What Causes Pain In The Lower Jaw While Having Aortic Valve Stenosis?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017

Question: My 94 year old mother, has aortic valve stenosis, quite severe. She functions very well but gets quite tired and occasionally lies down for a nap. Last night she said she couldn't go to sleep because she had a strange pain from ear to ear and in her teeth, She said it was very uncomfortable but she didn't have pain in her chest or difficulty breathing or diaphoresis. She did have a stent about 4 years ago and has done well. she wonders if this is her heart...she got up and changed beds and said she was able to sleep and feels okay now

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
cardiac evaluation should be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for asking query,
Have noted all your details.
Cardiac origin of pain can migrate along the lower jaw lines as dermatomes supplying heart and lower jaw line are same.
As patient is old and is a cardiac patient its very difficult to give her a cardiac clearance just on basis of narration.
I would suggest her to go for some of the base line tests of cardiology like
Tread mill test-(if she can't run then chemical stimulation by dobutamine can be given)An exercise stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while your heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored,Any ischemia will be ruled out.
2d echo-Mobility of cardiac walls and overall functioning can be observed.
Combined together both these tests have 85% sensitivity in ruling out cardiac problem.
If these tests are normal she is cleared from cardiac side and then you should consult a neurologist for neuralgic pain.

Thanks.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D