Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study

Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness.

Methods:

An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire.

Results:

The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p<0.01) and otalgia (p<0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p<0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p<0.01), with higher scores in the control group.

Conclusion:

Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment.

Level of evidence: 3. Original case-control study.

Keywords
Temporomandibular joint; Dizziness; Quality of life

Highlights

Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness.

Patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders have a greater impact on quality of life.

The most affected quality of life domains are the functional and emotional ones.

Introduction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located between the temporal bone and the mandible.11 Lomas J, Gurgenci T, Jackson C, Campbell D. Temporomandibular dysfunction. Aust J Gen Pract. 2018;47:198–214. The adequate functioning of this joint is essential for the performance of functional movements such as speaking and chewing.22 Kusdra PM, Stechman-Neto J, Leão BLC, Martins PFA, Lacerda ABM, Zeigelboim BS. Relationship between otological symptoms and TMD. Int Tinnitus J. 2018;22:30–4. Alterations in the mastication muscles, the TMJ, and/or associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD),33 Omidvar S, Jafari Z. Association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019;128:662–75. which affect approximately 5%–12% of the population.44 Schiffman E, Ohrbach R, Truelove E, Look J, Anderson G, Goulet JP, et al. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and research applications: recommendations of the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network* and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2014;28:6–27. The main symptoms of TMD are facial pain, headache, and pain in the TMJ and mastication muscles topography.55 Carrara SV, Conti PCR, Barbosa JS. Statement of the 1st consensus on temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Dental Press J Orthod. 2010;15:114–20. Moreover, otoneurological symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, otalgia, hearing loss and aural fullness may be present in individuals with TMD,33 Omidvar S, Jafari Z. Association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019;128:662–75.,66 Magalhaes BG, Freitas JLM, Barbosa ACS, Gueiros MCSN, Gomes SGF, Rosenblatt A, et al. Temporomandibular disorder: otologic implications and its relationship to sleep bruxism. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;84:614–9. with a prevalence of dizziness of 22% and vertigo 40%.77 Toledo IP, Stefani FM, Porporatti AL, Mezzomo LA, Peres MA, Flores-mir C, et al. Prevalence of otologic signs and symptoms in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21:597–605. TMDs contribute to public health costs and have a direct impact on society.88 Joury E, Bernabe E, Gallagher JE, Marcenes W. Burden of orofacial pain in a socially deprived and culturally diverse area of the United Kingdom. Pain. 2018;159:1235–43.

Regarding dizziness, according to the Barany Society,99 Bisdorff A, Brevern MV, Lempert T, Newman-Toker DE. Classification of vestibular symptoms: towards an international classification of vestibular disorders. J Vestib Res Equilib Orientat. 2009;19:1–13. dizziness can be defined as a sensation of disturbance or impaired spatial orientation, without a false or distorted sense of movement, while vertigo is differentiated by being characterized as a false sensation of self-motion and a false sensation that the visual environment is rotating or flowing. However, the American Society of Otorhinolaryngology considers dizziness a universal term that includes vertigo as a subtype.55 Carrara SV, Conti PCR, Barbosa JS. Statement of the 1st consensus on temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Dental Press J Orthod. 2010;15:114–20.

