TRISMUS (LOCK JAW)

TRISMUS (LOCK JAW): Excerpt from Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care

Recall of the causes of trismus is facilitated by the mnemonic MINT. M—Malformation includes impacted wisdom teeth and temporomandibular joint syndrome. I—Inflammation brings to mind tetanus, rabies, and trichinosis. I also signifies intoxication helping one to recall strychnine poisoning. N—Neuropsychiatric disorders calls to mind mental conditions such as malingering or hysteria and epilepsy. T—Trauma suggests fracture or contusion of the jaw which will cause pain on opening the jaw but is not a true trismus.

Approach to the Diagnosis

A careful search for infected wounds, especially needle injection sites in cases of possible drug addiction, is important if tetanus is suspected. X-ray of the teeth, jaw, and temporomandibular joints may be helpful. Trichinosis is diagnosed by a high eosinophil count, serologic tests, and muscle biopsy. A wake-and-sleep EEG should be ordered if epilepsy is suspected. If organic causes are ruled out, a psychiatrist should be consulted.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
• Year of Publication: 2007
• Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

More About This Book: Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care Authors: R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2007 ISBN: 0-7817-6812-8

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