I had a migraine during the night and into this morning, today. Which means that I am still in the postdrome phase of the migraine, and that always gets worse after dinner. So this is in a not-a-blog. I would be of no use to you with my mental confusion and my weak, crampy right arm (from either the numbness or the pain-tension, I'm not sure). However, I like to spread the following news wherever I can, and I have not yet shared it here. Please excuse any mistakes in the following text.
This is my first migraine in 6 months. That is a average reduction of almost 92% from the last few years, much, much more from some times in my life (as in, we could round it to 100% for those times). This is simply so wonderful! And while it is indeed a miracle, it is a miracle of the scientific kind. Well, that and bull-hardheadedness.
For the past few years I have been hearing about this special bite splint that is supposed to help with migraines. My mom got one. My husband's buddy from high school who happens to be a dentist recommended that I get one. I asked my dentists about it--a couple times--but as I much as I love him as a dentist, I was weary about his "Sure. I'll just fit you with a Visalign to stop you from ruining your teeth grinding." Something didn't seem right. So I did my own internet research and discovered that there is only one bite splint approved by the FDA (and nothing like it, from what I can tell) for the reduction of migraine. While they DO slow down the cracking of teeth, other bite splints tend to become expensive chew toys for grinders like me, and do nothing for migraines. I also discovered that not just any dentist or orthodontist knows what the device is or how it is supposed to work. So I did some searching and found a certified dentist in Chapel Hill (there were only two in the Triangle and I liked her name better), made some inquiries, saved up every last penny that would be needed to purchase one without insurance (because very few plans, including mine at the time, will pay even part of it), and made an appointment. When I went to my consultation I found that I really enjoyed the practitioner but even she was dubious about the supposed results, said that so far patients of hers had not had too much success, and sighted statistics I had seen everywhere: 85% of patients see a 75% reduction in migraine. I didn't even flinch. 28 years later and a vast number of therapies, medications, and natural solutions later I was more than willing to add a bite splint to my regiment (of special vitamins and life style practices) to avoid a future of more neurologists, expensive tests, and risky therapies (although, I suppose, less risky than brain lesions, stroke, or a life of pain and debilitation).
Therefore, she made another appointment for me and I was then fitted for my brand new NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) Tension Suppresion System, and given very specific instructions, such as to wear it ONLY at night, EVERY night, to call right away if it loosened or wore through (so as not to choke and die in bed), and to never chew gum again.
The idea behind the NTI--and I am no expert--is to reposition the jaw so that pressure it taken off some particular nerves in the neck which may contribute to certain types of migraine.
Well, two months later at my check-up (and 6 weeks after I had to return for a re-fitting when my trumpet-lips kept pushing the NTI off in my sleep), the dentist was shocked and happy that I had no more incident of migraine. Five months later, still none. And now? My first in half a year. I have never had relief and physical freedom like this! So, while my story may not be everyone's story, I anecdotally recommend an NTI to anyone struggling with migraines. It's worth a try.
For more information and a list of providers, click here.
This is my first migraine in 6 months. That is a average reduction of almost 92% from the last few years, much, much more from some times in my life (as in, we could round it to 100% for those times). This is simply so wonderful! And while it is indeed a miracle, it is a miracle of the scientific kind. Well, that and bull-hardheadedness.
For the past few years I have been hearing about this special bite splint that is supposed to help with migraines. My mom got one. My husband's buddy from high school who happens to be a dentist recommended that I get one. I asked my dentists about it--a couple times--but as I much as I love him as a dentist, I was weary about his "Sure. I'll just fit you with a Visalign to stop you from ruining your teeth grinding." Something didn't seem right. So I did my own internet research and discovered that there is only one bite splint approved by the FDA (and nothing like it, from what I can tell) for the reduction of migraine. While they DO slow down the cracking of teeth, other bite splints tend to become expensive chew toys for grinders like me, and do nothing for migraines. I also discovered that not just any dentist or orthodontist knows what the device is or how it is supposed to work. So I did some searching and found a certified dentist in Chapel Hill (there were only two in the Triangle and I liked her name better), made some inquiries, saved up every last penny that would be needed to purchase one without insurance (because very few plans, including mine at the time, will pay even part of it), and made an appointment. When I went to my consultation I found that I really enjoyed the practitioner but even she was dubious about the supposed results, said that so far patients of hers had not had too much success, and sighted statistics I had seen everywhere: 85% of patients see a 75% reduction in migraine. I didn't even flinch. 28 years later and a vast number of therapies, medications, and natural solutions later I was more than willing to add a bite splint to my regiment (of special vitamins and life style practices) to avoid a future of more neurologists, expensive tests, and risky therapies (although, I suppose, less risky than brain lesions, stroke, or a life of pain and debilitation).
Therefore, she made another appointment for me and I was then fitted for my brand new NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) Tension Suppresion System, and given very specific instructions, such as to wear it ONLY at night, EVERY night, to call right away if it loosened or wore through (so as not to choke and die in bed), and to never chew gum again.
The idea behind the NTI--and I am no expert--is to reposition the jaw so that pressure it taken off some particular nerves in the neck which may contribute to certain types of migraine.
Well, two months later at my check-up (and 6 weeks after I had to return for a re-fitting when my trumpet-lips kept pushing the NTI off in my sleep), the dentist was shocked and happy that I had no more incident of migraine. Five months later, still none. And now? My first in half a year. I have never had relief and physical freedom like this! So, while my story may not be everyone's story, I anecdotally recommend an NTI to anyone struggling with migraines. It's worth a try.
For more information and a list of providers, click here.
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