In Huntington's disease, bruxism can emerge as a distinct and troublesome manifestation — characterised by involuntary, excessive contraction of the jaw muscles leading to gnashing and progressive tooth damage. This page outlines the clinical approach to this specific presentation.
Bruxism in this context is an involuntary clenching with excessive contraction of the jaw muscles, causing gnashing and dental injury. The presentation requires dedicated management distinct from the broader neurological treatment of Huntington's disease.
The first-line intervention targets the jaw musculature directly. Protective dental measures may additionally be considered for appropriate patients, particularly at earlier stages. The protocol also addresses whether any concurrent medications may be contributing to bruxism as a side effect.
Bruxism is an involuntary clenching with excessive contraction of the jaw muscles.
Injecting botulin toxin A into the masseter muscles is proposed as the first-line treatment of bruxism (Grade C).
Customized protective mouth guards may be used to reduce the complications of bruxism on a case-by-case basis, mostly in early stage patients.
Bruxism may occur as a side effect of neuroleptics (Grade C) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, thus reducing their dose should be considered.
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