Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) – Natural Treatment, Symptoms, Exercises, TMJ, Botox

Key Facts

• Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a movement disorder that affects the muscles of the jaw, lips, and tongue, causing involuntary and often forceful contractions
• It is a rare disorder, with the exact number of affected individuals remaining unknown. However, it’s considered one of the various forms of focal dystonias, which target specific parts of the body
• OMD can be idiopathic (of unknown cause) but can also be a result of injury, other disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications
• Though there is no cure, treatments can be offered to manage and reduce the symptoms of OMD, improving the quality of life for affected individuals

What Is Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD)?

Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) is a specific type of focal dystonia that causes involuntary muscle contractions in the face, particularly affecting the jaw, lips, and tongue. These contractions can make speaking, swallowing, and even breathing challenging.
While the exact cause of OMD remains unclear, it is believed to originate from incorrect signals sent from the brain to the muscles. These signals cause abnormal muscle responses leading to the characteristic spasms and contractions seen in the disorder.

There are three main types of OMD:

• Jaw-Closing OMD: This is the most common type, where the muscles that help close the jaw contract involuntarily. This often results in clenching or grinding of the teeth.
• Jaw-Opening OMD: In this type, the muscles responsible for opening the jaw spasm, making it hard to close the mouth.
• Jaw-Deviating OMD: The jaw moves either to the left or right due to involuntary contractions, making it challenging to align the jaw properly.

Symptoms and Effects of Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD)

The symptoms of OMD can range from mild to severe and may vary from one individual to another.
Common symptoms include:

• Involuntary Jaw Movements: These can include clenching, grinding, opening, or sideward motion of the jaw without the individual’s intent.
• Difficulty Speaking: The involuntary contractions can disrupt the normal movement required for speech, leading to slurred or stuttered speech patterns.
• Difficulty Swallowing: OMD can also interfere with the normal swallowing mechanism, causing discomfort or even choking in severe cases.
• Facial Pain: The constant muscle contractions can lead to soreness, leading to chronic facial pain and even headaches.
• Dental Issues: Due to the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, individuals with OMD can experience dental issues, including tooth wear, breakage, or gum problems.
• Emotional Impact: Beyond the physical symptoms, living with OMD can be emotionally taxing. The constant contractions can be embarrassing, leading to decreased self-confidence and social withdrawal.

Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) Treatment

Managing Oromandibular Dystonia requires a comprehensive approach, as the disorder itself can be quite debilitating, affecting speaking, swallowing, and overall quality of life.
Some common treatments include:

• Medications: Various drugs can be prescribed to reduce or control the muscle contractions and spasms associated with OMD. These might include muscle relaxants, anticholinergic drugs, and even some antipsychotic medications which have been found effective in reducing symptoms.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox): This has emerged as one of the most effective treatments for focal dystonias, including OMD. Botox injections can be administered directly into the affected muscles, temporarily paralyzing them and reducing involuntary contractions. This treatment typically needs to be repeated every few months.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and therapies can help in strengthening the affected muscles and teach patients how to control and manage their symptoms better.
• Biofeedback: This method involves training individuals to control physiological functions to improve involuntary muscle contractions. It can be a useful complementary therapy.
• Speech Therapy: Given that OMD can impact speech, working with a speech therapist can be beneficial. They can provide techniques to improve articulation and speech clarity.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): In severe cases where other treatments do not provide relief, DBS, a surgical procedure, might be considered. This involves placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain to send electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses.

What Causes Oromandibular Dystonia?

The exact cause of OMD is not completely understood.
However, several factors are believed to play a role in its development:

• Genetic Factors: Some studies suggest that there might be a genetic predisposition to OMD. A family history of movement disorders can increase the risk.
• Brain Abnormalities: Dystonia, in general, is believed to arise from incorrect signals sent by the brain to affected muscles. Structural or functional abnormalities in the basal ganglia (the part of the brain responsible for regulating voluntary movements) might be involved.
• Injury or Trauma: Some cases of OMD develop after an injury or trauma to the jaw or oral region.
• Medications: Certain drugs, especially antipsychotic medications, can trigger OMD as a side effect.
• Underlying Conditions: In some cases, OMD might be a symptom of another condition, like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or Wilson’s disease.
• Idiopathic Causes: In many cases, there might be no discernible cause, and the condition is termed as idiopathic.