Dizziness affects 15%–35% of the world’s population at some point during their lifetime.1010 Neuhauser HK. Chapter 5: the epidemiology of dizziness and vertigo, Vol. 137, 1st ed. Elsevier B.V.; 2016. Individuals with dizziness or vertigo have reported requiring rest from work, interruption of daily activities and being afraid of going out home, in addition to having a lower quality of life.1010 Neuhauser HK. Chapter 5: the epidemiology of dizziness and vertigo, Vol. 137, 1st ed. Elsevier B.V.; 2016. Associations between alterations in spinal movements, cervicogenic dizziness, and TMD have been recently reported in the literature.1111 Micarelli A, Viziano A, Granito I, Micarelli RX, Augimeri I, Alessandrini M. Temporomandibular disorders and cervicogenic dizziness: Relations between cervical range of motion and clinical parameters. CRANIO. 2020;00:1–10. There is no consensus about a possible causal relationship between dizziness and TMD. Controversial theories try to explain the relationship between otoneurological symptoms and TMD,1212 Marchiori LLM, Oltramari-Navarro PVP, Meneses-Barrivieira CL, Melo JJ, Macedo J, Bruniera JRZ, et al. Probable correlation between temporomandibular dysfunction and vertigo in the elderly. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;18:49–53. with the main ones indicating a possible transmission of mechanical energy from the TMJ to the middle ear through the discomalleolar ligament, irritation of the auriculotemporal nerve and hypertonicity of the muscles innervated by the trigeminal nerve. 1313 ManniA, Brunori P, Giuliani M, ModoniM, Bizzi G. Oto-vestibular symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. electromyographic study. Minerva Stomatol. 1996;45:1–7., 1414 Maciel LFO, Landim FS, Vasconcelos BC. Otological findings and other symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders in young people. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018;56:739–43.

Symptoms such as dizziness may be present in individuals with TMD and even interfere with the performance of daily activities, generating emotional, physical and functional consequences.1515 Zeigelboim BS, Lacerda AB, Fonseca VR, Liberalesso PB, Marques JM, Malisky JS, et al. Dizziness handicap inventory and vestibular activities of living scale in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Hear Balanc Commun. 2018;0:1–11. Studies that identify risks and associated factors are important to improve the management of patients with otoneurological symptoms and TMD. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact that TMD generates on the quality of life of patients with dizziness.

Methods

Study design and location

This is a case-control observational study, carried out in the Dentistry Department of a Federal University and in a tertiary hospital, from August 2019 to October 2020. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. All participants signed the free and informed consent form (FICF).

Participants

Individuals of both genders, aged 18-65 years, with a complaint of dizziness, defined according to the American Society of Otorhinolaryngology, were included in the study.99 Bisdorff A, Brevern MV, Lempert T, Newman-Toker DE. Classification of vestibular symptoms: towards an international classification of vestibular disorders. J Vestib Res Equilib Orientat. 2009;19:1–13. Individuals with impaired cognitive ability measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination, with a score below 24 points;1616 Brucki SMD, Nitrini R, Caramelli P, Bertolucci PHF, Okamoto IH. Sugestões para o uso do mini-exame do estado mental no brasil. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003;61:777–81. a history of head trauma related to the origin of the orofacial pain, confounding the diagnosis of TMD; intracranial disorders that required treatment for TMD within the last three months; other causes of orofacial pain such as caries, periodontal diseases, neuropathies and fibromyalgia, as well as patients who did not voluntarily agree to participate or who did not sign the free and informed consent form, were not included in the study.

Cases were defined as patients diagnosed with TMD (articular, muscular or mixed) by a dental surgeon with experience and skills to apply the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I.1717 Dworkin SF, LeResche L. Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders: review, criteria, examinations and specifications, critique. J Craniomandib Disord. 1992;6:301–55. The individuals were recruited from the Integrated Care Center for Patients with Stomatognathic System Dysfunction (CIADE, Centro Integrado de Atendimento a Portadores de Disfunção do Aparelho Estomatognático) extension project, located at a Federal University and referred after dental and physical therapy evaluation for otoneurological evaluation at the university hospital. The patient control group had their information obtained from the medical records of the neurotology outpatient clinic of the same hospital.

The sample size was defined based on the prevalence of 10% of TMD in the population,1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014. which represents 353,416 inhabitants of the state where the research was carried out, based on the population estimated in 2020 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística). Therefore, considering a standard error of 4%, a confidence interval of 95% and a maximum expected percentage of people with dizziness due to TMD of 0.75%1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014. a minimum sample size of 18 participants was estimated. Taking into account a possible sample loss of 10% and adopting a sample with a 1:2 distribution, 20 patients for the case group and 40 for the control group were necessary.

