BRUXISM SECONDARY TO CHRONIC ANTIDOPAMINERGIC DRUG EXPOSURE

Eight cases of diurnal bruxism (DB) secondary to long-term antidopamin ergic drug exposure are reported. Five exhibited a grinding pattern, o ne a clenching form, and two a mixed type. An odontological etiology w as absent throughout. EMG recordings disclosed two distinct patterns o f muscle activity, one with brief rhythmic, forceful contractions and the other featuring sustained prolonged contractions. Surface EMG and EEG monitoring during a 24-h period confirmed the absence of bruxism d uring sleep. Several drug trials failed to provide relief. Our finding s support DB as a focal tardive dystonia syndrome.