Jaw claudication
Jaw Claudication
Jaw claudication (/ˈklɔːdɪˌkeɪʃən/; from Latin claudicatio, meaning 'limping') is a medical symptom usually associated with temporal arteritis, a condition that causes inflammation of the arteries in the head and neck.
Definition
Jaw claudication is characterized by pain and fatigue in the jaw muscles that worsens with use and improves with rest. It is often experienced while eating or talking. The pain is typically described as a dull ache, but can also be sharp or throbbing.
Causes
The primary cause of jaw claudication is temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis. This condition causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply the head and neck, including the jaw muscles. Other potential causes include vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of jaw claudication typically involves a physical examination and a detailed medical history. Additional tests may include blood tests, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI, and sometimes a biopsy of the temporal artery.
Treatment
Treatment for jaw claudication primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. In the case of temporal arteritis, this typically involves high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Other treatments may include pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Jaw claudication
- Wikipedia's article - Jaw claudication
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