Oromandibular dystonia is a type of focal dystonia characterized by involuntary spasms of the jaw. The jaw can be pulled down (jaw-opening dystonia), pulled closed (jaw-clenching dystonia), and/or moved laterally. It is sometimes accompanied by lingual dystonia with abnormal movements of the tongue. Typical symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, clenching or grinding of the teeth, jaw movements or pain, chin thrusting, tongue protrusion, lip pursing, or platysma contraction. In some cases, symptoms may only appear with action. Symptoms can result in difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
It may be associated with blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, and/or spasmodic dysphonia. The cause is unknown, although these movements may occur in the setting of tardive syndrome as a result of dopamine-blocking medications. Peak onset of symptoms occurs at 50-60 years of age. The condition is rare and more common in women than in men. There is no cure.
Oromandibular dystonia
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Codes
ICD10CM:
G24.4 – Idiopathic orofacial dystonia
SNOMEDCT:
230328001 – Isolated oromandibular dystonia
G24.4 – Idiopathic orofacial dystonia
SNOMEDCT:
230328001 – Isolated oromandibular dystonia
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Tics
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Drug-induced movement disorder
- Whipple disease
- Neuroacanthocytosis
- Huntington disease
- Functional neurologic disorder
- Trismus
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Bruxism
- Edentulous dyskinesia
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:08/12/2019
Last Updated:08/29/2019
Last Updated:08/29/2019