Lockjaw
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My mouth doesn't open fully
Difficulty in opening mouth
Problems opening the mouth
I can't open my mouth wide
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Developed by doctors.
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Content updated on Sep 6, 2022
About the symptom
Trismus, or lockjaw, is a painful condition in which the jaws do not open fully. Trismus can lead to pain, problems with eating, speaking, and oral hygiene. Trismus is when a person is unable to open their mouth more than 35 millimeters.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Muscle weakness in the limbs
Fever
Peripheral cyanosis
Recent weight loss
Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
Blurring of vision
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Dysphagia
Headache
Possible causes
- Temporomandibular arthrosis
This is a degenerative condition that affects the jaw (temporomandibular) joint. There are changes and degeneration of bone structure, resulting in inflammation of the joint. The condition affects females more than males. Grinding or clenching of teeth, dislocations or fractures and genetics are risk factors.
- Acute tonsillitis / pharyngitis
Infection of the tonsils and pharynx (back of the mouth), either by viruses or bacteria.
- Scleroderma
This is a condition that causes skin hardening and can be divided into localized or widespread (systemic scleroderma). It is a disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks it's own body.
- Muscular dystrophy
Mucopolysaccharidosis
Schwarz-Jampel syndrome
Related serious diseases
- Mumps
A highly contagious infection with the Mumps virus.
- Peritonsillar abscess / deep neck abscess
Questions your doctor may ask about this symptom
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom
Do you have difficulty opening your mouth properly/fully?
Do you have a fever?
Do you have headaches or does your head feel heavy?
Do you have problems focusing or a reduced sense of awareness in your surroundings?
Do you feel any numbness or change in sensation?
Other Related Symptoms
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Symptoms from the same body system / part
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Developed by doctors.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD
Obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)
National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan