The diagnostic work-up in a 2-year-old girl with persistent mouth opening and oral malfunctions of unknown aetiology – case report

This study presents possible causes of recurrent prolonged episodes of oral malfunctions manifesting as permanently open mouth, salivation, and deglutition disorders. We present the case study of a girl hospitalised in the paediatric ward and then diagnosed by a multidisciplinary approach due to the lack of active and passive ability of mouth closing. Despite the comprehensive diagnostic work-up performed, no typical causes or organic reasons were determined. The comparative analysis included infectious, neurological, laryngological, vascular and orthopaedic diseases, and psychological and psychiatric factors. The diagnosis was made by exclusion; the psychological and habitual background was approved as the most probable reason for the symptoms.