Warning

Description

Pain of muscle origin that is affected by jaw movement, function, or parafunction, and replication of this pain occurs with provocation testing of the masticatory muscles.

History

Pain in the jaw, temple, in or in front of ear, AND

Pain modified with jaw movement, function, or parafunction

Examination

Confirmation of pain location in the Temporalis or Masseter muscles AND

Report of familiar pain in the muscles with at least one of:

  • Palpation OR
  • Maximum unassisted or assisted opening

Diagnostic Criteria

Sensitivity: 0.90
Specificity: 0.99

Local myalgia

Description

Pain of muscle origin AND a report of pain localised to the site of palpation.

History

Pain in:

  • jaw
  • temple
  • in front of or in the ear

Pain modified with jaw movement, function, and parafunction

Examination

Confirmation of pain located in the Temporalis and Masseter muscles on palpation
Report of familiar pain and localised to the site of palpation

Diagnostic Criteria

Sensitivity and Specificity have not been established

Myofascial pain

Description

Pain of muscle origin with pain spreading beyond the site of palpation but within the boundary of the masticatory muscle being examined.

History

Pain in:

  • jaw
  • temple
  • in front of or in the ear

Pain modified with jaw movement, function, and parafunction

Examination

Confirmation of pain located in the Temporalis and Masseter muscles and report of familiar pain on palpation

Report of pain spreading beyond the site of palpation but within the boundary of the muscle

Diagnostic Criteria:

Sensitivity and Specificity have not been established

Myofascial pain with referral

Description

Pain of muscle origin with referral of pain beyond the boundary of the masticatory muscles on palpation.

The pain may refer to the ear, teeth, or eye.

History

Pain in the jaw, temple or in front of or in the ear

Pain modified with jaw movement, function, and parafunction

Examination

Confirmation of pain located in the Temporalis and Masseter muscles with report of familiar pain on palpation.

Report of pain with muscle palpation beyond the boundary of the muscle

Diagnostic Criteria

Sensitivity: 0.86

Specificity: 0.98

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/04/2024

Next review date: 30/04/2025

Reviewer name(s): Louise Ross , Alison Baird , Karen Glass .