Headache as a Symptom of Craniomandibular Disorders I: Pathophysiology

Abstract

Headache is a symptom of many organic and non-organic disorders affecting the craniomandibular system. Knowledgeable dentists may play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of headache patients whose symptoms are attributable to a craniomandibular component. Management of craniomandibular disorders requires an understanding of the dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints and associated musculature, as well as the role of the central nervous system. In order to differentially diagnose head pain of craniomandibular origin from other medical causes, dentists must also possess a fundamental knowledge of pain of vascular, neurologic, psychogenic and neoplastic origin. Medicine and dentistry have an obligation to the patient to better understand all factors potentially responsible for headache and orofacial pain and to make appropriate referrals when indicated.

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Michael K. Kreisberg

Michael K. Kreisberg, D.D.S.

Dr. Kreisberg received his B.S. degree from the University of Georgia and his D.D.S. degree in 1972 from Emory University School of Dentistry. He is in the private practice of general dentistry with an emphasis on facial pain and temporomandibular disorders. Dr. Kreisberg is co-founder and director of The Atlanta Center for Craniofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

Dr. Kreisberg belongs to the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders. Alpha Omega, and the American Association for the Study of Headache.