Clinical effectiveness of occlusal splint therapy in patients with classical migraine.

A clinically similar entity to classical migraine is seen in certain dental patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome. Patients selected for study gave symptoms of classical migraine on waking. Facial pain on waking is typical of some cases of TMJ dysfunction syndrome and the hypothesis was tested that some patients with symptoms of classical migraine were at the extreme end of the spectrum of dysfunction syndrome. However, rather than experience muscle or temporomandibular joint pain these patients had symptoms on waking which were typical of classical migraine. Nineteen patients with migraine symptoms were provided with acrylic occlusal splints for nocturnal wear. A good clinical response with considerable reduction in frequency and severity of pain attacks was achieved.