Daijiworld Media Network - Kerala

Kerala, Oct 22: A railway doctor helped a passenger suffering from a jaw dislocation aboard the Kanniyakumari-Dibrugarh Vivek Express at Palakkad junction. The 24-year-old passenger was unable to close his mouth after yawning.

Dr. Jithin PS treated the passenger’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation in under three minutes using manual reduction, allowing him to continue his journey. A video of the treatment, shared by Southern Railways, went viral and earned widespread appreciation for the swift medical response.

TMJ dislocation occurs when the lower jaw moves out of its normal position at the joint connecting it to the skull. Common causes include yawning too widely, trauma, or opening the mouth excessively during dental procedures. Symptoms include inability to close the mouth, jaw appearing stuck open, pain, difficulty speaking or chewing, and drooling. Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent complications.