What is the difference between tetanus and tmj

Why don't we have a look at the two independently to have a better appreciation of what leads to lockjaw. TMJ, a temporomandibular disorder can potentially lead to lockjaw in some patients, but this is brought on by some of the other symptoms of TMJ, which can lead to muscle spasms and inflammation in the jaw.

These spasms are the cause of the jaw temporarily locking, this is no, however, life-threatening, although very painful. The jaw is not really "frozen" with TMJ, it is the swelling and pain that could make the mouth harder to open or the wearing of the joint may cause it to "stick" temporarily.

However, anti-inflammatory medication use is what normally will help to get the TMJ under control. Unlike TMJ, tetanus is a very serious affliction, that can cause several muscle spasms in the jaw and thereby cause it to "lock" and make the normally simple processes of speaking and eating very challenging. Tetanus is caused by bacteria that finds its way into a deep cut or wound. A vaccine for tetanus exists that is supposed to be injected every ten years but oftentimes it is given after the injury happens.

However, there are several other causes of a jaw not opening involving the masseter muscle which are related to spasm or trismus. Tmj is the joint of the jaw and there are a number of conditions related to it that block the opening of the jaw too, i. Disc displacement. Jeffrey Bassman answered. It can affect the ears: ringing, aching , roaring, stuffiness, hearing loss ; head, facial and neck: headaches, neck and facial pain ; locking of the jaw: closed lock- limited opening, open lock- can't close; bite problems: can't touch the teeth, grinding, clenching; toothaches ; lose teeth, fatigue, etc.

Louis Gallia answered. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 45 years experience. Different: LockJaw Trismus , a pathological condition in which the mouth is held shut by sustained spasm of the masseter jaw muscle, often observed in cases of tetanus. Tetanus, an infectious disease of the central nervous system.

TMJ is a disorder of the jaw joint and associated structures. Ask U. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. For these, please consult a doctor virtually or in person. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call or your local emergency service. Ask your question Ask question Free. HealthTap doctors are based in the U. It needs much more respect and attention than a simple store-bought bite splint or a bottle of pain reliever.

The best way to get back to your life without the pain of TMD is to talk with the right medical professionals. You need comprehensive care from a doctor who knows how to treat TMD and to address your individual case so you can get the best possible results. Tetanus noun That condition of a muscle in which it is in a state of continued vibratory contraction, as when stimulated by a series of induction shocks. Tetany Tetany or tetanic seizure is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles, which may be caused by disorders that increase the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves that innervate them.

Tetanus noun an acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages. Tetanus noun a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses.

Tetanus noun a bacterial disease marked by rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles. Tetanus noun the prolonged contraction of a muscle caused by rapidly repeated stimuli.

Tetanus Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection characterized by muscle spasms. Tetanus Illustrations. Popular Comparisons.

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