NHF news What ' s Happening Now
The Bruxism Connection
On a recent visit to an oral surgeon for a dental extraction , I had an interesting discussion about the condition known as bruxism . The word “ bruxism ” is derived from the Greek word “ bruch ,” which means “ to grind the teeth .” It is described as a clenching of the teeth , which is associated with forceful or jutting jaw movements . These actions result in rubbing , gritting or grinding together of the teeth , usually during sleep .
While I waited for the local anesthetic to start deadening my nerves , the oral surgeon inquired about my earlier career in headache medicine . I explained that I had done original work with the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline for somatic disorders and eventually continued my research with amitriptyline and chronic headaches . To my surprise , the oral surgeon remarked that he and numerous dentists , for many years , had successfully treated bruxism with amitriptyline .
Following the procedure and while recovering at home , I did some research and noted several citations in the scientific literature on the use of amitriptyline in other disorders , including temporomandibular joint dysfunction ( TMJ ). Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants have served as a source of relief over the years for many headache and headache-related disorders . The effectiveness of the tricyclic antidepressants may be due to their actions on the serotonin receptors . It is refreshing to know that some old standard therapies are still acknowledged for their efficacy .
— Seymour Diamond , MD Executive Chairman and Founder
Volunteer as a Patient Advocate
Headache disorders are one of the most pervasive neurological issues seen by health care professionals worldwide . According to the World Health Organization , tension-type headaches alone affect about 70 percent of adult males and 80 percent of adult females .
In contrast , the National Headache Foundation ( NHF ) has just six employees and 13 board members . To bridge this numbers gap and connect with the millions of headache sufferers who are desperate for information about the spectrum of headache disorders , the NHF is calling on community-based volunteerism ( or patient advocates ).
“ Migraine impacts the community as a whole , whether through lost time as a parent , spouse or friend , or loss of profits from a sick employee ,” says Heather Zanitsch , St . Louis patient advocate coordinator for the NHF . “ I would like to see the community work with migraineurs peacefully instead of rolling their eyes every time someone must necessarily ‘ complain ’ of an attack and go home to rest or wait for their medications to take effect .”
The NHF is looking for more volunteers to help spread the word about headache disorders . This can include helping at patient education events , working with insurance companies or reaching out to headache sufferers with positive support and encouragement .
“ I think it ’ s important to build a relationship with the public that is geared toward patients as active participants in their own care and knowledge ,” Zanitsch says . “ That ’ s what we need — a patient base that stands firm in their knowledge of what they are dealing with .”
If you want to become an NHF patient advocate , contact the NHF at ( 888 ) NHF-5552 or e-mail info @ headaches . org .
4 HEAD WISE | Volume 2 , Issue 4 • 2012