Posted by jazzdog on November 18, 2001, at 13:08:18
In reply to Re: jaw tension, tension headaches » jazzdog, posted by JohnX2 on November 17, 2001, at 18:02:49
I've sometimes gotten it in the day when stressed, because I have a tendency to clench my jaw. I believe that zoloft, and maybe other ssri's, give some sort of chemical signal to clench the jaw, an effect that I believe you've outlined previously - but stress can do the same thing.I don't see how a neurologist could say you have or don't have it - it's more a matter for a dentist. A pinched nerve is involved, but it's quite a mechanical process - not something likely to show up in neurological tests. Next time you have it, try to apply fingertip pressure to the jaw joint just in front of the bottom of your ear, and see if you feel either a worsening or some relief. That's where the pressure and the pinched nerve are. I've experienced it variously as severe earache; horrible toothache in the molar area; headache, especially in the temple area; and jaw pain so severe I couldn't open my mouth to chew and had to sip smoothies through a straw.
Hope this helps - Jane
>
> I thought I might have TMJ, but the neurologist
> said negative. bruxism is common outcome of a
> stress disorder. Also common amongst stimulant
> abusers.
>
> I may try a mouth guard. Can't hurt.
>
> Do you get the problem during the middle of
> the day like I did from the med exposure?
>
> -john
poster:jazzdog
thread:84482
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84578.html