| Abstract: | 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. |
