A recent article in Cephalgia (see abstract below) focuses on the kynurenine family of compounds which are metabolites of tryptophan in treating migraines. The use of Neuromuscular Dentistry uses neural input to correct chemical imbalances in the Trigeminal Nervous System to treat and eliminate migraines and chronic daily headaches.
The use of drugs to alter neurotransmitters has been shown to be effective but correcting the nociceptive input to the nervous system is a more effective and reliable method of treating trigeminally mediated pain.
Reports of 80-95% effectiveness in treating headaches with a neuromuscular diagnostic orthotic are common and side effects are minimum.
Correcting the problem by altering neural input is the closest to a "cure" for migraines.
Effectiveness has never been the major problem in treating Headaches, Migraines and TMJ disorders with Neuromuscular Dentistry. The problem is that while the treatment is extremely effective it is expensive and insurance companies write contracts that limit coverage. The current cost conscious environment virtually insures that patients will continue to suffer needlessly because lack of coverage puts this extremely effective treatment out of financial viability for any patients.
Patients who suffer from migraines and chronic daily headaches and can affrd neuromuscular dentistry will find it extremely effective.
A downside to neuromuscular dental treatment is that it can be time intensive especially at the start of treatment protocols.
Ending needless pain and suffering is always rewarding to both patients, friends , families and the practitioners.
Cephalalgia. 2011 May 18. [Epub ahead of print]
The L-kynurenine signalling pathway in trigeminal pain processing: A potential therapeutic target in migraine?
Guo S, Vecsei L, Ashina M.
Source
University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years the kynurenine family of compounds, metabolites of tryptophan, has become an area of intensive research because of its neuroactive properties. Two metabolites of this family have become of interest in relation to migraine and pain processing. Discussion: Experimental studies have shown that kynurenic acid (KYNA) plays an important role in the transmission of sensory impulses in the trigeminovascular system and that increased levels of KYNA decrease the sensitivity of the cerebral cortex to cortical spreading depression. Furthermore, another metabolite of the kynurenine family, L-kynurenine, exerts vasodilating effects similar to nitric oxide by increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Conclusion: This review summarizes current knowledge of the role of kynurenine signalling in trigeminal and central pain processing, including its therapeutic prospects in migraine treatment.
PMID:
21593189
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
