be confirmed with an MRI of the jaw joints. The MRI shows the cartilage in the joint and when this cartilage is displaced, it is believed that the nerve endings in the joint become compressed and irritated.

In our office we have found that by decompressing the jaw joints and relieving the pressure on the nerve endings in the joints, we often see relief from Parkinson’s symptoms. However, in order to make this determination, it is important to do a proper TMJ exam which includes a lengthy questionnaire and a complete head and neck exam along with x-rays. When all of this information is put together, we are able to determine if there is a TMJ problem and then treat accordingly. Many of the movement disorder patients are able to taper off the medications which cause lethargy, muscle stiffness, and a whole host of other problems. When the indicators are there for TMJ disorder, the treatment is often very successful.

Dr Jeffrey L. Brown joined forces with Dr. Brendan Stack in Vienna, Virginia. See their new Wellness Village page.