TRISMUS

Course overview

TRISMUS IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS LOCKJAW AND IS USUALLY DUE TO SUSTAINED TETANIC SPASM OF THE MUSCLES OF MASTICATION. ALTHOUGH IT WAS INITIALLY DESCRIBED IN THE SETTING OF TETANUS, IT IS NOW USED TO REFER TO A BILATERAL RESTRICTION IN MOUTH OPENING FROM ANY CAUSE. ALTHOUGH UNILATERAL RESTRICTION MAY OCCUR, TRISMUS IS A BILATERAL PROCESS RESULTING FROM INCREASED MUSCLE TONE MEDIATED BY THE EFFERENT PORTION OF THE REFLEX ARCH OF THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF TRISMUS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM MEMBERS IN COLLABORATING TO PROVIDE WELL-COORDINATED CARE AND ENHANCE PATIENT OUTCOMES.