Costen's syndrome, i.e. the painful temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a disease of the temporomandibular joint, which is manifested primarily by pain in the temples and jaw pain. The pain is so severe that it makes it difficult to move your jaw while talking and eating. what are the causes and other symptoms of Costen syndrome? How is the pain syndrome of the temporomandibular joint treated?

Costen's syndrome , orpainful temporomandibular joint syndromeowes its name to the otolaryngologist J. B. Costen, who in 1934 was the first to describe it ailment.

Costen's team - what is it?

The name Costen's syndrome covers a number of abnormalities in the temporomandibular joint that impair its function.

Painful temporomandibular joint syndrome It affects women twice as often, usually between the ages of 20 and 40.

Unfortunately, Costen's syndrome (painful temporomandibular joint syndrome) is one of the most rarely diagnosed diseases, which means that only a small percentage of people suffering from this disease receive professional advice and appropriate treatment.

Improper arrangement of the structures making up the temporomandibular joint causes an increase in pressure within the joint space, tension in the surrounding muscles and soft tissues, and pressure on the nerves in the vicinity.

According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related He alth Problems (ICD-10) developed by the World He alth Organization, Costen's syndrome is classified as dento-facial abnormalities, and more specifically temporomandibular joint disorders -mandibular.

Costen's syndrome - symptoms

In Costen's syndrome, there is spontaneous pain in the face around the temples and jaw, difficulty in moving the lower jaw - especially when talking or eating, or hypersensitivity to pressure. Facial pain often radiates to the lower jaw, ear, nose, eye, temples and occiput.

The joint structures are stiffened, the following may occur:

  • various kinds of "crackles"
  • feeling of jumping in the pond
  • tinnitus
  • and even hearing impairment

In a he althy person, the upper and lower teeth should not bebe shifted in relation to each other. When we notice such a disproportion, it may indicate an incorrect position of the mandible in the course of the disease of the temporomandibular joint.

Patients also often complain of pressure under the eyes, nagging toothache. The pain is one-sided, dull, and rarely acute.

The disease is also accompanied by crackling or crackling sound effects when opening the mouth wide, yawning or chewing.

There is limited mobility and periodic stiffness in the joint and swelling around the joint.

Some patients with Costen's syndrome may develop shoulder and cervical spine pain.

Costen's syndrome - causes

It is difficult to clearly indicate the causes of the development of the disease. It is known, however, what is conducive to abnormalities and disturbances in the function of the temporomandibular joint. The risk factors include:

  • frequent inflammation of the surrounding tissues, including otitis, radiculitis and salivary gland inflammation
  • jaw injuries, especially a prolapse of the temporomandibular joint
  • improper habits e.g. grinding teeth (bruxism), leaning chin on hands
  • systemic rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, degeneration of articular discs, gout
  • osteoporosis and other bone disorders
  • cachexia and protein deficiencies weakening soft tissues
  • improperly performed dental procedures
  • occlusal and anatomical conditions (occlusion disorders, i.e. the appropriate position of the contact between the upper and lower teeth and missing teeth); degenerative changes in the joint and excessive mobility in the joint may also be responsible for its development
  • adopting non-physiological positions of the lower jaw, e.g. holding a phone between the lower jaw and shoulder
  • unconsciously clenching the jaw and tightening the facial muscles in stressful or anxious situations
  • inadequate coping with stress and low pain threshold

Costen syndrome - diagnosis

Costen's syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of a manual examination, a detailed interview, and functional X-ray images of occlusion and opening of the jaws.

Unfortunately, such tests are rarely ordered to patients, even those complaining of severe pain. Instead of testing, it is recommended that you take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Costen's syndrome - treatment

The treatment of Costen's team should be de alt with by an experienced dentist. The form of treatment should be adapted to the existing dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint.

Drugs are an important part of the therapy.Usually, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics and painkillers are given. However, not all those who suffer from it alleviate their suffering. Some patients have periarticular blockages.

Sometimes a prosthetic treatment is needed or special splints are needed. The dentist should also show the patient special stretching exercises that will help to improve jaw movement and muscle flexibility. Massages are also very beneficial.

Physical therapy also turns out to be helpful. A low-frequency magnetic field is used together with optical radiation in the form of magnetoledotherapy treatments, laser therapy, electrotherapy and cold therapy, i.e. cryotherapy.

If the disease is caused by an anatomical defect, surgical treatment is often required.

Some symptoms can be relieved with home remedies. Patients should introduce a diet based on soft foods. The reduction of swelling and the analgesic effect is achieved by cold compresses. You can use ice cubes wrapped in a cloth or special cooling dressings, which you can buy at a pharmacy.

Patients should not chew gum, thanks to which they significantly limit the movements of the mandible. Fight harmful habits such as biting your nails, uncontrolled biting or curling your lips when working with concentration or supporting your chin with your hand.

It is also necessary to remove all causes that may be conducive to the disease. The fight with Costen's syndrome may be preceded by orthodontic and prosthetic treatment correcting malocclusions and all cavities. It is important to heal caries and any inflammations in the mouth.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Category:

Dentistry and Orthodontics