Temporomandibular disorder and headache in university professors.

Abstract

[Purpose] Temporomandibular disorder is a condition with a multifactor etiology that involves the temporomandibular joint, bones, surrounding muscles and facial pain is the most common symptom. This study evaluated the possible association between headache and temporomandibular disorder in university professors. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-seven professors were recruited and answered the Axis II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders for the evaluation and diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder and filled out a “Headache Diary” proposed by the American Headache Society. [Results] The university professors showed headache and temporomandibular disorder, but no association was found between the two conditions. Comparing the gender, the males were most frequently affected, but females had more intensity of signs and symptoms. There is a lack of data on the population addressed in the present study. [Conclusion] Indeed, this was the first such study developed with university professors. It is of considerable importance to develop further studies to investigate the possible association between headache and temporomandibular disorder.