Nociceptive trigeminal inhibition--tension suppression system: a method of preventing migraine and tension headaches

Dentists and physicians see countless patients suffering from various types of headaches. Various modes of therapy are used in an attempt to treat these patients. As a result of this study, it appears that a common factor to migraine and tension-type headaches may be chronic clenching. If this is the case, then dentists may treat headache patients more effectively than previously suspected through the use of a dental appliance.     

Effects of Sleep Duration on Classic Migraine and Depression Headache Pain: Case Reports

Headache etiology research has not supported the traditional headache classification system. This paper provides evidence that classic migraine headache and muscle contraction headaches that appear in the morning (depression headaches) may share a common etiology and respond to the same treatment—reducing sleep duration. Three clinical cases with long-standing headaches are presented, one a depression headache patient and two classic migraineurs. All case histories showed a strong relationship between extended sleep duration and headaches, and headaches completely remitted after patients consistently awakened one-half to one hour earlier than their normal rising time. Eight common migraineurs showed no such relationship and failed to respond to sleep manipulations.

We conclude that classic migraine and morning onset “muscle contraction” (or depression) headaches may result from serotonergic mechanisms which are triggered by excessive sleep. Common migraines, in contrast, may be related to oral habits and temporomandibular joint derangement.     

Primary headaches in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Diagnosis and treatment of central sensitization pain

Objectives: Central sensitization (CS) has been found in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), craniofacial pain (CP) and primary headaches, but its clinical implications remain uncertain. The first aim was to provide a synthesis of the current state of knowledge about the link between CS and TMD associated with primary headaches; the second goal was to find methodologies to assess and treat CS in this subgroup of patients.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted.

Results: CS is described in literature as an aggravating factor in patients with TMD-related primary headaches. Further studies are required to support this assertion.

Conclusions: The importance of excluding chronic neuropathic pain and recognizing CS as the main component using a top-down approach to target the best pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is evident. Some useful tools to discriminate patients with CS from others have become available, but more research is required to enable an appropriate diagnosis.     

Hemicrania continua

Unilateral throbbing headaches may present similar signs and symptoms as dental pathology and are a diagnostic challenge for dental practitioners. Cases may be seen with a primary complaint of unilateral pain or referred by medical colleagues for exclusion of dental causes. In the present article the authors add a new case of hemicrania continua (HC), which is one such unilateral headache, and review the previously published cases. HC is relatively easy to treat since it responds completely to treatment with indomethacin. However, as is presented in this case, HC may masquerade as dental pain. Cases secondary to trauma, systemic disease, and nervous system pathology have been described in the literature, and the clinician must exclude these possible causes. A thorough knowledge of this entity is therefore essential.     

Occlusal splints-types and effectiveness in temporomandibular disorder management

BackgroundOcclusal splints are routinely used in dental offices to diagnose and treat abnormalities of the masticatory system. There are different occlusal splints, each of which can address various conditions. They may treat individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism or be used for occlusal stabilization and dentition wear reduction.MethodsThe literature in the National Library of Medicine's Medline Database was reviewed using the Mesh terms 'occlusal splints' AND 'Temporomandibular Disorders.ConclusionOcclusal splints can treat a wide variety of TMDs. They can treat bruxism, headaches, postural imbalances related to TMDs, and decreased vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). However, there is no clear evidence that occlusal splints are superior to physiotherapy in treating TMDs. In the long-term follow-up, they were equally effective as other therapies.     

Risk factors associated with incidence and persistence of frequent headaches

Objective. Headaches represent a significant public health problem, but the knowledge of factors specifically related to incidence and persistence of headaches is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether gender, self-reported bruxism and variations in the dental occlusion contribute to onset and persistence of frequent headaches. Materials and methods. The study population comprised 280 dental students, examined annually in a 2-year prospective study with a questionnaire and a clinical examination of the jaw function. In the analysis subjects were dichotomized into cases with frequent (once a week or more) or without frequent headaches (controls). The 2-year cumulative incidence was based on subjects without frequent headaches at baseline. Cases with 2-year persistent headaches reported such symptoms at all three examinations. Self-reported bruxism and factors in the dental occlusion at baseline were used as independent variables in logistic regression analyses. Results. The 2-year cumulative incidence of frequent headaches was 21%. Female gender (OR = 2.6; CI = 1.3–5.4), self-reported bruxism (OR = 2.3; CI = 1.2–4.4) and mandibular instability in intercuspal position (OR = 3.2; CI = 1.4–7.5) were associated with incidence of frequent headaches. Persistent headaches during the observation period were present in 12 individuals (4%) and significantly related to mandibular instability in intercuspal position (OR = 6.1; CI = 1.6–22.6). Conclusions. The results indicate that female gender, self-reported bruxism and mandibular instability in intercuspal position are of importance in the development of frequent headaches. In management of these patients a multidisciplinary approach including dentists may be important and, thus, advocated.     

