Some of us would have sometimes experienced a kind of dizziness because we would have felt like spinning when we are actually not. This dizziness is termed Vertigo. This condition is pretty similar to what happens immediately after we get off the swing due to the imbalance caused by the fluid in the inner ear that is responsible for maintaining our balance. Do people with TMJ get vertigo? If yes, how are they related?
A Little more about Vertigo
Vertigo is actually more than just dizziness. It is a sensation where we feel that the surrounding environment is spinning in circles. This can create the typical dizziness and get you off-balance. This condition per se is not a disease. It rather can be inferred as a symptom due to a few conditions which call for probing and diagnosis. The most common cause of vertigo is a problem with the inner ear. Other rare reasons include infection, brains tumors, brain injury, stroke, etc. Since the common issue is due to the problem with the inner ear, it is implied that any inflammation in the TMJ can reach the ear and may cause vertigo.
The Connection between TMJ and Vertigo
Jaw joints are pretty closer to the ears. The inner ear is located behind and above the jaw joints. So as said, any inflammation in the TMJ can lead to it reaching the ears. The inner ear has sensors that signal our brain about the body’s position and movement. The inflammation in the TMJ that has reached the inner ear can disrupt this brain signal about the body’s position and can affect the sense of balance. This results in loss of balance or the typical dizziness associated with Vertigo.
Treatments for TMJ and Vertigo
It is possible that you have not been diagnosed with the presence of TMJ but have been experiencing dizziness due to vertigo. A consultation with a dentist can establish the fact that TMJ has been causing your vertigo symptoms. On the other hand, if you are aware of the TMJ present and vertigo has developed, as a result, make your dentist aware of the vertigo problem you have been suffering from. The dentist would be treating your TMJ and would make sure to address your vertigo also. The treatment plan might include prescriptions for pain, inflammation, muscle relaxers, and therapies, such as physical therapy, counseling, etc. The dentist will ask you not to indulge in activities that can cause more dizziness. It is prudent not to drive your car or ride a bike when you have vertigo. It needs to be understood that TMJ-related vertigo can be managed with the treatment of TMJ simultaneously.
