Diagnosed with TMJ and Speech Issues

[JosiahManning]

Okay, so I have a new diagnosis to add to my list of things causing my symptoms other than any of the big nasties. Saw a neuro last week and she diagnosed me with TMJ. That, combined with my reflux and persistent anxiety may be at the root of my (perceived) problem with my speech and jaw issues. Of course, I sounded totally normal in the Neuro's office, and my wife swears she has noticed no slurring at all. It definitely gets better when I am relaxed and home with the family (or in a doctor's office). I also may have cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis), but they are going to do an MRI and X-ray to confirm or rule out. It may explain some of the tingling I have been experiencing in my arms perhaps. Arthritis in the neck though, jeez I am only 36!

Meanwhile I have gained about 20 pounds since all of this mess started in late April and have increased my strength in all muscle groups through more regular weight lifting. I look like a tank. Not what you would expect to see in someone with bulbar onset right?

And yet, I continue to twitch all over my body and face, and my feet feel like they might cramp up at any minute. Can still walk on my toes and heels and run 3 miles though. Go figure.

Could TMJ lead to more difficulty with speech? Has anyone else diagnosed with TMJ had similar concerns with speech patterns or other bulbar symptoms? I'm really hoping that its the *beep* of anxiety, TMJ and reflux that causing my perceived problems. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Best,

J.

 

[jamietwist]

Woo, I can really relate to this. Yes, TMJ can cause a certain "thickness" of speech and a slightly slurred feeling. The tight jaw (due to tension, stress, etc.) doesn't allow you the smooth movement you normally have when speaking.

I also have severe C5-C6 spondylosis with a herniation in the same area, however there's no nerve impingement or spinal compression (I even had a "positional" MRI to confirm this.) This and I am only 39! I have arm tingling, forearm tingling, finger tingling and it cannot be explained through compression. Just plain ol' crabby nerves or BFS/BCFS. (I mean, nothing is touching them, so why the h*ll are they so crabby.)

If you are as athletic as you sound, and building mass, your chances of having bulbar or any motor neuron disease are basically zero. You are healthy! Embrace it!

Oh, I have GERD too. Argh!

 

[beensuggested]

Jman
TMJ causes your bite to change so when you use your jaw/mouth to speak it doesn't always land where it should and can make subtle changes to your speech. Reflux can also do that by drying out the mucous membrane of the throat and aggravating the vocal cords.

Definitely NOT ALS bulbar symptoms.
Kit

 

[JosiahManning]

Thanks Dr. Kit.

The TMJ diagnosis was a big help for me as far as reducing my anxiety level a bit. Maybe there are horses in the paddock rather than zebras after all.

J.