*Corresponding Author: vigneshphysio1989@gmail.com 292 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v42.025 Int. J. Exp. Res. Rev., Vol. 42: 292-297 (2024) Efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Jaw Function in Bruxism Among Post Stroke Survivor: A Case Study Yamini Umasankar, Vignesh Srinivasan*, Prathap Suganthirababu and Poovarasan Murugaiyan Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Chennai, Tamilnadu, India E-mail/Orcid Id: YU, yaminiumasankar@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9801-2197; VS, vigneshphysio1989@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3378- 4334; PS, emailprathap@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1419-266X; PM, poovarasan892000@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0003- 2834-596X Introduction Bruxism involves a parafunctional behaviour that is characterized by the involuntary grinding of teeth. This activity involves nonfunctional gnashing or clenching of teeth that has the potential to result in occlusal trauma (Savla et al., 2021). Bruxism is of two types: occurs during sleep, which is referred to as sleep bruxism or while an individual is awake, which is referred to as wakeful bruxism (Lobbezoo et al., 2013). Stroke, also called as cerebrovascular accident, is one of the main causes of both mortality and morbidity in India and it is a major global public health concern. Approximately 5.8 million people had a stroke in 2005 (Subramanian et al., 2024). Stroke is a sudden loss of cerebral function with an interruption of blood flow to the brain. It can be due to ischemia or hemorrhage of the cerebral artery (Ranjani et al., 2023). Physiotherapy is a promising intervention that can help manage stroke symptoms (Vishnuramet al., 2024). The prevalence of bruxism is higher in neurological disorders, out of which the prevalence of bruxism among stroke patients is 3.0% (Kwak et al., 2009). Stroke patients with basal ganglia infarction often have bruxism, but it remains unnoticed. The pathophysiology of bruxism among stroke patients is found to be the involvement of the central dopaminergic system, the direct and indirect pathway of basal ganglia, which is involved in the coordination of movement, is disturbed and leads to bruxism (Tan et al., 2004; Shetty et al., 2010). Article History: Received: 09 th May, 2024 Accepted: 14 th Aug., 2024 Published: 30 th Aug., 2024 Abstract: A 49-year-old male who was a known case of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertensive had a history of an acute infarct in the left ganglia capsular region and a chronic infarct in the left parieto-occipital lobe, which was conservatively managed and was referred for physiotherapy rehabilitation for strengthening the right upper and lower limb. During the physiotherapy intervention, abnormal teeth grinding was observed, and the patient was asked about parafunctional behaviour. Upon examination, there was a restriction in the jaw range of motion assessed by measuring the jaw range using the vernier caliper and tightness in the masticatory muscle, as evidenced by palpating the masseter muscle. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and ultrasound therapy were given for 1 session per week for 2 weeks to treat bruxism along with standardized stroke protocol. At the end of 2 weeks after the intervention, there was an increase in jaw opening and reduced masticatory muscle activity. Jaw opening was measured using a vernier caliper, and masticatory activity was measured using electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles. This study suggests the importance of treating bruxism to prevent complications related to it. It concludes that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and ultrasound therapy were effective in improving mouth opening and reducing the masticatory activity in bruxism among stroke patients with ganglia capsular involvement. Keywords: Bruxism, jaw opening, masticatory activity, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, stroke, ultrasound therapy How to cite this Article: Yamini Umasankar, Vignesh Srinivasan, Prathap Suganthirababu and Poovarasan Murugaiyan (2024). Efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Jaw Function in Bruxism Among Post Stroke Survivor: A Case Study. International Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 42, 292-297. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v42.025