Can TMJ Disorder Cause Dizziness and Vertigo?

Have you ever felt like your surroundings are shifting for no reason, or that your balance is suddenly off-kilter? This sensation, called vertigo, affects many people — in fact, up to 40% of adults experience it at some point. While numerous factors can play a role in vertigo, TMJ disorder (TMD) is often a contributor to it. How does that occur, and what steps could you take to reduce TMD-related dizziness and vertigo? This blog post shares some helpful information.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo creates the sensation that your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or moving even though everything is actually still. You may sense this odd movement when you stand up, turn your head, or even when you remain at rest. Vertigo is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a symptom that can point to a number of underlying conditions.

How exactly does vertigo occur? Your inner ear contains crucial structures that send signals to your brain and sensory nerves. Disruption or confusion in these signals may cause you to feel off-balance. Such problems may arise if your inner ear becomes inflamed or damaged, or if pressure changes occur. Your brain may misinterpret what is happening, which can in turn lead to dizziness and vertigo.

TMJ Disorder’s Role in Vertigo

At first, it might seem odd to make a connection between TMD and vertigo. After all, TMD is an affliction of the jaw, not your ears! However, your temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) are located very close to your ears. When these joints become damaged or inflamed, their proximity to the ears sometimes leads to pressure on nerves and blood vessels that help regulate balance. TMD can also cause a lot of tension in the muscles throughout your body. These factors combined can contribute to episodes of vertigo.

Seeking Lasting Relief

If you suspect that TMD is playing a role in your vertigo, schedule an appointment with a qualified dental professional. They can assess your jaw joints, bite alignment, and muscle condition to identify potential links between your symptoms and a problem with your jaw joints.

Once they understand your condition, they can design a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. This plan might include custom oral devices to stabilize your jaw, BOTOX injections to relax overworked muscles, and home remedies for pain relief and muscle relaxation. If you consistently comply with your recommended therapy, you may find that vertigo and other TMD symptoms start to dissipate or possibly even disappear altogether.

Vertigo can be a sign of TMJ disorder! Talk to a well-trained dental professional to find out how you may be able to find relief.

Meet the Practice

At the Center for Dental Sleep Medicine & TMJ of New Mexico, Dr. Kinnari Jariwala and our team are proud to provide non-invasive and effective therapies for TMJ disorder. If you suspect you have TMD or are ready to explore your treatment options, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our Albuquerque office at 505-433-2107.