Optimising combined treatment for migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and migraine are highly prevalent, overlapping pain conditions that cause considerable burden in the population. These two disorders are of different etiology and pathophysiology, but both are mediated by the trigeminal system. Due to the interrelated anatomy and physiology of the craniofacial and cervical structures, shared molecular links and mutual feedback, there is an inherent potential for exacerbation of symptomatology, perpetuation and progression; however, on a positive note, there is good potential for developing integrated, mutually beneficial management protocols when migraine and TMDs are comorbid. Currently, there are no established protocols of management, and the literature is limited in studies exploring dual therapeutic protocols. So, the question is, how can management be optimized with the evidence available? We should start by recognizing the need for multidisciplinary management to improve patient outcomes and we must highlight the importance of the dialogue between headache medicine and dentistry. The meeting point is where the dental discipline and the specialty of orofacial pain reside. The underlying pathophysiology of this comorbidity points to the need to decrease mutual exacerbation inputs. Therefore, it is fundamental to identify contributing factors of potential sensitization, such as the presence of parafunctional behaviors, cervical spine contributors, the presence of other comorbidities and headache hygiene. Current evidence supports management recommendations that should be developed by a multidisciplinary team as an integrated plan with combination therapy including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to optimize management. This multidisciplinary team should include the medical provider (neurologist/headache medicine expertise), the dentist specialized in orofacial pain, the physical therapist and the behavioral medicine specialist. Research is needed to support evidence-based integrated protocols for the management of comorbid migraine and TMDs. Evidence has shown that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is also involved in TMDs. CGRP-targeting therapies may hold future opportunities for pharmacological monotherapy addressing this comorbidity.