Trismus of the jaw is a special spasm of the chewing muscles, which is accompanied by a restriction of the movement of the lower jaw. The reason for this condition is persistent irritation of the trigeminal nerve, resulting from the development of some diseases of the oral cavity, fracture of the lower jaw, improper surgical treatment of the teeth. Trismus of the jaw is considered an early sign of rabies, tetanus, epilepsy, meningitis (a certain type of it), and can also be observed at the time of severe emotional arousal - for example, with hysteria. In some cases, this condition occurs as a result of cerebral hemorrhage, when the patient requires immediate medical attention.
The main symptom of jaw trismus is a strong tension in the temporal and chewing muscles. The teeth at this moment, as a rule, are clenched, because of which it is impossible to open the mouth, fully speak and eat. In some cases, after the occurrence of trismus, a slight opening of the mouth is possible.
Trismus of the jaw requires mandatory medical intervention, in rare cases, surgical. Diagnosis of this condition is very simple. A specialist needs only one look at the patient's face to make an accurate diagnosis. If the cause of such a spasm is unknown, the doctor tries to establish it as soon as possible, since his further actions depend on it. For example, an epileptic seizure that begins, accompanied by jaw trismus, requires the introduction of an antiepileptic drug into the patient's body. If rabies is suspected, the patient is urgently hospitalized. The main symptoms of rabies appear a few days after infection (after the bite of a sick animal). These include: insomnia, nightmares, increased anxiety, restlessness, dry mouth, muscle pain. At the last stage of its development, the disease is manifested by an increase in temperature to +42 degrees, paralysis of the limbs, the occurrence of seizures and trismus of the jaw. Rabies treatment is impossible; its outcome is always fatal.
In the event that jaw trismus arises due to the development of inflammation in the oral cavity, physiotherapy and antibiotic treatment are prescribed. If the patient has hysteria, severe stress, depression, sedation (sedatives) is the basis of treatment.
A long course of trismus requires mandatory hospitalization of the patient. Within the walls of a medical institution, the necessary measures are taken to maintain the normal state of his body: artificial feeding is organized, subcutaneous injection of the required amount of liquid to maintain water balance. In some cases, the patient is injected with Botox in the jaw, which allows him to eat normally. At the same time, specialists get the opportunity to examine his condition and take measures to eliminate trismus.
Often a spasm of the masticatory muscle is accompanied by a dislocation of the jaw, the treatment of which consists in setting the joint to its usual location. This procedure should be carried out by a specialist. If a dislocation is found, an ambulance should be called and, before the doctor arrives, fix the dislocated place by bandaging it with a neck scarf. After the jaw is set, a special immobilizing bandage is applied to it, which restricts all movements of the dislocation site. If the joint of the jaw hurts, painkillers may be prescribed. Then for two weeks the victim eats exclusively mashed soups and cereals. The reduction procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. The outcome of the treatment in most cases is favorable.