Evaluation procedures

Initially, anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination were performed. The following were considered as otologic symptoms: self-report of presence of tinnitus (sound perception in the absence of external sound stimulus),1919 Mottaghi A, Menéndez-Díaz I, Cobo JL, González-Serrano J, Cobo T. Is there a higher prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and metaanalysis. J Oral Rehabil. 2018:1–11. aural fullness (full ear sensation), otalgia and hearing loss. The otoneurological examination started with the assessment of static balance, using the Romberg test, and dynamic balance, using the Fukuda test.2020 Shimizu WAL, Uematsu ESC, Petelin CB, Brito RMS. Prevalence of signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction in institutionalized and non- institutionalized elderly. Med Reabil. 2010;29:52–6. Nystagmus (spontaneous and semi-spontaneous) was assessed, in addition to the head shaking, head impulse, Dix-Hallpike tests, and the roll test, especially when benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was suspected.2121 Eggers SDZ, Bisdorff A, Brevern MV, Zee DS, Kim J, Perez-Fernandez N, et al. Classification of vestibular signs and examination techniques: nystagmus and nystagmus-like movements. J Vestib Res. 2019;29:57–87. Cerebellar function was assessed by the finger-to-nose and diadochokinesis tests.2222 Wong J, Philip J, Hilas O. Management of dizziness and vertigo. US Pharm. 2012;37:30–3.

To evaluate the impact of dizziness on the volunteers’ quality of life, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) adapted into Portuguese was used.2323 Castro ASO, Gazzola JM, Natour J, Ganança FF. Brazilian version of the dizziness handicap inventory. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2007;19:97–104. It consists of 25 items related to physical, emotional and functional aspects. The patients answer ‟yes”, ‟sometimes” or ‟no” to each question, assigning four, two or zero points, respectively.2424 Grigol TAAS, Silva AM, Ferreira MM, Manso A, Ganança MM, Caovilla HH. Dizziness handicap inventory and visual vertigo analog scale in vestibular dysfunction. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016;20:241–3. The higher the score, the worse the quality of life. The DHI score analysis classifies the self-perception of dizziness as mild when the score is between zero and 30; moderate, when between 31 and 60; and severe, when between 61 and 100.2525 Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Brown KE, Furman JM. Is perception of handicap related to functional performance in persons with vestibular dysfunction? Otol Neurotol. 2004:139–43.

As complementary exams, biochemical evaluations, pure tone audiometry, vocal audiometry, impedanciometry and the Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) were performed. To define the type and degree of hearing loss, classifications of Silman and Silverman2626 Silman S, Silverman C. Basic audiologic testing. auditory diagnosis-principles and applications; 1997. and the World Health Organization (WHO)2727 de Saúde OM. In: de Fonoaudiologia SB, editor. Guia de Orientações Na Avaliação Audiológica Guia de Orientações Na Avaliação. 2017. were used, respectively. For the impedanciometry, the Jerger’s tympanometric classification 2828 Jerger J. Clinical experience with impedance audiometry. Arch Otolaryngol. 1970;92(4):311–24. was used in order to evaluate the mobility of the tympanic-ossicular system. For the VHIT, the normal limits of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) gain were standardized between 0.99 and 1.09 degrees per second for the lateral canals and between 0.87 and 1.21 degrees per second for the vertical canals.2929 Mutlu B, Cesur S, Topçu M, Geçici CR, Askın OE, Derinsu EU. Evaluation of interexaminer variability in video head impulse test results. J Am Acad Audiol. 2020;8:613–9. Moreover, an otoscopy was performed in all patients to check for impacted cerumen or other objects in the ear canal, which could require their removal to relieve symptoms of vertigo and for an adequate audiometric test.2222 Wong J, Philip J, Hilas O. Management of dizziness and vertigo. US Pharm. 2012;37:30–3.

Data analysis

As a case-control study, to ensure greater comparability between the groups, they were matched by gender, seeking a proportion of 75% of women and 25% of men in both groups, and by age, so that the means of the ages in the two groups were not significantly different. Analyses were made by the Student’s t-test.

Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 program. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to verify the normality of the data. The Chi-Square test and the independent t-test were applied for variables with normal distribution and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normal variables. Therefore, values in the 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 were considered as having statistical significance.

