Treatment of myofascial syndrome of the temporomandibular joint with botulinum toxin: literature review of its effectiveness and complications

Abstract

Myofascial syndrome of the temporomandibular joint, also known as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), is an important public health problem, with a high prevalence, sometimes underdiagnosed and with repercussions on the patient's quality of life. The traditional therapeutic approach includes conservative measures (change of habits and parafunctions, physiotherapy and occlusal adjustment), followed by psychotherapy, occlusal splint and pharmacological therapy. Botulinum toxin type A (TB-A) is used increasingly frequently in the treatment of myofascial pain through injection into trigger points. However, there is currently no defined protocol regarding the use of TB-A in the context of MPS, nor is there a consensus on the collateral effects on its sustained infiltration in the masticatory muscles. The objective of the present review is to update knowledge about the use, effectiveness and complications of TB-A treatment in the MPS to standardize the diagnostic and treatment criteria in order to homogenize the daily clinical practice.