Migraines & Ischemia - Case Profile

Profile
45-year old male with history of severe headaches and buzzing in his ears. Visits to two neurologists, as well as MRIs and Transcranial Doppler Analysis yielded negative results. A thorough muscle health history detected that this client clenched his teeth at night. Additionally, he’d recently undergone dental procedures that exacerbated his jaw tightness, causing his muscles to “seize.” Ischemia in the affected muscles increased from prolonged contraction, and subsequent trigger points developed. The referred pain from multiple active trigger points in the face, neck and cranial muscles stimulated his headaches.

Treatment
NMT techniques to reduce ischemia & trigger point activity in the jaw muscles were applied, both externally and intra-orally (gloved). The sternocleidomastoid muscle and suboccipital muscles were treated due to mimicked migraine-pain symptoms above the eyes. Bite splint therapy was recommended, which he obtained from his dentist.

Result
Within 2-3 sessions, the client felt moderate relief. After his fourth NMT session, he had significantly fewer headaches, and after eight sessions, at weekly intervals, his symptoms subsided completely. He has remained pain-free through recommended strengthening exercises, and by wearing his night guard.