Results

In the case group, which included 20 individuals, the mean age of the group was 36.3 ± 12.3 years, with 75% of female patients. The control group consisted of 40 individuals, with a mean age of 43.05 ±13.20 years, 72.5% of which were female. The groups were homogeneous regarding the mean age (p= 0.06).

Of the patients in the case group (n = 20), 50% (n = 10) had only TMD as a probable cause for dizziness (Fig. 1A), and the other patients had other associated diagnosis, such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, cardiogenic dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and vestibular neuritis. The control group had the diagnoses identified in Fig. 1B as the probable etiology for dizziness. The same patient may had more than one diagnosis.

Figure 1
Frequency of diagnoses associated with dizziness in patients in the case (A) and control (B) groups.

Regarding the clinical evaluation, the most frequent symptom in the sample (excluding dizziness, which was present in all patients evaluated as it was an inclusion criterion) was tinnitus, in 26 patients (43.3%). In the case group, the most frequent symptom was aural fullness (Fig. 2).

Figure 2
Distribution of symptoms between cases and controls.

Moreover, a statistically significant difference was found regarding aural fullness and otalgia symptoms between the groups (p<0.01) in the present study (Table 1).

Table 1
Frequency of otoneurological symptoms between patients with and without TMD.

Despite the reported symptoms, no changes were found in the otoscopy of any of the individuals. On the other hand, the audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group and in 46.15% of the patients in the control group. Therefore, an association was found between TMD and a normal audiometry (p<0.01).

The only altered findings in the physical examination of the patients in the case group were Fukuda (30%) and Dix Hallpike (5%) tests, which were associated with patients without pure TMD, that is, confirming that these alterations were not due to TMD, but due to associated vestibulopathies. In the control group, a greater number of alterations were observed in the otoneurological physical examination. These findings, however, showed no statistical difference when the two groups were compared.

The VHIT findings were normal in 65% of the patients in the case group and in 45% of the control group and there was no association between having TMD and vestibular alterations in the VHIT (p = 0.12). The VHIT assessment was based on the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain values and abnormal results (hypofunctions) were considered when these gain values were below the reference ones. In the case group, hypofunctions (n = 7) were more often identified in the anterior semicircular canals (5 cases), followed by the posterior canal (3 cases), and of these, there was one patient with two affected canals (one anterior and one posterior), but none had superior canal hypofunction.

The medians of the total DHI and the respective domains are shown in Fig. 3 for both groups.

Figure 3
Total DHI median and subtypes in the case and control groups.

Significant differences were observed in the total DHI and in the functional and emotional domains (p<0.01), being greater in the control group (Table 2).

Table 2
Comparison of DHI medians and IQR by domain, between groups.

Regarding the types of TMD (articular, muscular and mixed), there was no association with total DHI (p = 0.892), or with the physical, functional and emotional domains.

Discussion

Several studies have shown association between otoneurological symptoms and TMD; however, the physiopathogeny that justifies this association remains uncertain.22 Kusdra PM, Stechman-Neto J, Leão BLC, Martins PFA, Lacerda ABM, Zeigelboim BS. Relationship between otological symptoms and TMD. Int Tinnitus J. 2018;22:30–4.,1212 Marchiori LLM, Oltramari-Navarro PVP, Meneses-Barrivieira CL, Melo JJ, Macedo J, Bruniera JRZ, et al. Probable correlation between temporomandibular dysfunction and vertigo in the elderly. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;18:49–53.,1515 Zeigelboim BS, Lacerda AB, Fonseca VR, Liberalesso PB, Marques JM, Malisky JS, et al. Dizziness handicap inventory and vestibular activities of living scale in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Hear Balanc Commun. 2018;0:1–11. Among the possible hypotheses, the anatomical proximity and embryological relationship of the ear and the masseter muscle stand out, which can generate compression of vessels, nerves and ligaments when the TMJ is not adequately positioned.22 Kusdra PM, Stechman-Neto J, Leão BLC, Martins PFA, Lacerda ABM, Zeigelboim BS. Relationship between otological symptoms and TMD. Int Tinnitus J. 2018;22:30–4.,1212 Marchiori LLM, Oltramari-Navarro PVP, Meneses-Barrivieira CL, Melo JJ, Macedo J, Bruniera JRZ, et al. Probable correlation between temporomandibular dysfunction and vertigo in the elderly. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;18:49–53.,1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014.

