Electroencephalographic signature of TMD patients: clinical implications, 2025, Mei

https://www.bjoms.com/article/S0266-4356(25)00050-6/fulltext

Full length article
March 04, 2025
Open access
Electroencephalographic signature of TMD patients: clinical implications
Li Mei Zhiyi Huang Zhixin Wang Sally Sun Sichao Zhu Cui Gao Ajith Polonowita Guangzhao Guansimon.guan@otago.ac.nz

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the electroencephalogram (EEG) features of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and non-TMD subjects at the jaw resting, biting, and opening states.

Methods
A total of 34 participants were recruited in the study. Participants with TMD were evaluated using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and the Protocol for Multi-Professional Centres for the Determination of TMD Signs and Symptoms (ProTMDMulti). EEG was recorded using the NeuroSky biosensor at jaw resting, biting, and opening states for the non-TMD subjects, TMD patients before therapy, and TMD patients after therapy.

Results
EEG energy of the TMD patients was significantly greater than that of the non-TMD subjects at the jaw resting, opening and biting states (P < 0.05), except the EEG Beta wave at the jaw biting state. After conventional therapy for TMD, the EEG energy of TMD patients significantly decreased at the jaw resting state (P < 0.01). During the jaw opening state, the EEG energy of TMD patients also significantly decreased after therapy at the low frequency waves but increased at the high frequency waves (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
EEG features were significantly different between the non-TMD and TMD participants as well as in the TMD patients before and after therapy. EEG may serve as an objective biomarker and a quantitative diagnostic tool for TMD.

Keywords

1. electroencephalogram
2. temporomandibular disorder
3. diagnostic tool