A case of hard to diagnose temporo-mandibular joint disorder in a patient with slight mental retardation

Abstract

The condition of a 47 year old female temporo-mandibular disorder patient with slight mental retardation was hard to diagnose in detail and some analgesics induced adverse effects, making it difficult to reduce her pain. She was admitted to Kyushu Dental College hospital to undergo stellate ganglion block (SGB) at her own wish. Cognitive behavioral therapy was used to help her understand her own condition, and arthrocentesis was performed for diagnosis under intravenous sedation. There were no abnormal findings beside click. After this treatment, her complications reduced without analgesics, suggesting that they included psychological factors. It was necessary not only to perform detailed examinations but also to help the patient understand her own condition in this case.