Temporomandibular dysfunction in patients treated with orthodontics in combination with orthognathic surgery

Fifty-two patients with malocclusions underwent orthodontic treatment in combination with orthognathic surgery involving a Le Fort I and/or sagittal split osteotomy. Approximately 5 years after surgery, the patients were examined for signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The frequencies were found to be low in comparison with epidemiological studies in this field. The aesthetic outcome and chewing ability were improved in most patients (about 80 per cent). Some of the patients had reported recurrent and daily headaches before treatment. At examination, only two patients had reported having a headache once or twice a week, while all the others suffered from headaches less often or had no headache at all. Eighty-three per cent of the patients reported that they would be prepared to undergo the orthodontic/surgical treatment again with their present knowledge of the procedure. This study shows that orthodontic/surgical treatment of malocclusions not only has a beneficial effect on the aesthetic appearance and chewing ability, but also results in an improvement in signs and symptoms of TMD, including headaches.     

Use of a Modified Mandibular Splint to Reduce Nocturnal Symptoms in Persons With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

ObjectiveBased on a series of clinical observations that a thicker mandibular splint than that commonly used to treat bruxism and related craniomandibular myofascial pain reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) nocturnal symptomatology (sleep disruptions, headaches, and nightmares), this study of 100 PTSD participants was undertaken to systematically establish ’proof of concept’ of the therapeutic effectiveness of this modified splinting procedure.MethodsFollowing the fabrication of splints thicker than those conventionally used, the effectiveness of this new procedure used by dentists was determined by comparing the self-reported frequency and intensity/severity of PTSD symptomatology during a seven-night pretreatment baseline period without the splint with a second seven-night period in which the modified splint was inserted. The scoring for the three dependent measures (sleep disruptions, headaches, and nightmares) was based on the frequencies on a scale from 0–7 multiplied by the intensity/severity on a scale of 1–10.ResultsCompared with the pre-splint baseline period, the insertion of the thickened splint resulted in a highly significant reduction of sleep disruption, nocturnal headaches, and nightmares. A second seven-night control period without the splint was followed by a second seven-night period with the splint, reproducing the effectiveness of the first splinting period.ConclusionThe results of this study provide the first systematic, documented proof of concept of the effectiveness of a modified splinting procedure in reducing key nocturnal symptoms in PTSD patients.     

Neurovascular pains: implications of migraine for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Epidemiologic studies have shown that migraine headaches are a common finding in the general population, often associated with a high degree of disability. Additionally, migraine has a reported comorbidity with other medical conditions, most notably with chronic pains, such as temporomandibular disorders. The pathophysiologic mechanisms involved with migraine are suggestive of an increased and prolonged hyperexcitability to stimuli, especially within the trigeminal distribution. Because migraine is mediated by branches of the trigeminal nerve it has the potential to mimic other types of pains, such as toothache or sinusitis. It is therefore recommended that oral and maxillofacial surgeons be familiar with the diagnostic criteria for migraine headaches to identify and appropriately treat such individuals who present to their clinics.     

Recurrent headaches in relation to temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction.

Two groups of 80 patients, one referred because of mandibular dysfunction and one seeking dental treatment, completed questionnaires concerning recurrent headaches. The function of the masticatory system of all patients was afterwards examined clinically. The investigation showed that clenching of teeth was correlated to the severity of headache. The frequency and severity of headache varied also with the severity of mandibular dysfunction. Of the variables included in the dysfunction index, only masticatory musculature painful to palpation was found to have a distinct relationship to headaches. This implies that functional treatment is indicated in patients with headaches and tendernes of the masticatory musculature. Functional examination of the masticatory system should therefore be included in investigations of recurrent headaches.     

