temporomandibular joint disorder – American ME and CFS Society

Brain Responses in CFS and TMD to Autonomic Challenges: An Exploratory fMRI Study

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Both conditions have poorly understood pathophysiology. Several brain structures that play a role in pain and fatigue, such as the insular cortex and basal ganglia, are also implicated in autonomic function.

OBJECTIVES: ANS dysfunction may point to common neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying the predominant symptoms for CFS and TMD. No studies to date have investigated the combination of both conditions. Thus, our aim was to test whether patients with CFS with or without TMD show differences in brain responses to autonomic challenges.

METHODS: In this exploratory functional imaging study, patients with CFS who screened positive for TMD (n = 26), patients who screened negative for TMD (n = 16), and age-matched control participants (n = 10) performed the Valsalva maneuver while in a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. This maneuver is known to activate the ANS.

RESULTS: For all 3 groups, whole-brain F test showed increased brain activation during the maneuver in the superior and inferior frontal gyri, the left and right putamen and thalamus, and the insular cortex. Furthermore, group contrasts with small-volume correction showed that patients with CFS who screened positive for TMD showed greater activity in the left insular cortex as compared with patients who screened negative and in the left caudate nucleus as compared with controls.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that increased activity in the cortical and subcortical regions observed during autonomic challenges may be modulated by fatigue and pain. ANS dysfunction may be a contributing factor to these findings, and further work is required to tease apart the complex relationship among CFS, TMD, and autonomic functions.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Brain activity related to activation of the autonomic nervous system in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who screened positive for painful temporomandibular disorder was greater than in patients who screened negative; activity was seen in brain regions associated with autonomic functions and pain. These findings suggest that autonomic dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of both conditions, explain some of the apparent comorbidity between them, and offer avenues to help with treatment.

Source: Vuong QC, Allison JR, Finkelmeyer A, Newton J, Durham J. Brain Responses in CFS and TMD to Autonomic Challenges: An Exploratory fMRI Study. JDR Clin Trans Res. 2019 Aug 28:2380084419872135. doi: 10.1177/2380084419872135. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31461628

A systematic review of the comorbidity between Temporomandibular Disorders and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:

The most common cause of chronic oro-facial pain is a group of disorders collectively termed temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Chronic painful TMD is thought to be a ‘central sensitivity syndrome’ related to hypersensitivity of the nervous system, but the cause is unknown. A similar understanding is proposed for other unexplained conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Exploring the comorbidity of the two conditions is a valuable first step in identifying potential common aetiological mechanisms or treatment targets.

METHOD: Systematic literature review. Studies were included if they recruited community or control samples and identified how many reported having both TMD and CFS, or if they recruited a sample of patients with either TMD or CFS and measured the presence of the other condition.

RESULTS: Six papers met inclusion criteria. In studies of patients with CFS (n = 3), 21-32% reported having TMD. In a sample of people with CFS and fibromyalgia, 50% reported having TMD. Studies in people with TMD (n = 3) reported 0-43% having CFS. Studies in samples recruited from oro-facial pain clinics (n = 2) reported a lower comorbidity with CFS (0-10%) than a study that recruited individuals from a TMD self-help organisation (43%).

CONCLUSION: The review highlights the limited standard of evidence addressing the comorbidity between oro-facial pain and CFS. There is a valuable signal that the potential overlap in these two conditions could be high; however, studies employing more rigorous methodology including standardised clinical assessments rather than self-report of prior diagnosis are needed.

Source: Robinson LJ, Durham J, Newton JL. A systematic review of the comorbidity between Temporomandibular Disorders and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Oral Rehabil. 2016 Apr;43(4):306-16. doi: 10.1111/joor.12367. Epub 2015 Nov 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26549386

Chronic diffuse musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia and co-morbid unexplained clinical conditions

Abstract:

This chapter reviews our current knowledge on the presence of overlapping syndromes in one form of chronic diffuse pain, fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia often present with signs and symptoms of other unexplained clinical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorders, and multiple chemical sensitivities. The high prevalence, impact on function and opportunities for treatment underscore the need for clinicians and researchers to screen routinely for co-morbid unexplained clinical conditions among persons with fibromyalgia. We, therefore, describe a simple approach to screening for such conditions in accordance with published criteria. Interventions should directly address both fibromyalgia symptoms and co-morbid unexplained clinical conditions, as well as the multiple factors that propagate pain, fatigue and limitations in function.

Source: Aaron LA, Buchwald D. Chronic diffuse musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia and co-morbid unexplained clinical conditions. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2003 Aug;17(4):563-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12849712

Fibromyalgia and other unexplained clinical conditions

Abstract:

Several unexplained clinical conditions frequently coexist with fibromyalgia; these include chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, tension and migraine headaches, and others. However, only recently have studies directly compared the physiological parameters of these conditions (eg, fibromyalgia vs irritable bowel syndrome) to elucidate underlying pathogenic mechanisms. This review summarizes data from comparative studies and discusses their implications for future research.

Source: Aaron LA, Buchwald D. Fibromyalgia and other unexplained clinical conditions. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2001 Apr;3(2):116-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11286667

Comorbid clinical conditions in chronic fatigue: a co-twin control study

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Chronically fatiguing illness, defined as fatigue for at least 6 months, has been associated with various physical health conditions. Our objective was to determine whether there is a significant relationship between chronically fatiguing illness and 10 clinical conditions that frequently appear to be associated with fatigue, adjusting for the potentially confounding effects of psychiatric illness.

