Posttraumatic head injury resulting in spasticity disorders and oral injury: application of prosthodontic skills for tissue protection--a case report.

Patients who have experienced significant brain injury (such as hemorrhagic stroke or trauma) can suffer brain damage that leads to altered neurologic functioning. One such ill effect is the development of aberrant mandibular reflexes that may inflict serious trauma to oral and labial tissues. As primary oral health care providers, dental clinicians may be called upon to function as part of the medical team managing the patient. This case report reviews one such scenario in which the unique skills of trained specialists were used to provide a protective oral device to allow for tissue protection and healing.