Headache as a Symptom of Craniomandibular Disorders I: Pathophysiology

Headache is a symptom of many organic and non-organic disorders affecting the craniomandibular system. Knowledgeable dentists may play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of headache patients whose symptoms are attributable to a craniomandibular component. Management of craniomandibular disorders requires an understanding of the dental occlusion, temporomandibular joints and associated musculature, as well as the role of the central nervous system. In order to differentially diagnose head pain of craniomandibular origin from other medical causes, dentists must also possess a fundamental knowledge of pain of vascular, neurologic, psychogenic and neoplastic origin. Medicine and dentistry have an obligation to the patient to better understand all factors potentially responsible for headache and orofacial pain and to make appropriate referrals when indicated.