From the Guidelines
No, temporal arteritis does not cause lockjaw, but it can cause jaw claudication, which is a related symptom characterized by jaw pain when chewing. Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an elastic vessel vasculitis involving the aorta and its secondary and tertiary branches, and it typically affects patients above the age of 50 years 1. The clinical presentation of GCA is varied, and it can cause symptoms such as scalp tenderness, headache, and jaw claudication, which is common and affects half of the patients 1. However, lockjaw, or trismus, is the inability to fully open the mouth, and it is most commonly associated with tetanus infection, TMJ disorders, dental infections, or muscle spasms. While GCA can cause jaw pain during chewing due to inflammation of the blood vessels supplying the jaw muscles, it does not cause the muscle rigidity or spasm that characterizes true lockjaw. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of GCA include:
- The disease affects women in a 3:2 ratio to men and has a predilection for those of northern European ancestry 1
- The incidence is higher in Scandinavian nations but lower in southern Europe, suggesting a genetic predisposition in certain populations 1
- Corticosteroids represent the standard in therapy for patients with GCA, with a typical treatment regimen including starting prednisone dose of 40 to 60 mg daily 1
- Therapy is typically required for 1 to 2 years to avoid recurrence, although the dose may be tapered beginning 2 to 3 months after initiation 1
From the Research
Temporal Arteritis and Lock Jaw
- Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is a condition that can cause various symptoms, including jaw claudication, which is a type of pain or discomfort in the jaw that occurs when chewing or talking 2, 3, 4.
- Jaw claudication is a common symptom of temporal arteritis, and it is often described as a painful or aching sensation in the jaw that worsens with chewing or speaking 3.
- The condition can also cause other symptoms, such as headache, scalp tenderness, and visual disturbances, including blindness 2, 3.
- Temporal arteritis is typically treated with corticosteroids, which can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, such as visual loss 5, 2, 3.
- In some cases, patients with temporal arteritis may experience lock jaw or temporomandibular joint claudication, which can be managed with conservative treatment, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care 4.
Key Findings
- Temporal arteritis can cause jaw claudication, which is a common symptom of the condition 2, 3, 4.
- Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for temporal arteritis, and they can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications 5, 2, 3.
- Conservative management, including physiotherapy and chiropractic care, may be an option for patients with temporal arteritis who experience jaw claudication or lock jaw 4.