Features

• You have two TMJs, each located in front of each ear, that connect your lower jawbone to your skull. TMJ pain disorders can occur if you overuse your jaw muscles, or if there's an imbalance in the way you use your mouth.
  
  

Effect

• TMJ symptoms reflect the nerves that are affected by the disorder. You may experience pain in your mouth, jaw, face, head, eyes, ears, neck, and shoulders.
  
  

Considerations

• Over time, the nerves affected by the TMJ disorder can affect your inner ears, which are responsible for maintaining your balance and sense of where you are in space. You'll develop vertigo and may feel off balance, especially when you turn suddenly.
  
  

Treatment

• Medications like meclizine can help reduce the severity of the vertigo, but the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends conservative, non-invasive treatments aimed at correct the TMJ disorder. These may include relaxation exercises, dietary modification, stabilization splints, physical therapy, and pain medications.
  
  

Warning

• Until your vertigo resolves, you shouldn't drive a car or perform other physical activities that will put you or others in danger.