Migraine & Bruxism
Two symptoms characterized by the complexity of their causes, the significant impact on the quality of life as well as the need for an individualized therapeutic approach, migraine and bruxism (teeth grinding), are effectively treated in selected cases with botulinum toxin, known as botox.
Migraine
Migraines are a type of headache that affects people all over the world.
What are Migraines?
What are Migraines?
A migraine is not just a bad headache. It is characterized as a special disease of the brain, which affects the general population more than the common cold. It is on the list of debilitating diseases and is effectively treated.
Migraines: Categories
Migraine is classified according to the International Headache Society into 3 major categories:
- In migraines without aura which are recurrent migraine attacks of moderate to severe intensity lasting from 4 to 72 hours.
- In migraines with aura, which is a neurological syndrome - with visual disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, numbness - that precedes the pain and usually subsides with its onset.
- In chronic migraines, which occur more than 15 days a month.
What triggers a Migraine?
What triggers a Migraine?
The body mechanism that causes migraine has not been clarified. However, there are factors that trigger it such as:
- The stress.
- The hormones
- The alcohol
- The weather changes
- The lack of sleep.
- The jet lag.
- The bright lights, the noise and the smells.
Who do Migraines affect?
Who do Migraines affect?
Migraines affect us all. According to international statistics, migraine affects approximately 12% of the population, affecting women the most, where it is 3 times more common.
Migraines: Diagnosis
The complete medical history, physical and neurological examination are enough for the specialist doctor to proceed with the diagnosis of migraine.
Migraine testing may also include imaging tests, CT scans and MRIs if the condition is complicated or suddenly becomes severe.
Treatment
The goal of any migraine treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent new episodes. Lifestyle changes, dietary changes, etc., as well as medication, either preventively or to relieve pain, help treat migraines.
Botox as a Migraine Treatment
Botox as a Migraine Treatment
Botulinum toxin, the well-known botox used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists to treat expression wrinkles, is used with the approval of the European and Greek health authorities and to treat chronic migraine (migraine that lasts more than 15 days a month) . It is the same material but a different treatment performed by a specialist doctor.
Botox is injected with very fine needles into specific points, subcutaneously or into the muscles, in the head and neck area. The treatment, which is carried out under strict medical supervision, can reduce the frequency of migraines as well as the intensity of its symptoms.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
What is Bruxism?
The familiar grinding or clenching of the teeth that occurs unconsciously during the day, when you are awake or during the night describes the scientific term bruxism.
Bruxism is involuntary behavior, particularly annoying, which can also cause significant damage to the teeth. Very often the patient is not aware that they are grinding their teeth, especially when it happens at night.
Who does Bruxism affect?
Who does Bruxism affect?
Bruxism occurs in children and adults, men and women. It is more common in children but usually subsides with adulthood. It is a common pathological condition, which is estimated to affect 10% of adults and 15% of children.
Bruxism: Causes
The causes of bruxism are not fully understood. However, it is estimated that they are a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors. Excessive stress, emotional tension, as well as certain medications are blamed for bruxism, while there are indications that in some cases it is due to problems with the brain's neurotransmitters.
Bruxism Symptoms
Symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Flattened, cracked or broken teeth.
- Teeth with enamel damage.
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Jaw pain.
- Tight jaw muscles.
- Headache.
- Pain that feels like an earache.
- Damage to the inside of the cheek from chewing.
Bruxism: Diagnosis
Bruxism is diagnosed during a regular dental check-up, where the dentist can detect signs that indicate you are grinding your teeth and by evaluating the situation, will judge whether or not to refer you for treatment.
Treatment
In many cases bruxism does not need treatment. In severe cases, however, a dental approach such as braces or remodeling of the chewing surfaces may be needed. In addition, stress management and behavior change can help treat bruxism.
Botox and Bruxism
Botox and Bruxism
In severe cases of bruxism, injectable botox seems to be able to help when other treatments have failed. Injections of botulinum toxin A, botox into the masseters and temporalis muscles, can reduce bruxism phenomena, as well as the pain it causes.
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Botox
Frequent Questions
How long do I have to wait to see results from botox treatment for my migraine?
How long do I have to wait to see results from botox treatment for my migraine?
To see results you will have to wait up to 6 months.
Can coffee after dinner or drinking in the evening affect my bruxism?
Can coffee after dinner or drinking in the evening affect my bruxism?
Yes, stimulants like caffeine and alcohol in the evening can make bruxism worse.
Bibliography
- https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/botox-for-migraine/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32809622/#:~:text=Migraine%20is%20a%20genetically%20influenced,sensitivity%20to%20light%20and%20sound.
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/migraine-headaches
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653920332044
- https://botulinumtoxin.gr/page.php?pid=167