For decades, athletes, soldiers, and accident victims have experienced persistent headaches, memory problems, and cognitive issues following head impacts—symptoms that often continue long after standard concussion protocols clear them for activity. The Jaw Joint Science Institute (JJSI) in Philadelphia has identified undiagnosed fractures in the temporomandibular joint at the base of the skull.
This biomedical research organization has developed diagnostic protocols that reveal what they say is a previously overlooked injury mechanism. Using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging analysis, JJSI identifies fractures in the glenoid fossa, the thin boney structure where the lower jaw connects to the skull. According to their research, impact forces transmitted through the jaw joint during head trauma will fracture this delicate anatomy and directly traumatize the brain’s temporal lobes.
This focus on temporomandibular joint injury assessment represents a departure from conventional concussion diagnosis, which typically relies on symptom reporting and cognitive testing without examining the jaw joint structure itself. JJSI’s clinical work indicates that symptoms like ringing in the ears, facial pain, severe headaches, and mood changes stem from these TMJ fractures rather than solely from brain damage.
Recognition from Military and Medical Communities
The Jaw Joint Science Institute’s research has attracted attention from military health researchers. JJSI received four awards at the Military Health Systems Research Symposium between 2020 and 2021, presenting findings on the jaw joint’s role in concussive injuries. More recently, the Air Force selected their work for funding in 2025, indicating interest from defense sectors dealing with blast exposures and high-G force environments.
The organization also earned recognition closer to home, with Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry naming JJSI’s founder and CEO to its Gallery of Success in 2021. Philadelphia Magazine recognized their clinical work in 2021 and 2022, while Health 2.0 presented an award for outstanding leadership.
A Protective Device and New Treatment Protocols
Beyond diagnosis, JJSI developed J-RES, a patented intraoral device that prevents jaw joint injuries during impact. The device works by physically separating the lower jaw from the skull’s glenoid fossa, preventing force transmission to the temporal lobes of brain during head impacts. The Jaw Joint Science Institute received a new patent for the protective jaw stabilization technology in 2023 and also a protective device that will allow you to bleach your teeth while exercising called the DUEWA (Dual-Use Exercise Whitening Appliance).
JJSI also advocates for updating helmet and safety equipment standards, arguing that current testing protocols use headforms without jaw joint anatomy and therefore cannot accurately model real-world injury mechanisms. The work of Jaw Joint Science Institute spans sports medicine, military applications, and vehicle safety, positioning comprehensive TMJ-based concussion research as relevant across multiple sectors dealing with head trauma prevention and treatment.
The Institute’s treatment approach focuses on healing identified TMJ fractures, which they report will eliminate recurring concussion symptoms within weeks. Their protocols target patients experiencing the following irritability, depression, impaired balance, memory loss, extreme light sensitivity, and other persistent symptoms that resist conventional concussion treatments. The innovative approach has found success amongst military veterans, NFL hall of famers, children, auto-accident victims, and dental patients alike.
