Headaches: A Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Determining the cause of headaches can present one of the most complex and confusing diagnostic problems experienced in the dental and medical professions. Many headache victims may drift from doctor to doctor seeking relief from their symptoms. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon.

This paper presents an overview of the subject of nondentally related chronic orofacial pain, a discussion of possible predisposing factors, and an outline of diagnostic signs and symptoms. Reviewed are such disorders as migraine, sinusitis, trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headache, hypertension headache, and cervical neuralgia. Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of chronic facial pain are multifactorial and multidisciplinary. The importance of a comprehensive assessment of all possible factors before arriving at a diagnosis and treatment regimen is emphasized.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carmine J. Esposito

Carmine J. Esposito, D.M.D.

Dr. Esposito, Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Department of Restorative Dentistry, is the Coordinator of Occlusion and Director of Preclinical Occlusion. He maintains a private practice in the Louisville area in general dentistry and TMJ therapy. Dr. Esposito is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Phi Kappa Phi. American Association of Dental Schools, American Equilibration Society. American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Research. and a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Gary A. Crim

Gary A. Crim, D.M.D., M.S.D.

Dr. Crim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He is a 1974 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and received his postgraduate degree in dental materials from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He is director of the introductory cast restoration course and has taught courses in operative dentistry. fixed prosthodontics. occlusion, and dental materials. He is a member of numerous organizations including the Academy of Dental Materials, Academy of Operative Dentistry, International Association of Dental Research, and American Association of Dental Schools. He is the author of numerous articles published in the dental literature, has lectured in many continuing education courses, and is listed in Who's Who in Frontier Science and Technology, Who's Who in America, and the International Who's Who of Contemporary Achievement.

Thomas K. Binkley

Thomas K. Binkley, D.M.D.

Dr. Binkley graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 1972 and received his prosthodontic graduate training from the University of Illinois. Dr. Binkley has served as Director of Crown and Bridge at the University of Maryland and Director of Crown and Bridge Technique at the University of Louisville. He has been active in occlusion education at both schools and has served as Chairman of the American Association of Dental Schools Section on Dental Anatomy and Occlusion.

Dr. Binkley presently conducts a limited part-time practice and is a full-time member of the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.