temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome
A common disorder noted with jaw movement. It may be caused by malocclusion, repetitive use injury, trauma or arthritis. It is more prevalent among females between their second and fourth decades. Clinical signs include preauricular pain, temporomandibular joint clicking (as the mandibular condyle slips from the articulation made with the capsular disk and temporal bone) and restriction of jaw motion. Clinical course is typically benign but may progress to associated headaches, ear and neck pain, tinnitus and dislocation of temporomandibular joint. Prognosis is favorable as a majority of cases will respond to conservative management.