From the Guidelines
Trismus is possible after paralysis, but it is not a direct result of the paralysis itself, rather it can occur due to secondary causes such as trauma, inflammation, or as a side effect of other medications. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline endorsement of the American Cancer Society guideline 1, trismus can be caused by various factors, including radiation, neck dissection, or both, and it is recommended that primary care clinicians refer patients to rehabilitation specialists and dental professionals to prevent trismus and to treat it as soon as it is diagnosed.
Key Points to Consider
- Trismus is characterized by difficulty opening the mouth, and it can be caused by various factors, including trauma to the jaw muscles, inflammation, or as a side effect of other medications.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline endorsement of the American Cancer Society guideline 1 recommends referring patients to rehabilitation specialists and dental professionals to prevent trismus and to treat it as soon as it is diagnosed.
- Treatment of trismus typically involves pain management, muscle relaxants, warm compresses, and gentle jaw stretching exercises.
Treatment Options
- Pain management with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours)
- Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine (5-10mg three times daily)
- Warm compresses and gentle jaw stretching exercises
- Referral to a rehabilitation specialist or dental professional for comprehensive management.
It is essential to note that the guideline 1 emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of trismus to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to refer patients to rehabilitation specialists and dental professionals as soon as trismus is diagnosed.
From the Research
Trismus and Paralysis
- Trismus is a condition characterized by restricted jaw movement, which can be caused by various factors, including muscle fibrosis, scar tissue, and trauma 2, 3, 4.
- The condition can lead to impaired eating, oral hygiene, and speech, as well as restricted access for dental procedures 2, 3.
- While the studies do not directly address the relationship between trismus and paralysis, they do suggest that trismus can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues 2, 5, 3, 6, 4.
- It is possible that paralysis could contribute to the development of trismus, particularly if the paralysis affects the muscles of the jaw or face 4.
Causes and Treatment of Trismus
- Trismus can be caused by a range of factors, including head and neck cancer, postsurgical complications, trauma, and burns 3.
- Successful treatment of trismus depends on prompt recognition of its cause and the initiation of appropriate management, which may include physical therapy, trismus appliances, and other interventions 2, 6.
- The treatment of trismus should be tailored to the underlying cause of the condition, and may involve a combination of therapies to address the physical and functional limitations associated with the condition 2, 5, 3, 6.