What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
• Headache Attributed to TMJ Disorder
• Headache due to Temporomandibular Disorder

What is Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to any disorder involving the temporomandibular joint. Such conditions include degenerative diseases, disc displacements, joint osteoarthritis, and regional myofascial pain
• The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a type of modified-hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, just below the ears on both sides. This joint helps the lower jaw move in an up and down and sideways manner through the help of certain jaw muscles
• Temporomandibular joint disorders are a group of conditions that involve the temporomandibular joint and the jaw muscles, leading to pain and difficulty using the jaw. This may take place due to a jaw injury, an underlying illness such as arthritis, or even severe stress
• The headache is mainly observed in the side of the face (temporal region), in front of the upper ear (preauricular pit), and at the chewing muscles (masseter muscles). Either one side of the head, or both sides may present pain, depending on the type of TMD. Along-with head pain, facial pain is commonly noted
• A progression of TMD in the absence of adequate treatment can worsen the headache. The condition may be aggravated on applying pressure to the region (such as while chewing/biting). The headache is known to improve and regress on undertaking suitable management of the underlying disorder

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Clinical evidence of a painful pathological process affecting elements of the temporomandibular joint(s), muscles of mastication and/or associated structures on one or both sides
• Any headache fulfilling the criterion below
• Evidence of causation demonstrated by any of the following:
  • The headache has developed in temporal relation to the onset of the temporomandibular disorder, or led to its discovery
  • The headache is aggravated by jaw motion, jaw function (such as chewing) and/or jaw parafunction (such as bruxism)
  • The headache is provoked on physical examination by temporalis muscle palpation and/or passive movement of the jaw
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)

Note: Other jaw diseases and conditions, such as fractures, benign or malignant tumors, and osteomyelitis, are not considered as temporomandibular joint disorders, from a diagnostic point of view.