The Neurological Aspects of the Trigeminal Cranial Complex and Its Role in the TMJ Dysfunction and Multiple Movement Disorders

The trigeminal system can be impacted by the correct maxillomandibular interaction. It has been demonstrated that the authors are able to treat the symptoms of pain and discomfort as well as those associated with neurological disorders, neurological dysfunctions, and dystonia by treating the temporomandibular disorder and influencing the maxillomandibular relationship with oral appliances. The auricular-temporal nerve, which innervates the posterior and lateral ligaments of the temporomandibular disc, is de-compressed or the aberrant signal is removed clinically to achieve this method. In perspective of the preceding explanation, many neurological conditions have a strong connection to the architecture and physiology of the temporomandibular joint. Communications from the trigeminal network that reach the brain stem through the spinal trigeminal nucleus, cross over brain stem fibers via the reticular formation, which is why individuals with movement disorders can improve. This method of treatment provides a non-invasive way to address several movement disorders that may be related, either directly or indirectly, to temporomandibular dysfunction. This chapter reviews the neuroanatomy of the trigeminal nerve and systematically shows how this nerve has a major impact on the body in the form of movements and includes disordered movements. We will discuss how, through normal neuroanatomical connections that the trigeminal nerve influences, multiple disorders such as Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, and many other hyperkinetic movements. We will also discuss posture and gait as it is related to the trigeminal nerve input into the brain stem. Many of these disorders are related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and facial structural anomalies.