What Causes Limited Jaw Opening And Temporal Headaches?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Answered on

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Dear Dr.,

I have limited jaw opening and daily temporal headaches. Is my radiology report normal (here attached) or a very possible reason for my headaches? What treatment would you recommend?

Thank you,

Answered by Dr. Shesh Jaiswal (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
TMJ problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your query and seen your report also.
TMJ is overall fine.a small spour along the anterior margin of condyle may effect the amount of jaw opening.
How much is your mouth opening ?
Is it 3 fingers,less than 3 fingers or 2 fingers?
Since when your mouth opening is reduced?

Do you have any habit of smoking or chewing tobacco?

Waiting for your answer to have a better understanding of your condition.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shesh Jaiswal (16 days later)

Dear Dr,

I am a 51 year old male. I have been diagnosed with TMJ.

I have all the symptoms.

Among others :

1. Limited jaw opening & pain

2. Neck pain

3. Temporal headaches

4. I also have an impacted tooth #32 (see X-Ray enclosed)

5. In addition, I have a palpable lump close to tooth #32 ( see MRI enclosed)

Could my TMJ & more specifically my temporal headaches be a result of my impacted tooth #32. Should I remove it?

Best regards!

Answered by Dr. Shesh Jaiswal (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
third molar impaction

Detailed Answer:
hello
i have seen your MRI and xray reports.

you have a mesioangular impaction of lower third molar on right side.
it is highly possible that it is the reason for your limited jaw opening and temporal headache.

it is also showing some amount of radiolucency.palpable lump suggest some amount of infection.

i would suggest you to visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon get the impacted molar removed.

hope this answer helps.

Regards
Dr. Shesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad