05/12/2025
What is Trismus?
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Trismus, commonly called "lockjaw," is a condition where jaw muscles spasm or stiffen, making it hard to open the mouth fully, affecting eating, speaking, and hygiene. It stems from various causes like injury, infection (like tetanus), cancer treatments (radiation/surgery), TMJ issues, or even dental problems, leading to restricted jaw movement (often less than 35 mm opening). Management involves addressing the underlying cause, using therapies like jaw exercises, muscle relaxants, and sometimes addressing nutrition, with potential for temporary or long-term impact.
Causes
Trauma/Surgery: Injuries or post-surgical scarring in the head/neck area.
Infections: Tetanus, abscesses, or infections near the jaw.
Cancer Treatments: Radiation or chemotherapy for head/neck cancers.
Dental Issues: Impacted wisdom teeth, dental abscesses, or inflammation.
Muscle/Joint Problems: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, muscle tension, or inflammation.
Neurological Conditions: Certain nerve or muscle disorders.
Symptoms
Difficulty or inability to open mouth wide (normal is 40-60 mm).
Jaw pain, stiffness, or spasms.
Pain when chewing or yawning.
Difficulty with eating, speaking, swallowing, and oral hygiene.
Management & Treatment
Exercises: Stretching and range-of-motion exercises for the jaw.
Medications: Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers.
Treating Underlying Cause: Antibiotics for infection, wound care, addressing cancer treatment side effects.
Dietary Changes: Soft or liquid diets to prevent malnutrition.
Therapies: Physical therapy, heat/cold therapy.
Complications
Poor nutrition and dehydration.
Worsened oral hygiene, leading to dental problems.
Difficulty speaking.
Diagnosis
Physical exam, measuring mouth opening (interincisal distance).
Imaging (X-rays, CT scans) to check jaw structures.
Assessment for underlying infections or cancer.
