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. 2006 Dec;14(6):476-81.
doi: 10.1590/s1678-77572006000600016.

Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) mimicking temporomandibular disorders: a case report

Maurício A Bisi  1 , Caio M P Selaimen, Karen D Chaves, Melissa C Bisi, Márcio L Grossi
Affiliations

Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) mimicking temporomandibular disorders: a case report

Maurício A Bisi et al. J Appl Oral Sci. 2006 Dec.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Approximately 6 to 16% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia symptoms present intracranial tumors, the most common being the vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). Some symptoms reported by patients include hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, vertigo and trigeminal disturbances. An increased muscle response in the surrounding head and neck musculature may also be observed, which mimics signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. In these cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proved to be a useful tool in tumor diagnosis. The differential diagnosis between myofascial and neuralgic pain is important, as both may present similar characteristics, while being of different origin, and demanding special treatment approaches. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relationship among trigeminal neuralgia symptoms, intracranial tumors and temporomandibular dysfunction by presenting a clinical case.

Aproximadamente 6 a 16% dos pacientes com sintomas de neuralgia trigeminal apresentam tumores intracranianos, sendo mais comum o schwannoma vestibular (neurinoma do acústico). Alguns sintomas relatados pelos pacientes são perda da audição, zumbido, dores de cabeça, vertigens e distúrbios trigeminais. Uma resposta muscular aumentada na musculatura associada da cabeça e do pescoço também pode ser observada, o que pode mimetizar sinais e sintomas de desordens temporomandibulares. Nestes casos é de grande valia o uso de imagem de ressonância magnética (IRM) para detecção de tumores. É importante, também, a diferenciação de dores miofasciais e neurálgicas, pois ambas podem apresentar características semelhantes, mas com origens e tratamentos diferentes. O objetivo desse trabalho foi demonstrar através de relato de caso clínico a associação entre sintomas de neuralgia trigeminal, tumores intracranianos e disfunção temporomandibular.

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Figures

FIGURE 1a, 1b, 1c
FIGURE 1a, 1b, 1c. Frontal, sagittal and horizontal view (arrows) of an vestibular schwannoma (vestibular schwannoma) of the eight cranial nerve in the internal auditory canal
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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