Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presenting as the temporomandibular disorder: A case report and literature review

Background: Spasticity and pain in the masticatory muscles or mouth opening limitation have been reported as early signs and symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These signs and symptoms are also frequently seen in, and thus mistaken for, temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Clinical presentation: The authors report a case of ALS initially presenting with signs and symptoms of TMD. The TMD was followed by dysarthria of insidious onset, leading to the diagnosis of ALS. This case highlights the importance of considering TMD as a potential early form of presentation of ALS, requiring multidisciplinary treatment, especially by dental professionals.

Conclusion: A review of the literature was conducted to elucidate the oral and facial signs and symptoms of ALS and to identify ways of improving the quality of life of patients through a multidisciplinary approach.