Thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, dental... related to Migraine?

Question: Thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, dental... related to Migraine?

Answer:

Full Question:

I am 47-years-old. I started having migraines in 1991 while in the Navy. They would last 2-3 days. The neurologist at Balboa said I did not have these; I had a somatoform disorder. I have found out after I got out that I have bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome. Plus I have had my wisdom teeth pulled out during this time, also with difficulties including dry socket and TMJ problems. Could this all be related to the start of my migraines? I have had no help from the V.A. over these years. I am currently on Fiorinal or Fioricet, Depakote, Zoloft, Buspar, Trazadone. Depakote and Fiorinal seem to have helped some with the migraines and major pain on a daily basis. Is there any new medicines to try out there with these problems? I also sleep about 3 – 4 hours a day as my thoracic outlet wakes me up at night, which the V.A. also has no rating for. I did not have any of these symptoms when I went in, which now does not add up? Thank you.

Answer:

Dear Sir/Madame;

It would be truly difficult to tie in all of your different symptoms to Migraines, although tooth problems and TMJ disorders can be associated with them. Thoracic outlet syndrome is both over and under-diagnosed as a clinical entity. Trazodone unfortunately can also be associated with increased headaches in some people and Fioricet/Fiorinalnal is thought to lead to medication-related headaches. In all, a headache specialist would be the best bet. There's a link to our directory of recommended specialists below.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz

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