Migraine is Most Common Primary Headache in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

A recent article in the Journal of Orofacial Pain identifies Migraine as the most frequent primary headache in patients with temporomandibular disorders. The majority of migraines are actually trigeminally moderated and it is no surprise that they would be common. Tension type headaches were the second most common headache. Headaches occured in 45.6 % of control group and 85.5 % of TMD

NERVE BLOCKS AND TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEADACHES

A new study "Patterns of use of peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections among headache practitioners in the USA: Results of the American Headache Society Interventional Procedure Survey (AHS-IPS)" in Headache found widespread use of trigger point injections and nerve blocks it headache treatment. Many Neuromuscular dentists have a great deal of expertise in the utilization of these

ARURICULAR NERVE STIMULATION FOR TREATING MIGRAINE vs NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY AND DIAGNOSTIC ORTHOTIC TREATMENT

An article in Headache "Implanted auriculotemporal nerve stimulator for the treatment of refractory chronic migraine' (see abstract below) reports on a case of refractory headache with phonopobia treated by implanted peripheral nerve stimulators. Treatment reduced but did not eliminate the patients pain. The authors chose to only treat only a single branch of the mandibular nerve and did not

Frontal and Occipital Headaches with Facial Numbness

From Vicki:I have right sided pain in the occipital region and frontal area. Continuous pulsation with buzzing in my ear. I am Nauseated, and have right sided facial numbness and tingling.Dr Shapira response:I always suggest patients with numbness in the face have a neurological work-up and patients with ear problems be evaluated by an ENT. Having said that I frequently see patients with

ARE CHRONIC HEADACHES AND SLEEP DISORDERS INTER-RELATED?

A new article "Increased Prevalence of Sleep Disorders in Chronic Headache: A Case-Control Study" in the June 2010 issue of Headache addresses this issue. The article (pubmed abstract below) concludes that "Patients with chronic headache had a high prevalence of sleep complaints. Insomnia may thus represent an independent risk factor for headache chronification. Recognition of sleep disorders,

Waking with sinus pain or pressure.

Patient: I Wake up with sinus type headache and pressure around eyes.This is a frequent area for patients to have referred pain from both jaw muscles and neck muscles. It is frequently secondary to clenching or grinding of the teeth. Another common cause for morning headaches is sleep apnea.

CLUSTER HEADACHE AND TMJ DISORDER

QUESTION: My fiance has been having these headaches (her doctor thinks they are cluster headaches) for months now. The headaches are intense and always have the same focal point in the front left part of her head. She also has chronic neck pain and has been diagnosed with TMJD.DR SHAPIRA: I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND HAVING AN EVALUATION WITH A TRAINED NEUROMUSCULAR DENTIST. THAT IS A COMMON