Pathology · single question
What is the BEST pharmacological treatment for lateral pterygoid myospasm causing jaw deviation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant)
Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant — first-line pharmacotherapy for acute myospasm.
- A. Ibuprofen addresses inflammation and pain but does not specifically relax spastic muscle — it is a useful adjunct but not primary treatment.
- B. CORRECT. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is a centrally acting muscle relaxant structurally similar to TCAs. It is first-line pharmacotherapy for acute muscle spasm including lateral pterygoid myospasm causing TMD.
- C. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic with no role in treating muscle spasm.
- D. Clonazepam can be used for bruxism and some muscle conditions but cyclobenzaprine is the more specific choice for myospasm.