[Otologic manifestations of the pain dysfunction syndrome of the stomatognathic system].

Abstract

Phylogenesis, ontogenesis and anatomy explain the close relationship between temporo-mandibular joint and the middle ear and can therefore help understanding otologic symptoms such as: otalgia which often correspond to articular and muscular pain irradiation (coming from sterno-cleido-mastoid, lateral and medial pterygoid, deep layer of the masseter and temporal muscles); acouphens and ear block sensation that could be caused by a spasm extension of the manducatory (i.e. medial pterygoid) to levator and tympani tensors. These three muscles, which originate from the first branchial arch, have a proprioceptive sensitivity and share the same innervation. What is more tensor and levator veli exchange certain muscular fibers. Tensor tympani spasm can be held responsible both for a decrease or abolition of the Klockhoff's reflex, together with a decrease of the stapedian reflex, the latter due to tympani rigidity induced by a spasm of the tensor tympani.