Headache attributed to TMD

These are secondary headaches caused by disturbances affecting the masticatory system. Temporomandibular disorders, TMD, encompass conditions that affect the joint in front of the ear (temporomandibular joint, TMJ) and chewing muscles. The main causes of TMD are parafunctional habits such as bruxism, others caused by stress, and also trauma, arthritis, among other conditions. Their detection is based on a questionnaire and physical examination conducted by a dentist, that usually involves palpation of the masticatory muscles for pain evaluation, checking for deviations in the jaw when opening and closing the mouth, clicks when moving the jaw, alterations in the teeth or in the bite. According to some studies in patients with TMD, 70% reported having headache. Treatment of this condition usually involves also treating the subjacent TMD. In cases of bruxism, it is recommended to use a splint device that may or may not be associated with pharmacological therapy based on analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or sedatives and, lastly, surgery.

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