TMJ is usually _____

• A. Bilateral and symmetric
• B. Bilateral and radiates to ear
• C. Diffuse facial pain
• D. Unilateral and radiates to ear/jaw

Answer: (D)

TMJ disorders typically present with pain focused on one side around the jaw joint, and that pain can radiate to the ear or jaw. This unilateral pattern reflects the fact that the dysfunction often affects a single joint or the muscles on one side, and the shared sensory innervation to the ear and jaw (via the trigeminal system) can cause referred pain to the ear area. While both sides can be involved in some cases, the more common presentation is unilateral rather than bilateral and symmetric. Patterns that are bilateral, diffuse, or primarily in other regions are less characteristic of TMJ disorders, making unilateral pain with ear/jaw radiation the best fit.