DESIGN: A co-twin control study controlling for genetic and many environmental factors by comparing chronically fatigued twins with their nonfatigued co-twins.

SETTING: A nationally distributed volunteer twin registry.

PARTICIPANTS: The study included 127 twin pairs in which one member of the pair experienced fatigue of at least 6 months’ duration and the co-twin was healthy and denied chronic fatigue. Fatigued twins were classified into 3 levels using increasingly stringent diagnostic criteria.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twins reported on a history of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, temporomandibular disorder, interstitial cystitis, postconcussion syndrome, tension headache, chronic low back pain, chronic pelvic pain (women), and chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (men). The prevalence of these comorbid clinical conditions was significantly higher in the fatigued twins compared to their nonfatigued co-twins. Most notably, compared to their nonfatigued co-twins, the chronically fatigued twins had higher rates of fibromyalgia (> 70% vs < 10%) and irritable bowel syndrome (> 50% vs < 5%). The strongest associations were observed between chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia (odds ratios > 20), irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, multiple chemical sensitivities, and temporomandibular disorder (all with odds ratios > or = 4). Regression analysis suggested that the number of comorbid clinical conditions associated with chronic fatigue could not be attributed solely to psychiatric illness.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronically fatiguing illnesses were associated with high rates of many other clinical conditions. Thus, patients with chronic fatigue may present a complex clinical picture that poses diagnostic and management challenges. Nonetheless, clinicians should assess such patients for the presence of comorbid clinical conditions. Future research should provide a better understanding of the temporal relationship of the onset of fatigue and these conditions, and develop strategies for early intervention.

Source: Aaron LA, Herrell R, Ashton S, Belcourt M, Schmaling K, Goldberg J, Buchwald D. Comorbid clinical conditions in chronic fatigue: a co-twin control study. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Jan;16(1):24-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1495162/ (Full article)

Overlapping conditions among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular disorder

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) share many clinical illness features such as myalgia, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and impairment in ability to perform activities of daily living as a consequence of these symptoms. A growing literature suggests that a variety of comorbid illnesses also may commonly coexist in these patients, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic tension-type headache, and interstitial cystitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of 10 clinical conditions among patients with CFS, FM, and TMD compared with healthy controls with respect to past diagnoses, degree to which they manifested symptoms for each condition as determined by expert-based criteria, and published diagnostic criteria.

METHODS: Patients diagnosed as having CFS, FM, and TMD by their physicians were recruited from hospital-based clinics. Healthy control subjects from a dermatology clinic were enrolled as a comparison group. All subjects completed a 138-item symptom checklist and underwent a brief physical examination performed by the project physicians.

RESULTS: With little exception, patients reported few past diagnoses of the 10 clinical conditions beyond their referring diagnosis of CFS, FM, or TMD. In contrast, patients were more likely than controls to meet lifetime symptom and diagnostic criteria for many of the conditions, including CFS, FM, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, and headache. Lifetime rates of irritable bowel syndrome were particularly striking in the patient groups (CFS, 92%; FM, 77%; TMD, 64%) compared with controls (18%) (P<.001). Individual symptom analysis revealed that patients with CFS, FM, and TMD share common symptoms, including generalized pain sensitivity, sleep and concentration difficulties, bowel complaints, and headache. However, several symptoms also distinguished the patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that patients with CFS, FM, and TMD share key symptoms. It also is apparent that other localized and systemic conditions may frequently co-occur with CFS, FM, and TMD. Future research that seeks to identify the temporal relationships and other pathophysiologic mechanism(s) linking CFS, FM, and TMD will likely advance our understanding and treatment of these chronic, recurrent conditions.

Comment in: Tobacco use and chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular disorder. [Arch Intern Med. 2000]

Source: Aaron LA, Burke MM, Buchwald D. Overlapping conditions among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular disorder. Arch Intern Med. 2000 Jan 24;160(2):221-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10647761

The relationship between temporomandibular disorders and stress-associated syndromes

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the comorbidity of temporomandibular disorders and other stress-associated conditions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

STUDY DESIGN: Of 92 patients who fulfilled the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia (or both), 39 (42%) reported a prior diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder. Further questionnaires were sent to the members of this group, and 30 patients responded.

RESULTS: Of the original 92 patients, of whom 42% reported temporomandibular disorders, 46% had histories of irritable bowel syndrome, 42% of premenstrual syndrome, and 19% of interstitial cystitis. Of the patients with temporomandibular disorders, the great majority reported an onset of generalized symptoms before the onset of facial pain. Despite this, 75% had been treated exclusively for temporomandibular disorders, usually with bite splints.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients appearing for treatment with chronic facial pain show a high comorbidity with other stress-associated syndromes. The clinical overlap between these conditions may reflect a shared underlying pathophysiologic basis involving dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress hormone axis in predisposed individuals. A multidisciplinary clinical approach to temporomandibular disorders would improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for this group of patients.

Source: Korszun A, Papadopoulos E, Demitrack M, Engleberg C, Crofford L. The relationship between temporomandibular disorders and stress-associated syndromes. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1998 Oct;86(4):416-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9798224