Due to the multifactorial aspect of TMD,3030 Leão BLC, Gabriel FCT, Cruz KR, Kagawa AL, Zeigelboim BS, Stechman-Neto J. Prevalence of otological symptoms and parafunctional habits in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Rev CEFAC. 2019;21:1–5. it is difficult to identify the main cause for these symptoms, which may be associated with middle and inner ear dysfunctions, as well as functional disorders of the mastication organ.1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition is crucial.77 Toledo IP, Stefani FM, Porporatti AL, Mezzomo LA, Peres MA, Flores-mir C, et al. Prevalence of otologic signs and symptoms in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21:597–605. This study included an extensive evaluation made by dentists, physical therapists, speech therapists and otorhinolaryngologists, in an attempt to make the diagnosis more accurate and to reduce the selection bias.

The highter prevalence of TMD in women found in this study corroborates the findings of the literature.1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014.,3131 Effat KG. Otological symptoms and audiometric findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Costen’s syndrome revisited. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130:1137–41.,3232 Bueno CH, Pereira DD, Pattussi MP, Grossi PK, Grossi ML. Gender differences in temporomandibular disorders in adult populational studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Rehabil. 2018;45:720–9. The most prevalent symptom in the two groups was tinnitus. The case group had higher frequency of aural fullness and otalgia, in agreement with the findings of Toledo et al.77 Toledo IP, Stefani FM, Porporatti AL, Mezzomo LA, Peres MA, Flores-mir C, et al. Prevalence of otologic signs and symptoms in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21:597–605. The most common secondary cause of otalgia is the temporomandibular disorder.3333 Earwood JS, Rogers TS, Rathjen NA. Ear pain: diagnosing common and uncommon causes. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97:20–7. The complexity in the embryonic development of the ear results in neural connections with several cranial and cervical nerves, which in turn provide sensory innervations to the head region. Trigeminal nerve pain is the most common source of secondary otalgia due to TMJ alterations.3434 Kim SH, Kim TH, Byun JY, Park MS, Yeo SG. Clinical differences in types of otalgia. Korean J Audiol. 2015;19:34–8.

Aural fullness is a common otological complaint, but alterations are usually observed in complementary exams, such as tympanometry or audiometry. When clinical complains are reported, but no alterations in these exams are found, one should question the patient about the existence of parafunctional habits and perform a complete physical examination of the TMJ evaluation. Therefore, the evaluation of the TMJ becomes important as a differential diagnosis for other conditions, such as obstruction by cerumen, otitis or tubal dysfunction.

In our study, all patients had normal otoscopy, which may be a positive point, since we excluded cases of otitis media or external, which could be confounding factors. As for the otoneurological physical examination, the findings were similar between the groups. Half of the patients with TMD did not have a diagnosis of associated vestibulopathy, suggesting this dysfunction as a probable etiological factor for dizziness.

Moreover, we found an association between TMD and a normal audiometry, confirming that the symptom of aural fullness is not due to otological factors, but to para-auditory factors. Additionally, this finding is controversial in the literature. The study by Effat3131 Effat KG. Otological symptoms and audiometric findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Costen’s syndrome revisited. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130:1137–41. identified sensorineural losses in patients with TMD, while Totta et al.3535 Totta T, Santiago G, Gonçales ES, Saes SDO, Berretin-felix G. Auditory characteristics of individuals with temporomandibular dysfunctions and dentofacial deformities. Dent Press J Orthod. 2013;18:70-7. found no changes in the audiometry of these patients. Most of the studies, however, believe that patients with TMD may have associated cochlear pathologies that can cause alterations in the audiometry and/or tympanometry, so that these alteration findings could suggest cases in which pure TMD does not occur.

