ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To develop an integrated therapy for the combination of pain syndrome and cochleovestibular syndrome (CVS) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five patients (42 women and 3 men), aged from 23 to 54 years, with TMJ dysfunction, signs of CVS and complaints of pain in the ear area were stratified into three groups (15 patients each). Patients received pharmacological and osteopathic therapy (group 1); splint therapy followed by orthodontic treatment (group 2) and a combination of the abovementioned methods (group 3). Re-examination was carried out 3 months after completion of treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, complaints of pain, tinnitus, dizziness and nystagmus, the degree of TMJ dysfunction decreased significantly (p<0,05) compared to baseline in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, the most significant and persistent results were obtained, which significantly differed not only from the initial level, but also from the final level of indicators in the first and second groups (p<0,05), including a decrease in the degree of maladaptation associated with vertigo and trait anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Differential diagnosis of CVS in patients with TMJ dysfunction requires the joint participation of dentist, neurologist and ENT doctor and should be comprehensive, including medical, orthodontic and osteopathic components.
