TMJ not related to sinus pressure? - Bone Disorders Message Board

burgeke · 01-14-2003, 07:03 AM

Well today I had my visit with the ENT. This was the first time I saw him. He had no additional insight into my problem. He also did not think it was TMJ. He said that TMJ and my inflammation near the ears resulting in infections was in no way related to TMJ. He said that TMJ can not cause these symptoms. This amazes me. There is so much information to the contrary but yet I continue to find info that states what he said.

So after 8 or so visits to my allergist, now 1 to an ENT, I am in the same position - no answers.

The ENT wants me to have a hearing test because of my underwater feeling over the last six months. What do you all think? Is this needed?

In addition, he said that if this annoys me enough that we can try injections directly into the sinuses once a week for a month. Anyone have any clue what these are?

He then mentioned that if all else fails, we talk of surgery to open up the ears. AGHGHGH

At anyrate, thanks for letting me vent!

Keith

MichaelV · 01-14-2003, 08:56 AM

Funny enough, I went to see an ENT today and was told virtually the same thing. My problem is mainly intermittent vertigo attacks.
As I stated in an article I published on here some while ago, there is a real gap between what ENTs think are related symptoms and what are not - and the research and experience of those who suffer tmj problems.

His view, because my vertigo lasts for a few hours, that Ihave a mild form of a Menieres type condition. He did hearing and tympanic pressure tests today - all normal. And so this is the usual course, no obvious otological problem, therefore, go away and live with it. I will have some balance tests later.

He almost resolutely refuses to accept that tmj affects balance and ears. He considers that the anatomy is just not related enough to warrant consideration. Many of us here know different of course. He was prepared to accept that my neck injuries of old may be a factor becuase of the proprioceptive mechanisms in the neck, - but of course, the neck muscles link to the jaw muscles etc etc. And he was also dismissive of the mechanism of spinal fluid being affected. Anyway, I sort of knew this would be the outcome of this visit so am not too surprised.

My next step will be an oral surgeon I suspect or just continue with my osteopath and GP for symptomatic relief.

Cymy Sue · 01-14-2003, 12:33 PM

Burgeke,
I have had at least 5 ENT's, my former Oral Surgeon, and numerous others in the Medical Profession tell me in the last couple of years that my advanced TMJD has nothing to do with my eyes, nose, ears, neck, back, etc. (All causing problems)
I recently saw a neurotologist that told me that the TMJD was the cause of all of my ear problems and explained in detail the connection. I have found an ENT that specializes in nasal problems and he says the nerve damage I have from TMJD surgeries have caused my nasal problems (I had surgery to correct this). I just went for an evaluation for a Sleep Study (I have trouble breathing at night with no apparent cause.) The Sleep Specialist believes that the TMJD is the reason, due to muscle fatigue in my throat. That's a little simply put, but his theory made sense. I'm having a sleep study next week, so I will let you know.

I've been doing a lot of research regarding eye, ear, & nasal problems for the last couple of weeks and as soon as I can condense the information I've found, I'll post it. If you've read some of my posts, they can be a little long and I have a lot of information to share. I ran across a study from a Swedish Univ. that has some incredible information regarding ear problems, tinnitus, sinus problems, muscle involvement and the relation to the TM joints and muscles of mastication.

Also, most of what I read on the net, lists congestion, ear fullness and most of the other things you've mentioned as being TMJD related.

All I can tell you is, "MOST DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO READ AND THEY DO NOT LISTEN TO THEIR PATIENTS."

Cymy Sue

MichaelV · 01-14-2003, 01:40 PM

Sue
Maybe I will post the article I wrote again. In fact, I think it is still on here somewhere (can anyone less lazy than me help!?). The problem is a sort of medical provincialism. They have a knowledge gap. Much of the anatomy involved is miniscule and they just do not recognise it. This was amply demonstrated by my (very reputable apparently) ENT today. It is hard to argue anatomy with a senior consultant physician! BUt I knew he was talking ****.

Jill J · 01-14-2003, 05:39 PM

I am so sorry you guys are having problems with your ENT, when in fact it was ENT who diagnosed my TMJ. I went to him because I had a ringing in my ear for weeks, no jaw pain at the time......he checked my ears did all the ent stuff then asked me to open my mouth.....boy the pop that came outta that baby threw him back and the deviation that I have on my right side. What you might want to try is asking for a referral from you TMJ specialist, they know who's who in the TMJ world.

Best of Luck, Jill