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Severe chronic headache treated by simple dental procedures. Case reports.
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|February 23, 1985
Summary
Severe headaches can stem from temporomandibular joint dysfunction and myofascial pain. These conditions often require specialized diagnosis and treatment beyond general medical care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dentistry
- Pain Management
Background:
- Headaches are a common and often debilitating symptom.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and myofascial pain syndrome are recognized conditions that can cause pain.
- The link between these specific conditions and severe, unremitting headaches requires further elucidation.
Observation:
- Seven cases of severe, unremitting headaches were identified.
- These headaches were associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
- Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome was also identified as a contributing factor.
Findings:
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can manifest as severe, persistent headaches.
- Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome is a significant cause of unremitting headaches in affected individuals.
- Patients often undergo extensive medical evaluations without identifying the primary cause of their headaches.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering TMJ dysfunction and myofascial pain in headache differential diagnoses.
- Suggests a need for increased collaboration between neurologists, dentists, and pain specialists.
- Emphasizes the potential for improved patient outcomes with targeted diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and myofascial pain.