What Type of Doctor Treats Oromandibular Dystonia?

Oromandibular Dystonia is a specialized medical condition, and its management requires expertise.
Typically, the following specialists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of OMD:

• Neurologists: These are doctors specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Specifically, a movement disorder neurologist has specialized training in conditions like dystonia and Parkinson’s disease.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: For cases where OMD might be related to dental or jaw issues or when surgical interventions are being considered, these specialists might be consulted.
• Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists): They can assess and treat voice and swallowing issues that often accompany OMD.
• Speech Therapists: Given the impact of OMD on speech and swallowing, a speech therapist plays a crucial role in the overall treatment plan, providing techniques and exercises to manage symptoms.

Does Oromandibular Dystonia Progress?

The progression of OMD can vary from person to person. In some individuals, the symptoms might remain stable for years, while in others, they might gradually worsen over time. However, it’s worth noting that OMD, like other forms of dystonia, is not a life-threatening condition. But, its progression can lead to increased discomfort, difficulty in speaking or swallowing, and might impact the overall quality of life. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can help in managing the condition effectively.

When Should I See a Doctor?

It’s essential to consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Uncontrolled Muscle Movements: If you experience involuntary spasms or contractions in the jaw, tongue, or lower face.
• Speech Difficulties: Trouble in speaking, where the words are not clear, or if you find it challenging to control the movements of your tongue or mouth while talking.
• Swallowing Issues: Difficulty in swallowing or a feeling that the food is getting stuck.
• Pain: Persistent or recurring pain in the jaw, mouth, or face.
• Previous Diagnosis: If you’ve been diagnosed with another type of dystonia or movement disorder, and you start experiencing symptoms in the oral region.

Early diagnosis and intervention can help in better management of OMD, reducing complications, and ensuring an improved quality of life.

What are the Complications?

Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) is primarily a movement disorder, but the repercussions of the condition extend beyond involuntary muscle movements.
The complications can include:

• Dental Issues: Due to uncontrolled jaw movements or grinding, there’s an increased risk of dental complications, including tooth damage, premature wear, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
• Nutritional Concerns: Difficulty in chewing and swallowing can sometimes lead to inadequate nutritional intake, which may have a broader impact on health.
• Speech Impairment: OMD can make it difficult for affected individuals to communicate clearly, leading to potential misunderstandings or miscommunications.
• Psychological Impact: Like many chronic conditions, OMD can have psychological implications, such as anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal due to embarrassment or difficulty in communication.

How Will This Affect My Life?

Living with Oromandibular Dystonia poses challenges that can influence various aspects of daily life:

• Social Interactions: Speaking difficulties might lead to reduced social interactions, affecting personal and professional relationships.
• Daily Activities: Routine activities, such as eating or speaking, might become tasks that require extra attention and effort.
• Mental Well-being: Dealing with a chronic condition always comes with its emotional toll. It’s not uncommon for individuals with OMD to experience feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety.
• Job Implications: Depending on the severity, it might become challenging to continue in certain professions, especially those that require clear communication.
• Adaptation: Many patients learn to adapt by finding new ways to communicate, eat, or by making lifestyle changes that can make coping with the condition more manageable.

Bottom Line

Oromandibular Dystonia is a complex condition with multifaceted causes, though not life-threatening, can significantly affect one’s quality of life due to its physical and psychological implications. Early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and a supportive environment can help individuals navigate the challenges posed by OMD. Furthermore, advancements in medical science offer hope for better treatments in the future. It’s essential for affected individuals to maintain regular consultations with their healthcare providers, join support groups, and stay updated with the latest in medical research related to OMD.

This article is complete and was published on August 31, 2023, and last updated on August 31, 2023.