A preliminary protocol for multi-professional centers for the determination of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

The objective of the present study was to test a protocol for the quantification of the frequency and severity of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to patient perception during two phases of investigation. The protocol was developed based on the signs and symptoms most frequently reported in the literature and on the circumstances in which they produce discomfort. Eighty-four patients diagnosed with TMD by functional examination of the masticatory system responded to the protocol questions and indicated the severity of signs and symptoms using an eleven point numerical scale (Phase 1).