Dr. Konig, iHATEheadaches Blog

Houston, Texas

Sunday, December 13, 2009

CLUSTER HEADACHES, BRUXISM, & SLEEP APNEA

A research report was completed on a patient who had cluster headaches and bruxism and had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as well. The patient was treated with an intra-oral device as the sleep apnea was mild but the dental wear was severe and the patient had discomfort with the jaw muscles called the masseters.

Reductions in facial pain and cluster headaches was noticed after the second day of using the intra oral device. A 12 month followup reported six attacks in the first 45 days and therafter had neither facial pain or cluster headaches. The sleep apnea was also followed up with a new PSG.

It cannot be denied that the use of properly fabricated and adjusted intra oral devices can help to eliminate headaches and help with sleep apnea problems as well. This article points to the need for recognition of many factors that can be involved in this type of headache.

More information on this research can be found in International Journal of the Science and Practice of Sleep Medicine, Vol 13, Number 4, November 2009

Please do not hesitate to contact Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF

posted by Ron Konig at 3:10 PM

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Sadly Unknown Cause of Many Headaches

This title states it all. This afternoon , a new patient came in complaining of headaches, limited opening of her jaw, pain, and clicking of her jaw. She had been to several doctors, her dentist, and finally her physical therapist who suggested perhaps she had TMD (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction). This had been going on for over a year and no one correctly diagnosed or referred

her to the appropriate care. This happens everyday. The message is clear, after medical problems are ruled out, referrals to those who specialize in TMJ is indicated and education of doctors in regards to TMJ dysfunction is essential if our patients are to be helped. Whereas there are many who understand the role that TMJ plays in patients overall health.

With the patient above, some of the symptoms were obvious. However, many times we see patients who have no obvious symptoms and TMJ is still the culprit. In retrospect, further education about this problem in the medical field is essential and recognition among medical insurance is necessary to help these patients.

If you have any questions with regards to TMJ, please feel free to call Dr. Ronald Konigs office,

713-668-2289 as they welcome your questions and concerns.

posted by Ron Konig at 8:58 PM

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