What Causes Frozen Jaw After Smoking Cigarettes?

Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Answered on

Fri, 24 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : When I smoke cigarettes and especially if I've had alcohol, my jaw freezes and jitters. its been going on for 10 years. My friends and family are impressing I get this checked out. They think Im having a daily stroke. Really?! Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, this is not a daily stroke.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

No, this is not a daily stroke.

This is recurrent temporary trismus.There are many causes which can cause this.
Might be increase in muscle tone after alcohol intake leading to muscle spasm is cause in your case.

Seeing a faciomaxillary doctor or ENT specialist can help you with this.Doctor might want get few investigations done before reaching the diagnosis.

A trial to muscle relaxants can be given in initial phase.

Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (12 minutes later)

I am a healthy woman, 110lb and 5'5". My jaw can actually be crippalling at times. Just need the 'how to make it go away'. I broke my jaw when I was small if that matters. How can I fix it?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Actually this will need few investigations first.

Detailed Answer:
Actually this will need few investigations first, like x ray or MRi of the jaw to know the cause.

Yes, it can be related to childhood injury.

At the moment you can try oral muscle relaxant when you are going to drink and see if that helps.

If it doesn't help then you will need clinical evaluation and investigations.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (1 minute later)

You are very clever. I just looked up what you said and sounds bang on. Sadly, Every I read says should have dealt with this long before now. But thanks doc.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks you.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for compliment. Do take out time to leave positive feedback. Also see doctor sooner. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju