Has anyone else with CP (which affects their speech) ever had problems with their jaw?

heidibuckell

Hi - I've just joined this forum, I should have done it sooner, like most things but due to always being busy with work it never got done - at the moment I am off work for a week so have more time

Since about June 2016 I have been having problems with my jaw, initially it just locked which was annoying but something which I could cope with and then from last Sept onwards it has become much much worse and the hospital specialist advised me to go onto to soft diet - which I have 

I am having problems trying to get to the bottom of it and am now waiting to see a Neurologist to see whether it may be spasms 

Has anyone else with CP (which affects their speech) ever had problems with their jaw, it almost coincided with me joining a ROCK choir which I have regrettably now given up until I get this sorted - surely singing has not caused this?

Best wishes 

Heidi

Sam_Alumni

Hi @heidibuckell I have asked on twitter for you and will send on any responses

Stayce

Hi Heidi

You could have TMJ there is some evidence to suggest that TMJ dysfunction can be more likely with Cerebral Palsy because of the muscle imbalance.

General information on TMJ - Does this sound like your symptoms 

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/TMJ/TMJDisorders.htm

Have you seen a dentist about this? As if it is TMJ they can help you manage this and even make a night guard that will relax the muscles in your jaw whilst you sleep.

Hope it helps

Best

heidibuckell

Dear Stayce 

Thank you so much for your reply, I did wonder whether TMJ is more prevalent in people with CP. Re the idea of the mouth guard, I did ask my dentist (who is fully aware of my current problem) but she has decided not to give me one. I do have a Neurology appointment in Feb so I may mention it to the Neurologist 

han156

Hi @heidibuckell  

I was very interested to read your post as I actually had jaw surgery last May (I have mild CP- left side hemiplegia) My symptoms were very similar to yours, and following an x-ray and bone scan it was discovered that I had an active growth centre in my left jaw joint. Most likely caused by the event at birth which caused my CP. The surgery was to remove the growth centre and it's been loads better since. I'm not sure if you have the same problem, but if you are still struggling to get to the bottom of it, it might be worth asking the question :-)

Amberms1

Go and see a dentist and ask for a guard for your teeth while you sleep. I need one. My dentist says I have a very strong bite (I may even grind, not sure) it will help save your teeth. I have lost bottom back teeth from damage of clenching my jaw and teeth. The guard has stopped anymore damage.

Jesspooley

I have cp and have just been diagnosed with tmj 

DanceDeb

Hurt doesn't it bless you x my xray shows my jaw is wonky. So eating is painful 

DanceDeb

I have mild cp and dsytonia effecting my face neck And shoulder 

Jesspooley

It definitely hurts month before I got meds for migraines there just as painful