Dizziness is found with some frequency in patients with TMD and has an important impact on quality of life.77 Toledo IP, Stefani FM, Porporatti AL, Mezzomo LA, Peres MA, Flores-mir C, et al. Prevalence of otologic signs and symptoms in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21:597–605. Two possible mechanisms attempt to explain this relationship. One of them is the vascular compression of the internal auditory and posterior auricular arteries, which can occur as a result of painful stimuli to the peridiscal tissues, which would generate a sympathomimetic reflex, causing a reduction in the blood supply to the middle and inner ears.3333 Earwood JS, Rogers TS, Rathjen NA. Ear pain: diagnosing common and uncommon causes. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97:20–7. Another explanation is related to spastic contractions of the stapedius muscle, which would cause sudden and severe movements in the stapes platform, initiating waves in the perilymph of the labyrinth, producing a dizziness sensation.3636 Williamson EH. The Interrelationship of Internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint, headache, vertigo, and tinnitus: a survey of 25 patients. Cranio. 1990;8:301–6. Moreover, the mandibular condyle can cause compression of the auriculotemporal nerve, due to its anatomical proximity, promoting a contracture of the tensor tympani muscle.1313 ManniA, Brunori P, Giuliani M, ModoniM, Bizzi G. Oto-vestibular symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. electromyographic study. Minerva Stomatol. 1996;45:1–7.,1818 Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014.

The VHIT can be used in the objective evaluation of dizziness, which is a very sensitive test used to evaluate the semicircular canals to detect peripheral vestibular dysfunctions. In our findings, there was no association between having TMD and having vestibular alterations in the VHIT. Only 35% of the patients in the case group of the present study had alterations in the VHIT, and of these, the majority had associated vestibulopathy; therefore, it can be concluded that these alterations were possibly associated with other diseases found in these patients. Taking into account the influence of the somatosensory system on the vestibular system, the study by Grande-Alonso et al.3737 Grande-Alonso M, Saiz BM, Zuazo AM, Lara SL, La Touche R. Biobehavioural analysis of the vestibular system and posture control in patients with cervicogenic dizziness. A cross-sectional study. Neurologia (Engl Ed). 2018;33:98–106. did not identify any significant vestibular dysfunction in patients with cervicogenic dizziness, which corroborates the findings of the present study.

One of the ways to assess the impact generated by dizziness on the patient’s life is through the DHI, which is subdivided into three domains: physical, emotional and functional. The functional sphere detects impaired performance regarding the professional, domestic, social and leisure aspects. The emotional sphere, on the other hand, studies the fear of leaving home or staying at home alone, shame of clinical symptoms, self-image concerns, difficulty focusing, feelings of incapacity, depression, and problems with family and social relationships.2323 Castro ASO, Gazzola JM, Natour J, Ganança FF. Brazilian version of the dizziness handicap inventory. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2007;19:97–104. In our findings, the control group showed a greater impact on the functional and emotional domains, which can be justified by the fact that most of the sample had TMD as the only etiological diagnosis, while the control group had other etiological diagnoses, so that the other otoneurological diseases such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, metabolic dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) could have a more intense impact on the patient’s quality of life than TMD itself. It has been described in the literature that dizziness caused by Meniere’s Disease, vestibular migraine or even BPPV, for instance, can be disabling for the patient.1010 Neuhauser HK. Chapter 5: the epidemiology of dizziness and vertigo, Vol. 137, 1st ed. Elsevier B.V.; 2016.

Another justification for the greater impact of dizziness on quality of life as assessed by the DHI, being greater in the control group is the fact that more than half of the TMD patients had otalgia, which may lead the patient to have a more intense perception of discomfort due to pain than due to dizziness. Therefore, when asked about the influence of dizziness on their quality of life, patients with otalgia may have minimized the impairments caused by dizziness.

