Facial thermography, basis, protocol, and clinical value.

Computerized electronic telethermography provides clinicians with a reliable evaluation of subtle body surface temperature changes that show underlying physical disorders characterized by pain. The first study population involved 4000 measurements of 100 volunteers at the Medical School of New Jersey. This study of normal volunteers evaluates the validity and reliability of using 0.5 degrees C skin surface temperature difference between opposite sides of the head as a minimum difference standard for recognition of a clinically significant thermographic abnormality. A second study population of over 300 patients with clinically suspected temporomandibular disorder were used. The authors used a standard thermographic protocol procedure that is approved by the Academy of Neuromuscular Thermography. Also discussed in detail are artifactual influences and trigger point detection. The clinical value of this information in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorder patients is self evident.