An update on pain

Pain is a personal, subjective experience that involves sensory, emotional and behavioural factors. Most of us at some stage in our lives have experienced pain. The most common type of pain that springs to mind is the acute or 'healthy' inflammatory pain associated with a bee sting or toothache. But increasingly, in the western world, one in three of us will also experience chronic pain, or unhealthy 'nerve' pain, most commonly associated with backache, headaches or persistent post-surgical pain. As this is a persistent state and derives from the nerves themselves, it is significantly more of a challenge to treat. This article highlights some significant progress made in the assessment and treatment of patients with neuropathic pain. An improved understanding of chronic or neuropathic pain by practitioners and patients themselves, will undoubtably better equip those involved to recognise and manage the pain.     

The influence of sleep duration on headache pain and frontalis EMG

Recent evidence has been presented suggesting that 'depression' headaches and classic migraines may be related to extended sleep duration. This analogue study was designed to evaluate the possibility that mild to moderate headaches induced by excessive sleep might be related to increased muscle activity. Eight subjects who experienced headaches as a function of increasing sleep duration by 2 h were evaluated in headache (i.e., extended sleep) and a non-headache (i.e., normal sleep) conditions. Sex- and sleep-duration matched controls were evaluated under the same sleep conditions, although none experienced headaches. Frontalis electromyographic (EMG) data were evaluated in a 2 X 2 analysis of variance. The results indicated no EMG differences between groups or across sleep conditions, even though all experimental subjects experienced headaches on the extended sleep night. Discussion focuses on the implication of these results for future headache research.     

Recurrent headaches in relation to temporomandibular joint pain-dysfunction

Magnusson, T. Carlsson, G.E. Recurrent headache in relation to temporomandibular joint paindysfunction.

Two groups of 80 patients, one referred because of mandibular dysfunction and one seeking dental treatment, completed questionnaires concerning recurrent headaches. The function of the masticatory system of all patients was afterwards examined clinically.

The investigation showed that clenching of teeth was correlated to the severity of headache. The frequency and severity of headache varied also with the severity of mandibular dysfunction. Of the variables included in the dysfunction index, only masticatory musculature painful to palpation was found to have a distinct relationship to headaches. This implies that functional treatment is indicated in patients with headaches and tenderness of the masticatory musculature. Functional examination of the masticatory system should therefore be included in investigations of recurrent headaches.     

VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA (ACOUSTIC NEUROMA) MIMICKING TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A CASE REPORT

Approximately 6 to 16% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia symptoms present intracranial tumors, the most common being the vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). Some symptoms reported by patients include hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, vertigo and trigeminal disturbances. An increased muscle response in the surrounding head and neck musculature may also be observed, which mimics signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. In these cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proved to be a useful tool in tumor diagnosis. The differential diagnosis between myofascial and neuralgic pain is important, as both may present similar characteristics, while being of different origin, and demanding special treatment approaches. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relationship among trigeminal neuralgia symptoms, intracranial tumors and temporomandibular dysfunction by presenting a clinical case.     

Craniomandibular disorders and headaches

Three hundred patients were questioned regarding frequency of headache pain. One hundred forty-one patients were seeking treatment at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry TMJ Clinic for CMD. A comparison group of 159 was selected from persons being screened for routine dental needs. The following findings regarding incidence and frequency of headache pain were observed: 1. The incidence of headache pain was twice as high in the CMD group than in the comparison group (p less than .001). 2. Of the persons in each group reporting the occurrence of headaches, the frequency of headaches in the CMD group was significantly higher (44%) than in the comparison group (p less than .001). Thirty-three patients with headache pain were treated for a 4-week period with occlusal splint therapy. Patients were questioned regarding the number of headaches per week they had before and after occlusal splint therapy. The following results were observed: 1. Twenty-one (63.6%) patients showed a decrease in the frequency of their headaches. 2. Ten (30.3%) patients showed complete remission of headaches. 3. No patient showed an increase in the frequency of headaches. 4. As a group the average number of headaches per week before treatment was 5.06; after occlusal splint therapy the average number of headaches per week was 2.15 (p less than .001).     

