Interrelationship of internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint, headache, vertigo, and tinnitus: a survey of 25 patients.

Twenty-five patients presenting with a chief complaint of pain around the temporomandibular joints, along with symptoms of internal derangements, i.e., clicking or crepitus, and concomitant vertigo were treated successfully with jaw repositioning orthotics. All had been examined by physicians for otalgic disorders and were considered negative. Vertigo was remitted with orthotic therapy in all cases and returned with the removal of the appliance. Anatomic and physiologic hypotheses are presented as potential etiologies.