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TMJ

 

 

Migraine-Like Headaches with TMD

Serving New York City & Manhattan, New York

Headaches caused by TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) can be extremely severe. In many cases they can mimic many of the symptoms of a migraine headache. These types of headaches are temporarily disabling for the person suffering.

A TMD headache is a tension headache that is caused by chronic tension in the jaw. The person suffering feels like his/her head is being squeezed or compressed. If you suffer from TMD headaches, New York City Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Iott and his talented cosmetic dentistry staff can help.

TMD Headache or Migraine?

TMD headaches and migraines are confused in many cases. As both are difficult to diagnose and treat, scientists continue to research their symptoms and cures. There are also no standard tests to determine which type of headache a patient may be suffering from.

If you are a migraine sufferer, you may want to question whether or not you could be suffering from a TMD headache. The key to determining this will be partially in the types of symptoms you experience. TMD headaches and migraines have different physiological causes. Therefore, they must be treated differently.

Symptoms of a Migraine

The migraine headache is one symptom of a disease known as migraine. This disease is thought to be hereditary. Migraine headaches are vascular. This means they involve blood vessels in the head that have become dilated. There are several outside factors that have been known to trigger migraines. Some can be controlled, while others cannot. These include:

  • Weather conditions
  • Bright lights
  • Loud sounds
  • Menstrual cycles
  • Alcohol
  • Stress

Symptoms of a TMD Headache

The TMD headache is a tension headache. It is caused by long-term tension in the jaw muscles. This tension causes inflammation in the joints of the jaw which can also affect the nerves in the area. The largest of these nerves is the trigeminal nerve. This nerve runs on each side from the spine, under the ears and through the entire face and head. The trigeminal nerve has large branches and when one is inflamed, pain radiates through that entire area. Some factors that may cause a TMD headache include congenital mysteries, dislocations, fractures, arthritis, tooth grinding and jaw clenching.

To learn more about TMD headaches and what can be done about them, please contact our Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist for a consultation about TMD and TMJ with Dr. Iott. He will show you around our Manhattan, New York dental office and answer all of your TMD and TMJ questions.