Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 12/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. About 3 years ago I twisted my neck and experienced acute phases of TMJ. I had tinnitus, jaw pain, shoulder pain, pain below ear. Went to oral surgeon to MRI of TMJ joints and diagnosed the TMJ. After a few months symptoms did disapate. I still have very slight ringing in the ear, should pain, and ocassional jaw pain.  Anyway, 6 days ago I got off a 7 day cruise. I have been feeling dizzy (mal de debarquement)type dizzy with swaying and rocking. I have no stomach problems or fatigue. However, I have noticed with the dizzyness Sinus pressure (congestion) and pain by the TMJ joint and behind the ear since I got off the ship. Also difficulty concentrating.  Any possible connection with the TMJ and dizzyness after the cruise? Any possible medicines or treatments? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Daniel,
There are possible connections, yet it is more probably that you are suffering from an inner ear disturbance.  You need to be evaluated by an ENT and have specialized testing for balance done by an audiologist. Once a diagnoses is reached, the physician can prescribe either medication that will ease the dizziness or a program of vestibular rehabilitation.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, thank you for your response. I am just curious why you did not immediately belive it was Mal De Debarquement as I felt 100% on ship, symptoms began right after I got off the ship. Aside from the rocking, swaying I am feeling, is the accompanying Jaw Pain, ear pain/pressure, Neck pain not normally symptomatic of Mal De Debarquement but symptomatic of an inner ear disorder from the motion of the ship? Thanks

Answer
Hi Daniel,
I'm not quite sure what you are asking. MDD is an inner ear disorder. The jaw pain, ear pain and neck pain may or may not be related, as I said earlier.  That is why it is important to be fully evaluated by the specialists I mentioned.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology