Diagnostics - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

MarkCE · 08-19-2003, 05:23 AM

Hello gang,

My new TMJ doc is really pushing an MRI on me, and I'd really rather not do it because its so noisy (I have severe hyperacusis and tinnitus) and I just can't risk making myself worse with more noise exposure.. I asked him if there was something else I could do, but he said if I don't do an MRI he won't be able to treat me.

Is there some other diagnostic tests that rival the data an MRI can give that isn't near as noisy? I keep seeing tomogram on this site, what exactly is that? Or the neuromuscular approach, do they do things differently than traditional TMJ docs? I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and do the MRI or search for a different dentist.

Thanks,
Mark

crystalll · 08-19-2003, 10:28 AM

Hi Mark,

I believe that a tomogram is probably the next best thing to an MRI. It's a form of x-ray, and will only show the relationship of the condyle to the joint. It will not show soft tissue such as the disc. An MRI is ultimately the best way to diagnose TMJD.

Crystal

MarkCE · 08-19-2003, 01:29 PM

That's the thing actually. My hyperacusis debilitates me it is so severe. If an MRI makes it worse, which is a very real possibility, I honestly have no idea how I'll live. It's alot more complicated than just "not wanting to be around noise for forty minutes," it's more along the line of dealing with the possible repercussions of that noise exposure.

It will definitely help diagnosing the exact problem, but could also negatively impact my life for some time to come if I get it done. That's the predicament I'm in and the choice I have to make would be alot easier if there were some other means I could go about assessing the TMJ problem to get treatment started.

sunshine123 · 08-19-2003, 02:47 PM

My TMJ was diagnosed with every test BUT an MRI and I'm getting results with a lower splint and PT now. My problem is muscular. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Sue

saaraah · 08-19-2003, 03:14 PM

i've been told that tomograms of the TMJ's are pretty good. with the MRI, it shows the disc and soft tissue whereas the tomogram doesnt.

maybe having JVA [joint vibration analysis] conducted could tell the dentist what's going on with the disc and within the joint.

im sure that other people here have an idea what could be substituted.

- saaraah.