Which symptom indicates non-muscular origin rather than a muscular TMJ issue?

• A. Jaw clenching
• B. Paresthesias
• C. Muscle fatigue
• D. Clicking

Answer: (B)

Paresthesias represent neural involvement rather than muscle activity. In TMJ disorders, abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness point to irritation or dysfunction of the sensory nerves supplying the jaw (eg, branches of the trigeminal system), which is not a muscle problem. By contrast, jaw clenching reflects parafunctional muscle activity, muscle fatigue comes from overuse or strain of the masticatory muscles, and clicking arises from mechanical changes inside the joint (disc displacement with or without reduction). Thus, paresthesias are the best indicator of a non-muscular origin, signaling neural or neuropathic involvement rather than muscular or intra-articular pathology.