Facial Pain
The article, "Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction with Facial Pain in Children," (Pediatrics 69:564, 1982) inferred that pains and/or dysfunctions of the temporomandibular (TM) joint constitute a disorder. This is not so. The joint, comprising various tissues, subject to diverse pathologies, may require any of a number of treatment modalities. If a conclusion of one disorder prevailed, it would invite irrational stereotyped "treatment," which, unfortunately does occur.
Pain perceived in the joint region may be referred from a remote source of deep continuous pain, as from an otitis media.




