This study compared the presence of
headache and bruxing behavior among 133
craniomandibular disorder patients (CMD) referred to the The Center For the Study Of
Craniomandibular Disorders and to the presence of
headache and bruxing behavior occurring in 133 controls seeking routine
dental care. Both patients and controls were consecutive referrals to the clinic occurring over a three year period. The mean age of the CMD group was 38 years (range 28-42), and the mean age of the controls was 37 years (range 25-44). The information gathered included questionnaire and clinical examination. Different types of
headaches, signs and symptoms of CMD, and bruxing behavior were assessed both in the CMD group and in the corresponding control group. Results of this study showed that bruxing behavior and
headache pain were significantly more prevalent in the CMD group (57%, 76%) than in the corresponding control group (37%, 49%). Of the three types of
headache observed, tension and combination
headaches were more prevalent in the CMD group (n = 48 = 36% and n = 37 = 28%).
Migraine headache was more prevalent in the CMD group (n = 16 = 12%) than in the control group (n = 3 = 2%). It was concluded that
headache and bruxing behavior predominated in CMD patients. This data reinforces the need to assess
headache pain and signs and symptoms of bruxing behavior in CMD patients, particularly in those suffering chronic
facial pain and
headache.