The limitations of the present study include the small sample size, although it is in agreement with our representativeness calculation, the non-inclusion of a TMD group without associated symptoms, and the fact that the control group was retrospectively obtained from medical records. On the other hand, this study included the diagnosis of TMD through an assessment tool considered the gold standard and applied by a trained dental surgeon, in addition to a comprehensive otoneurological assessment, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary care for individuals with associated dizziness and TMD.

Conclusion

According to the data from the present study, aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with TMD in patients with dizziness, just as there is an association between normal audiological tests and TMD. On the other hand, patients with dizziness and without TMD have a greater impact on their quality of life, in the functional (related to professional, domestic, social and leisure aspects) and emotional (related to negative feelings such as fear or shame due to dizziness) domains.

References

  • 1
    Lomas J, Gurgenci T, Jackson C, Campbell D. Temporomandibular dysfunction. Aust J Gen Pract. 2018;47:198–214.
  • 2
    Kusdra PM, Stechman-Neto J, Leão BLC, Martins PFA, Lacerda ABM, Zeigelboim BS. Relationship between otological symptoms and TMD. Int Tinnitus J. 2018;22:30–4.
  • 3
    Omidvar S, Jafari Z. Association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019;128:662–75.
  • 4
    Schiffman E, Ohrbach R, Truelove E, Look J, Anderson G, Goulet JP, et al. Diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and research applications: recommendations of the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network* and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2014;28:6–27.
  • 5
    Carrara SV, Conti PCR, Barbosa JS. Statement of the 1st consensus on temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Dental Press J Orthod. 2010;15:114–20.
  • 6
    Magalhaes BG, Freitas JLM, Barbosa ACS, Gueiros MCSN, Gomes SGF, Rosenblatt A, et al. Temporomandibular disorder: otologic implications and its relationship to sleep bruxism. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;84:614–9.
  • 7
    Toledo IP, Stefani FM, Porporatti AL, Mezzomo LA, Peres MA, Flores-mir C, et al. Prevalence of otologic signs and symptoms in adult patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2017;21:597–605.
  • 8
    Joury E, Bernabe E, Gallagher JE, Marcenes W. Burden of orofacial pain in a socially deprived and culturally diverse area of the United Kingdom. Pain. 2018;159:1235–43.
  • 9
    Bisdorff A, Brevern MV, Lempert T, Newman-Toker DE. Classification of vestibular symptoms: towards an international classification of vestibular disorders. J Vestib Res Equilib Orientat. 2009;19:1–13.
  • 10
    Neuhauser HK. Chapter 5: the epidemiology of dizziness and vertigo, Vol. 137, 1st ed. Elsevier B.V.; 2016.
  • 11
    Micarelli A, Viziano A, Granito I, Micarelli RX, Augimeri I, Alessandrini M. Temporomandibular disorders and cervicogenic dizziness: Relations between cervical range of motion and clinical parameters. CRANIO. 2020;00:1–10.
  • 12
    Marchiori LLM, Oltramari-Navarro PVP, Meneses-Barrivieira CL, Melo JJ, Macedo J, Bruniera JRZ, et al. Probable correlation between temporomandibular dysfunction and vertigo in the elderly. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;18:49–53.
  • 13
    ManniA, Brunori P, Giuliani M, ModoniM, Bizzi G. Oto-vestibular symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. electromyographic study. Minerva Stomatol. 1996;45:1–7.
  • 14
    Maciel LFO, Landim FS, Vasconcelos BC. Otological findings and other symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders in young people. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018;56:739–43.
  • 15
    Zeigelboim BS, Lacerda AB, Fonseca VR, Liberalesso PB, Marques JM, Malisky JS, et al. Dizziness handicap inventory and vestibular activities of living scale in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Hear Balanc Commun. 2018;0:1–11.
  • 16
    Brucki SMD, Nitrini R, Caramelli P, Bertolucci PHF, Okamoto IH. Sugestões para o uso do mini-exame do estado mental no brasil. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003;61:777–81.
