Injury to the autonomic nervous system and the temporomandibular joint (articulation temporomandibularis) in blast trauma

Abstract

Injuries to the maxillofacial region during blast trauma affect not only hard tissues but also the delicately structured autonomic nervous system (systema nervosum autonomicum). Particularly vulnerable are the temporomandibular joint (articulatio temporomandibularis) and the branches of the trigeminal nerve (nervus trigeminus) - the second (V2) and third (V3). Such damage complicates not only mastication but also speech, facial expression, and the patient’s psychological condition, having long-term consequences. Timely and comprehensive rehabilitation is crucial for maintaining quality of life. Aim of the study. To analyze the clinical and anatomical lesions of the TMJ and autonomic nervous system after blast trauma, and to outline the possibilities for restoring the functions of speech, mastication, emotional status, and social interaction. Materials and methods. Descriptive fragments from a user-based clinical case analysis of blast injuries to the maxillofacial region were used. The study applied principles of structured clinical analysis, as well as logopedic, psychological, and neurosurgical interpretation. Terminology complies with Nomina Anatomica