Dizziness and TMJ are linked. Symptoms of dizziness can be described in many different ways. It can be a feeling of lightheadedness, imbalance, nausea, spinning, or faintness. Many times the challenge is in describing the sensation. Having said this, dizziness with TMJ disorders is usually more of a balance issue rather than lightheadedness. That means the sensation makes you feel like you might fall rather than faint.
Why does dizziness occur with TMJ disorders? It does seem like an odd symptom to originate from the jaw area. In essence, when the inflammation around the temporo-mandibular joint travels in TMJ syndromes, it can involve the ear area. The ear literally is less than an inch away in distance. If the inflammation travels into the middle or inner ear, it can affect your hearing and balance. Very delicate tiny structures within each ear regulate your sense of position. If this becomes inflamed, then vertigo or an imbalanced type of dizziness can result.
Other conditions that can mimic TMJ disorders and dizziness mostly include infections. Whether the infection is in the ear, mouth or salivary glands, it also can cause inflammation, pain, swelling and dizziness simultaneously. In the absence of fever and other infectious symptoms, and with a normal examination of the mouth and ear, TMJ becomes more likely the diagnosis. Likewise, if jaw popping, clicking or misalignment exists, TMJ also becomes more probable.
While this symptom in TMJ disorders is less common than others, it does occur with regularity. In general the greater the inflammation, the more likely dizziness may be present. Similarly to other symptoms that result from the spreading inflammation in TMJ syndromes, dizziness resolves fairly quickly once treatment for TMJ is started.
Other TMJ Symptoms: