Headache and Migraine Awareness Month offers a pivotal opportunity to delve into a subject that affects millions globally. Headaches and migraines, often dismissed as mere discomforts, can significantly impact the quality of life. With insights from the expert team at NYC Smile Design, including Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib, we will navigate the often-overlooked link between oral health and these debilitating conditions, offering a new perspective on prevention and management strategies.This blog aims to shed light on the complexities of headaches and migraines, exploring their causes, effects, and the connection to dental health.
June is the month for Migraine Awarness
June, designated as National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month, plays a crucial role in bringing to light a health issue that affects millions worldwide. This month is not just about acknowledging the pain but also about educating the public and demystifying the complexities surrounding headaches and migraines.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Do you know how to tell the difference between a migraine and a TMD headache?
Symptoms of both migraine and TMD headaches can be very similar, leading some people to confuse the two. However, there are some key differences between migraine and TMD symptoms that can help to identify which is which.
Symptoms of a migraine headache include:
- Localized pain behind one eye
- General facial and neck pain
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Distorted vision
- Visual auras
Migraines are often debilitating, with pain lasting for several hours or even days.
Symptoms of TMD may include facial pain, dizziness and lightheadedness, and nausea. They may also include:
- Pressure behind the eyes or in the sinuses
- Ear pain, pressure, and ringing
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
These are often accompanied by clicking or popping noises when opening and shutting the jaw, grinding noises when chewing, and pain with or without swelling around the jaw joints.
Which Issue is Impacting You?
With many of the symptoms of migraine headaches being similar to TMD, it can be difficult to know which issue you are dealing with without first seeing a medical professional. However, while an MD can diagnose migraines, they may not be fully equipped to detect and diagnose TMD. This makes seeing a neuromuscular dentist an important step in establishing which condition is causing your pain.
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders impacting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This may include simple treatments such as an occlusal guard or restorative dentistry, along with more progressive options such as surgical intervention. At NYC Smile Design, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to diagnose disorders of the TMJ and to determine which treatment options will produce the longest-lasting comfort.
Seeking Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMD or migraine headaches and would like to schedule a neuromuscular evaluation, please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 or visit our website to set up an appointment at our Manhattan office today. We serve all areas of New York City along with surrounding areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
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