Calcitonin gene-related peptide is the new target for the Pharmaceutical industry for treating Migraines!
At least three companies are currently investigating drugs to block CGRP according to: Bloomberg July 21, 2015 in an article by David Wainer titled "The Pharma Industry Thinks It Finally Has A Fix For Migraines"
According to Bloomberg, "Amgen, Alder, Lilly and Teva are developing drugs aimed at erasing those episodes entirely -- at least in some patients -- by blocking CGRPs, or calcitonin gene-related peptides, which play a role in inflammation and transmission of pain.
The Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide is probably the same mechanism that allows Neuromuscular Dentistry to alleviate and eliminate migraines and chronic daily headaches. CGRP is produced by the Trigemino-Vascular System in the cell bodies of trigeminal nerves located with the Trigeminal Ganglion. This is the primary source of CRGP related to headaches.
The way Neuromuscular Dentistry affects CGRP is by removing nociceptive input to the CNS, particularly into the Trigeminal Nervous System and negating the production of CGRP.
CGRP is a potent vasodilator and works by the Trigeminal Nervous system control of blood flow to the anterior two thirds of the meninges of the brain. This is a primary proposed mechanism in Migraine and other neurovascular pain conditions.
The drug companies want to block CGRP's that play a significant role in inflammation and transmission of pain. They also want to partake in the estimated 8 billion dollars or more that the migraine market can generate.
According to Wikipedia:
- "In the spinal cord, the function and expression of CGRP may differ depending on the location of synthesis. CGRP is derived mainly from the cell bodies of motor neurons when synthesized in the ventral horn of the spinal cord and may contribute to the regeneration of nervous tissue after injury. Conversely, CGRP is derived from dorsal root ganglion when synthesized in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and may be linked to the transmission of pain."
If the drug companies treat with CGRP blocking agents will this adversely interfere with healing or could it contribute to Dementia, Alzheimers or other neurological problems.
Correcting CGRP by changing neural input into the Trigeminal Nervous System via neuromuscular dentistry is probably the safest, most physiologic and efficient means of reducing or eliminating migraines thru reduction in CGRP Levels.
Unfortunately for Migraine patients the value of treatment with drugs is 8 Billion dollars so all research is directed toward the largest financial returns. Effective and safe migraine alleviation and elimination with SPG Blocks and Neuromuscular Dentistry receive minimal funding for studies in spite of effectiveness.
