Posted: April 28, 2016
TMJ can produce a number of symptoms that seem to be completely unrelated to the jaw. Nonetheless, symptoms like headaches, pressure in the eyes and ears, and generalized facial pain at least seem to make sense when TMJ is identified as the culprit. There are, however, a range of more unusual symptoms that don’t seem to make any sense at all. Chief among them is dizziness.
However unlikely it may seem, TMJ is a possible cause of dizziness and vertigo – and it’s all because of the ears. TMJ places pressure on the trigeminal nerve which can impact sensation throughout the face. The mandibular branch of this nerve controls sensation in a portion of the ears, which is why TMJ symptoms can include ear ringing and pain, and, as it turns out, dizziness.
Sensors in your inner ear monitor your body’s position in space and send this information to the vestibular nuclei in the brain. The vestibular nuclei, in turn, send signals to eyes and muscles, allowing for you to stay upright and centered on our swiftly turning planet. TMJ can impact the ability of your inner ear to properly monitor your body’s position, thereby increasing activity in the vestibular nuclei and causing dizziness and issues with balance.
If you struggle with dizziness and also experience pain in the jaw or clicking and popping noises when chewing, it’s time to call Austin neuromuscular dentist Dr. John Schmid for a TMJ evaluation. If jaw misalignment is responsible for your condition, Dr. Schmid can provide you with a customized TMJ treatment option that addresses the root of the problem to produce lasting relief.
To schedule your TMJ evaluation at our Austin office, please contact Dr. John Schmid online or by calling 512-329-5967today.
