Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) Treatment
Treatment for oromandibular dystonia is different for everyone.
Several oral medications have been studied and have been found to benefit people with oromandibular dystonia. Around one-third of people's symptoms improve when treated with oral medications. These medications include clonazepam, trihexyphenidyl, diazepam, tetrabenazine, and/or baclofen.
Many people with OMD experience reduced spasms and improved ability to chew after a botox injection (the toxin botulinum). The injection is put into the masseter, temporalis, and lateral pterygoid muscles. This is usually helpful in jaw-closure dystonia, while treating jaw-opening dystonia may be more challenging.
People with OMD may also respond to sensory feedback. For example, touching the lips or chin, chewing gum, talking, biting on a toothpick, wearing an orthodontic device or mouthguard, or placing a finger near an eye or underneath the chin may encourage symptoms to subside temporarily. Speech and swallowing therapy may also help as well as daily relaxation practices.
Now you know the 411 on oromandibular dystonia and can apply the knowledge to forge the best path for yourself as you figure out the treatment you need with a team of physicians, speech pathologists, and dentists. As a refresher, OMD can cause other dental issues, impact your ability to eat and speak, and sometimes comes along with depression or anxiety. Always remember to seek a support system and the best medical, dental, and mental health care as you go. And don't wait! Get the help you need today so you can start feeling your best ASAP.