  • 17
    Dworkin SF, LeResche L. Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders: review, criteria, examinations and specifications, critique. J Craniomandib Disord. 1992;6:301–55.
  • 18
    Ferendiuk E, Zajdel K, Pihut M. Incidence of otolaryngological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014.
  • 19
    Mottaghi A, Menéndez-Díaz I, Cobo JL, González-Serrano J, Cobo T. Is there a higher prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and metaanalysis. J Oral Rehabil. 2018:1–11.
  • 20
    Shimizu WAL, Uematsu ESC, Petelin CB, Brito RMS. Prevalence of signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction in institutionalized and non- institutionalized elderly. Med Reabil. 2010;29:52–6.
  • 21
    Eggers SDZ, Bisdorff A, Brevern MV, Zee DS, Kim J, Perez-Fernandez N, et al. Classification of vestibular signs and examination techniques: nystagmus and nystagmus-like movements. J Vestib Res. 2019;29:57–87.
  • 22
    Wong J, Philip J, Hilas O. Management of dizziness and vertigo. US Pharm. 2012;37:30–3.
  • 23
    Castro ASO, Gazzola JM, Natour J, Ganança FF. Brazilian version of the dizziness handicap inventory. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2007;19:97–104.
  • 24
    Grigol TAAS, Silva AM, Ferreira MM, Manso A, Ganança MM, Caovilla HH. Dizziness handicap inventory and visual vertigo analog scale in vestibular dysfunction. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016;20:241–3.
  • 25
    Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Brown KE, Furman JM. Is perception of handicap related to functional performance in persons with vestibular dysfunction? Otol Neurotol. 2004:139–43.
  • 26
    Silman S, Silverman C. Basic audiologic testing. auditory diagnosis-principles and applications; 1997.
  • 27
    de Saúde OM. In: de Fonoaudiologia SB, editor. Guia de Orientações Na Avaliação Audiológica Guia de Orientações Na Avaliação. 2017.
  • 28
    Jerger J. Clinical experience with impedance audiometry. Arch Otolaryngol. 1970;92(4):311–24.
  • 29
    Mutlu B, Cesur S, Topçu M, Geçici CR, Askın OE, Derinsu EU. Evaluation of interexaminer variability in video head impulse test results. J Am Acad Audiol. 2020;8:613–9.
  • 30
    Leão BLC, Gabriel FCT, Cruz KR, Kagawa AL, Zeigelboim BS, Stechman-Neto J. Prevalence of otological symptoms and parafunctional habits in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Rev CEFAC. 2019;21:1–5.
  • 31
    Effat KG. Otological symptoms and audiometric findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Costen’s syndrome revisited. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130:1137–41.
  • 32
    Bueno CH, Pereira DD, Pattussi MP, Grossi PK, Grossi ML. Gender differences in temporomandibular disorders in adult populational studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Rehabil. 2018;45:720–9.
  • 33
    Earwood JS, Rogers TS, Rathjen NA. Ear pain: diagnosing common and uncommon causes. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97:20–7.
  • 34
    Kim SH, Kim TH, Byun JY, Park MS, Yeo SG. Clinical differences in types of otalgia. Korean J Audiol. 2015;19:34–8.
  • 35
    Totta T, Santiago G, Gonçales ES, Saes SDO, Berretin-felix G. Auditory characteristics of individuals with temporomandibular dysfunctions and dentofacial deformities. Dent Press J Orthod. 2013;18:70-7.
  • 36
    Williamson EH. The Interrelationship of Internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint, headache, vertigo, and tinnitus: a survey of 25 patients. Cranio. 1990;8:301–6.
  • 37
    Grande-Alonso M, Saiz BM, Zuazo AM, Lara SL, La Touche R. Biobehavioural analysis of the vestibular system and posture control in patients with cervicogenic dizziness. A cross-sectional study. Neurologia (Engl Ed). 2018;33:98–106.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    16 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    Nov-Dec 2022

History

  • Received
    18 Oct 2021
  • Accepted
    11 Apr 2022
  • Published
    20 May 2022
Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Sede da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico Facial, Av. Indianópolia, 1287, 04063-002 São Paulo/SP Brasil, Tel.: (0xx11) 5053-7500, Fax: (0xx11) 5053-7512 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revista@aborlccf.org.br