The result of treatment of the masticatory system of chronic headache patients.
Fifty-five of 100 chronic headache patients, referred consecutively to a neurologist, exhibited craniomandibular pain during examination of the stomatognathic system. This suggests a possible relationship between the headaches and the condition of the masticatory muscles. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group was treated by a neurologist and the other by a dentist. More of the patients treated by the dentist reported a decreased intensity of the headache (P less than 0.025) or a reduction in medication (P less than 0.05). Changes in headache frequency were also reported more often in the craniomandibular disorder treatment group (P less than 0.025).
Schokker
R P
RP
Department of Masticatory Function, Academic Centre for Dentistry ACTA, Amsterdam.
Hansson
T L
TL
Ansink
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013165:Splints; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome