Differential Diagnosis for Jaw Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This is the most common cause of jaw pain, often related to muscle tension, teeth grinding, or misalignment of the jaw.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dental Problems (e.g., tooth abscess, gum disease): These can cause localized pain that may radiate to the jaw.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain that is referred to the jaw.
- Tension Headache: Muscle tension in the face and neck can lead to jaw pain.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep, can lead to jaw pain and TMJ disorders.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: Although rare, this condition can cause severe eye pain that may be referred to the jaw, and prompt treatment is necessary to prevent vision loss.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): In some cases, cardiac pain can be referred to the jaw, especially in women, and is a medical emergency.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A rare condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that can be mistaken for jaw pain.
- Rare diagnoses
- Jaw Tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma): Although rare, these can cause jaw pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands): This can cause jaw pain, especially if the parotid gland is involved.
- Eagle Syndrome (elongated styloid process): A rare condition that can cause jaw pain due to compression of nearby nerves and tissues.