New study links chronic migraine with a common jawbone disorder

A group researchers have found a link between chronic migraine and a common jawbone condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

The study suggests that the escalating frequency of migraine attacks can also increase the severity of this disorder, which includes discomfort in chewing and joint tension ranging from jawbone to skull.

“Our study shows that patients with chronic migraine, meaning attacks occurring on more than 15 days per month, are three times as likely to report more severe symptoms of TMD than patients with episodic migraine.”, Lidiane Florencio, lead author of the study stated.

Some of previous studies have also indicated a connection between migraine attacks and pain in chewing muscles.

Read more: Eman Ahmed, World's heaviest woman passes away in Abu Dhabi

Florencio, noted, “The repetition of migraine attacks may increase sensitivity to pain. Our hypothesis is that migraine acts as a factor that predisposes patients to TMD. On the other hand, TMD can be considered a potential perpetuating factor for migraine because it acts as a constant nociceptive input that contributes to maintaining central sensitization and abnormal pain processes.”

However, it is also stated that people suffering from migraine are predisposed to have TMD, whereas people with TMD will not necessarily suffer from migraine.

Though TMD might not directly cause migraine but it can increase the severity of the attacks, reseachers said.