Short-term effect of occlusal adjustment on craniomandibular disorders including headaches

The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effect of occlusal adjustment on craniomandibular disorders. Fifty patients were randomly selected and divided into a treatment (T) and a control (C) group. The initial clinical examination and the follow-up were made by one observer and the occlusal adjustment by another. There were no significant differences between groups with regard to frequency of headaches, facial pain, pain on mandibular function, or duration of headaches and facial pain. Fifty-two percent of the patients in the treatment group and 20% of the patients in the control group reported reduced subjective symptoms overall at follow-up examination. The improvement was statistically significant within the T group and significantly greater than in the C group. There was no significant change within or between groups with regard to frequency of headaches, facial pain, or pain on mandibular movements. There was an almost significant difference between groups after treatment with regard to changes in the number of tender muscles. The results of this study indicate that occlusal adjustment provides a general subjective improvement of craniomandibular disorders.     

Pediatric dental treatment for children with headache

This case demonstrates the safe step by step approach to treatment of pediatric patients with muscle spasm headache. If there are any neurologic signs or the LiteSplint is not effective, then a laboratory orthopedic appliance therapy may not be effective and a neurologic referral is necessary. It is always required to review the latest physical exam with the parent and physician if the symptoms do not improve in an orderly sequence. The LiteSplint acts as a screening and diagnostic aid in determining the source of head pain. For very young patients (three to six years of age) who may not be able to easily tolerate an appliance, an extra heavy coating of flowable composite that can act as a sealant on the primary molars, e.g. Revolution, may open the bite enough to alleviate headache or earache symptoms. Dental clinicians can perform a valuable service for their patients if headaches from deep bite malocclusions can be diagnosed and treated at an early age.     

Multiple pains and psychosocial functioning/psychologic distress in TMD patients

PURPOSE: This study assessed multiple pain conditions and their association with psychosocial functioning, psychologic distress, and somatization in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) based on RDC/TMD Axis II findings. Nonspecific pain items examined included headaches, heart/chest pain, lower back pain, nausea/abdominal pain, and muscle pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 202 TMD patients (58 men and 144 women) referred to two TMD clinics participated. The mean age of the predominantly Chinese patient population (82%) was 32.6 years (range 13 to 65). The RDC/TMD history questionnaire was input directly into computers by patients. Graded chronic pain and SCL-90 scales were generated online and automatically archived for statistical analysis. Data were subjected to Spearman's rank-order correlation and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Of the patients, 43% were moderately to extremely distressed by headaches. The percentage of patients who were distressed by heart/chest pain (7%), lower back pain (26%), nausea/abdominal pain (17%) and soreness of muscles (22%) was lower. Of the TMD patients, 16% experienced more than three pain items. Significant and positive correlations were observed between number of pain items experienced and graded chronic pain severity, depression, and somatization. Correlation coefficients ranged from .27 to .65 for graded chronic pain scales and somatization (without pain items) scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the number of nonspecific pain conditions reported may be a predictor of psychosocial dysfunction, depression, and somatization.     

A retrospective study of patients with cluster headaches.

Referred pain in the midface and teeth is a common clinical feature of the cluster headache and cluster headache-like disorders. It is not unusual therefore for patients with cluster headaches to go to the dentist. In this report, 33 cases of cluster headache, which met the International Headache Society classification criteria, and which were seen by us during a 2-year period, are reviewed. Fourteen (42%) of 33 patients who were seen by dental practitioners and who received some form of ineffective dental or pharmacologic treatment are described here. Since almost 50% of the cluster headache patients described here received inappropriate dental treatment, it is hoped that this review and retrospective assessment will make the dental practitioner aware of this disorder and provide a broader perspective in the treatment of pain in the orofacial region. Clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment of cluster headaches are discussed.     

口腔矫治器在阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征治疗中的应用

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征（obstructive sleep apnea syndrome,OSAS）是在临床中最为常见的一种睡眠呼吸暂停综合征,主要表现为睡眠时打鼾并伴有呼吸暂停和呼吸表浅,夜间反复发生低氧血症、高碳酸血症和睡眠结构紊乱,导致白天嗜睡、心脑肺血管并发症乃至多脏器损害,严重影响患者的生活质量和寿命。随着研究的深入,OSAS的治疗方法取得了很大进展,其中口腔矫治器因其独特的优点及良好的效果而被患者所接受。应用于OSAS治疗的口腔矫治器种类繁多,适用范围及效果也因人而异。本文现将应用于OSAS治疗的各类口腔矫治器的临床效果、作用机制及戴用过程中存在的不良影响等做一综述。