Abstract |
Craniomandibular disorders cause many pleomorphic and seemingly unrelated clinical manifestations that mimic other more serious medical problems and thus can present physicians and dentists with a challenge that invites misdiagnosis and improper treatment planning. Conversely, misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment planning are facilitated when serious medical problems manifest a range of signs and symptoms that are clinically similar to temporomandibular joint muscle dysfunction. At times, the patient's response to therapy may be the best method of corroborating a diagnosis, as illustrated in this report of a patient with Lyme disease that was misdiagnosed as a temporomandibular joint disorder. Lyme disease has already reached epidemic proportions in several parts of the United States and its geographic distribution is spreading. Because Lyme disease is a life-threatening illness whose clinical manifestations can mimic temporomandibular joint/myofascial pain-dysfunction, it is the responsibility of every dentist who treats craniomandibular disorders to become familiar with the clinical presentations of Lyme disease and more proficient in its differential diagnosis.
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Authors | E Lader |
Journal | The Journal of prosthetic dentistry
(J Prosthet Dent)
Vol. 63
Issue 1
Pg. 82-5
(Jan 1990)
ISSN: 0022-3913 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2295991
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Humans
- Lyme Disease
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Penicillins
(therapeutic use)
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
(diagnosis)
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