Utredning av patienter med smärtsamma käkfunktionsstörningar. Multidisciplinär strategi i Norge
Sammanfattning
Norway is in the process of establishing a national,
multidisciplinary evaluation program for patients
with refractory orofacial pain (TMD). The
program comprises a systematic multidisciplinary
evaluation with a two year follow-up, together
with national evidence-based guidelines on the
evaluation and treatment of TMD.
Based on our data so far, the patients in this
program characteristically have a long history of
pain. Many have impaired mandibular function,
in addition to pain. The majority of patients report
sleep disturbances and almost all have elevated
catastrophizing scores.
Factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, suboptimal
dietary habits and vitamin defi ciencies need
to be addressed. Inappropriate drug treatment is
another confounding factor. Some patients have
underlying medical conditions requiring further
investigation.
Management of complex pain problems, such
as refractory TMD requires a multidisciplinary
approach.