Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exertional myalgia and cramps of the limb and trunk muscles are typical in McArdle disease, but mastication and oral motor limitations have not been systematically investigated before. OBJECTIVE: Determine the reported prevalence and characteristics of limitations on oral motor activities, mastication, swallowing, and other oral motor activities in patients with McArdle disease. METHODS: An observational study was carried out in 28 patients using a standardised questionnaire on mastication and oral motor function. RESULTS: 57% of the participants reported difficulties with mastication. Muscle cramps during mastication occurred in 57% of the patients. A feeling that food remains in the throat occurred in 32%. Adaptations during mastication were needed in 42% of the patients. Mastication difficulties, muscle cramps during mastication and mastication adjustments were inversely correlated with age (r2 = - 0.445, p < 0.05; r2 = - 0.509, p < 0.01; r2 = - 0.456, p < 0.05). Feeling of food remaining in throat, cramps during mastication and during other oral motor muscle activities, were correlated with disease severity (r2 = 0.476, p < 0.01; r2 = 0.463, p < 0.01; r2 = 0.461, p < 0.01; r2 = 0.432, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In short, reported mastication difficulties are prevalent in people with McArdle disease, most frequently in younger people. Therefore, awareness of mastication and oral motor problems is required.
