What causes severe headaches after jaw fracture?
Patient: Hi, my name is Pamela. I have an old fractured jaw. I have severe headaches. When I open my mouth, the left side of my face, my jaw bone protrudes outwards a 1/2 inch from my ear. Recently, my jaw had shut with considerable force. Yesturday, when I was brushing my teeth, my jaw would not open. I went into the bathroom and leaned into the sink to empty my mouth of toothpaste and then I was able to open my mouth slowly. I m considerably worried now. My problem is much worse and so isn t the pain. I have prior medical problems such as: Systemic Lupus and Angina...etc. Due to these problems, I am no stranger to pain medication. What I find more disturbing is I can still feel the pain of my jaw even while being on Morphine and Percocet. I don t know who I should see. I m not sure what to do. Please, can you educate me on my problem and give me guidance to whom I should see? Thank you in advance, Pamela Doctor: Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.The pain and difficulty in mouth opening or closing can be because of the problems related to temporomandibular joint. It can be a disc related problem or a malunion of previously fratured bone. Nothing to be panic, consult an oral physician or an oral maxillofacial surgeon and get it evaluated. You need to get radiographs like OPG and MRI done to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed we can treat accordingly.I hope I have answered your query, take care.