Definition
Trismus is a prolonged contraction of the masticatory muscles. This spasm causes a strong local tenderness, associated with difficulty in opening the mouth (in practice, it blocks the jaw in closing); problems arise in feeding and phonation.
Trismus is the most common symptom of tetanus. Other possible causes include central nervous system disorders (meningitis, epilepsy and rabies) and strychnine poisoning. The trismus can also be the expression of malarial disease and can occur during a local pathological process, such as in the case of tonsillitis, mumps, temporomandibular arthritis, fracture of the zygomatic bone and carcinoma of the mouth.
Possible Causes * of Trismus
- Ebola
- Malaria
- Meningitis
- Anger
- Tetanus
- Tonsillitis
