| Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and TMJ |
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complex disorder, known most notably for extremely loose joints, blood vessels susceptible to damage, and hyper elastic skin that bruises very easily. Because of the impact of EDS on the neck and jaw joints, the EDS patient can also suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Cervicocranial Disorder, or both.
TMJ is "shorthand" for a complex syndrome of dysfunction of the jaw to the skull, including the cartilage and related muscles, including the pain and symptoms.
CCD is "shorthand" for a complex disorder emanating from the upper vertebra of the neck, with pain often being felt not in the neck, but in the face, ears, eyes and jaw.
It is critical for the EDS patient to have an in-depth examination by a professional who is well-versed in EDS, TMJ and CCD. There are complex and overlapping symptoms, including frequent headaches, abnormal and/or painful jaw movements, ear pain, pain in or around the eye area and cheek pain.
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Dr. Mitakides has focused much of his practice on the treatment of TMJ and/or CCD in the Ehlers-Danlos patient. Because the best outcomes often involve a combination of treatments, Dr. Mitakides has worked closely with medical professionals from around the country in achieving team-based treatment of this complex and painful syndrome, in both adult and pediatric cases.
In July 2011, Dr. Mitakides was a speaker at the national Ehlers-Danlos conference in Baltimore, MD.
It is very important for the EDS patient to work closely with a craniofacial pain/TMJ practitioner with EDS-specific experience, as well as the primary treating physician. If you are an EDS patient and believe you might have TMJ or CCD, please contact our office for further information.
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