Migraine Prevention: The NTI-tss device is the only FDA cleared non-drug, non-surgical method of migraine prevention.
The N.T.I. Tension Suppression System is a prefabricated polycarbonate matrix that Dr. Wildgen retro-fits to the patient's teeth . It is completely different from any other type of mouthpiece.
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Chronic symptoms of the head and neck can often be attributed to:
A) Headache -- the temporalis muscle (it closes and clenches the jaw)
B) Sinus pressure and pain -- the lateral pterygoid muscles (it moves the jaw side to side and/or forward)
C) Neck stiffness and pain -- trapezius muscle (it stabilizes the skull during jaw clenching and grinding)
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Contraction of the lateral pterygoid (B, above) simply moves the jaw sideways (or if both contract, front wards). If the temporalis (A, above) contracts simultaneously (clenching), the intensity of the temporalis contraction dictates the degree of resistance the lateral pterygoids encounter when they attempt to move the jaw sideways (grinding). As temporalis contraction intensity increases, the lateral pterygoids must work harder, creating symptoms where the lateral pterygoid muscle is attached: at the jaw joint and sinuses. This conflicting and/or isometric contracting of the musculature (called "parafunction", which occurs during sleep with considerable intensities) obligates the trapezius (across your upper back and shoulders and attaches at the base of the skull, C, above) to maintain a tightened posture, thereby causing stiff and sore shoulders and/or neck.
The NTI device is a pre-fabricated matrix that your dentist, Dr. Wildgen, retro-fits and customizes to your front teeth (sometimes the device is adapted to the lower front teeth...it will still work the same).
If only the front teeth are engaged (like biting on a pencil, for example), the temporalis is prevented from achieving its maximum contraction intensity!
The NTI device snaps into place and fits comfortably on either the upper or lower front teeth. It is worn during sleep and prevents the intensity of muscular parafunction. For migraine sufferers, there is a more discreet version for daytime use, which is usually required (in addition to the pictured nighttime device) for 6 to 8 weeks for best results.
Chronic, intense nighttime muscular parafunction has been shown to be a considerable influence on the triggering of migraine events. In clinical trials, 82% of medically diagnosed migraine patients had a 77% reduction in migraine episodes within the first eight weeks of use.
If you are a patient who suffers from Migrains please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information.
The American Migraine Study(6) estimated that 23 million persons older than 12 years of age have severe migraine headaches , however, this condition is undertreated and underdiagnosed world-wide(7,8). Not all headache sufferers seek medical attention, but those who do generally consult in this order of preference: family practitioners, internists or pediatricians, ophthalmologists, and finally, neurologists(9). The social and economic effects of migraine are staggering: reportedly between $2 to $17.2 billion are lost in productivity per year(9). The treatment of migraine has not only medical but also serious economic and social implications (an implementation of Merck's migraine disease management program at Intermountain Health Care cut medical costs by one-third in a pilot study). Thus, primary health care providers should be well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of migraines.
To Learn more visit http://www.headacheprevention.com/