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Symptom research into
TMJD has been guided by a dual axes taxonomy (RDC/TMJD) for the
major types of TMJD (Dworkin
and LeResche, 1992). Axis I distinguishes three major diagnostic
subsets: (1) Group I: Masticatory myofascial pain, (2) Group II:
TMJ internal derangements, and (3) Group III: TMJ arthritides.
Axis II criteria serve to assess pain intensity, pain-related
disability, and the presence and severity of depressive and anxiety
symptoms (See: Chapters 22 Dworkin
and 26 LeResche). About half of all TMJD cases
are classified as masticatory myofascial pain (List
and Dworkin, 1996; Maes,
Lin et al., 1998). As far as the muscle-based TMJD/RDC Group
I disorders are concerned, a report of pain or ache in the jaw,
temples, face, preauricular area, or inside the ear at rest or
during function is required for case assignment. As illustrated
below, the masseter muscle appears to be the target of choice
for pain induction since most clinical pain reports include this
particular location.
| Figure
10.1: Spatial Distribution of Pain Reports
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Spatial
distribution of reports of pain reported by
patients with confirmed muscle-based TMJD/RDC
Group I diagnosis. As shown, the overwhelming
majority of patients complain of pain in the
area of the masseter muscle, indicated by
red. (Unpublished data).
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