Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Medical science has progressed at such an amazing rate in the past several decades, and yet we still do not have a consensus as to what causes migraine headaches. Even though migraines are an affliction shared by more than 1 billion people around the world, the exact cause of these headaches remains a medical mystery. Because there is no proven cause of migraines, certain maladies can be misdiagnosed as migraines – one of which stems from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder. Today on the blog, your dentist in Okemos takes a look at how TMJ disorder can cause painful headaches.
Headaches and the trigeminal nerve
Both TMJ headaches and migraines are different varieties of tension headaches and both involve the trigeminal nerve to some degree. This disorder stems from a dysfunction within the temporomandibular joint itself, which connects the jaw joints to the skull. Any issue with the temporomandibular joint is likely to impact the trigeminal nerve, which is located in close proximity to the temporomandibular joint and transmits more sensory input to the brain than any other neural pathway. When TMJ disorder is present, the malfunction of the joint soon leads to a compression of the nearby blood vessels, which will exert inordinate pressure on the adjacent nerves, including the trigeminal.
For a migraine patient, the onset of a migraine headache leads to a change in brain chemistry. During an attack, serotonin levels decrease and the trigeminal nerve sends signals to the outer covering of the brain, generating pain impulses.
TMJ headaches and migraine headaches have the following symptoms in common:
- Pain, which may be debilitating in nature and impede the ability to function
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Nausea and vomiting
The differences between TMJ headaches and migraines
Migraines do have some symptoms that are specific to that malady. The most identifiable symptom is an aura—a visual hallucination that occurs as a precedent to an attack. A person with TMJ headaches may experience other symptoms indicating the problem, including jaw pain, bite misalignment or limited range of motion in the jaw.
How can your dentist treat headaches caused by TMJ disorder?
TMJ headaches must be treated differently than other types of tension headaches. Unless the TMJ itself is treated, the headaches will continue to occur at the same, or greater, frequency. Even the strongest headache medications only will manage the severity of TMJ headaches when they occur. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, the majority of patients who suffer from migraines never seek professional diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, many people who have TMJ disorder may never realize it because they do not seek medical help. Both migraines and TMJ headaches must be treated by a medical professional in order to be resolved for good.
Treating TMJ disorder in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder or you are experiencing symptoms such as painful headaches, seek the care of a neuromuscular dentist, who is the best qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat this ailment. Dr. Christine Tenaglia has studied the concepts and techniques of neuromuscular dentistry and has used that knowledge to help patients just like you find relief for their TMJ disorder. To schedule your appointment, call (517) 347-6733 or complete our online contact form.