J Orofac Pain
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This article reports an unusual case of neuropathic orofacial pain secondary to leprosy. To the authors' knowledge, it is the first case of leprosy reported in the Western literature that was initially thought to be dental pain, then mistaken as a temporomandibular disorder before the correct diagnosis was made. ⋯ Even in Western countries, patients originally from countries where leprosy is endemic may develop symptoms of the disease many years later. The possibility of leprosy should be considered in the diagnosis of neuropathic orofacial pain in such patients.
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To determine the contribution of a wide range of factors to care-seeking behavior in orofacial pain patients, expressed as (A) decision to seek care and (B) number of health care practitioners visited. ⋯ Pain intensity and fear of jaw movements play an important role in the decision to seek care for orofacial pain. The continuous search for help is associated with catastrophizing and the use of painkillers.
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To study the effect of estrogen deficiency and altered temporomandibular joint loading on the histomorphology of condylar cartilage and on the expression of types II and X collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3). ⋯ Condylar cartilage is sensitive to both estrogen level and dietary loading.
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To investigate the relationship of headache frequency with patient-reported physical functioning and emotional functioning in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subjects with concurrent temple headache. ⋯ Headache frequency was substantially correlated with reduced physical functioning and emotional functioning in subjects with TMD and concurrent temple headaches. A secondary finding was that headache was precipitated by jaw activities more often in subjects with more frequent temple headaches.