Intra-oral Orthosis vs Amitriptyline for Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Author Information
Author(s): de Tommaso Marina, Shevel Elliott, Pecoraro Carla, Sardaro Michele, Divenere Daniela, Di fruscolo Olimpia, Lamberti Paolo, Livrea Paolo
Primary Institution: University of Bari, Bari, Italy
Hypothesis
Does an intra-oral appliance reduce headache frequency and tenderness more effectively than amitriptyline in chronic tension-type headache patients?
Conclusion
Both intra-oral appliances and amitriptyline effectively reduce headache frequency, but the appliance has a greater impact on muscle tenderness.
Supporting Evidence
- Both treatments significantly reduced headache frequency.
- The intra-oral appliance was more effective in reducing muscle tenderness compared to amitriptyline.
- Amitriptyline reduced the amplitude of pain responses in the brain.
- Patients tolerated both treatments well with minimal side effects.
Takeaway
This study looked at two treatments for headaches: a mouthpiece and a medicine. Both helped reduce headaches, but the mouthpiece was better at easing muscle pain.
Methodology
Eighteen patients with chronic tension-type headache were randomly assigned to receive either an intra-oral appliance or amitriptyline for two months, with evaluations of headache frequency and tenderness.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the open-label design and the inability to create a placebo for the intra-oral appliance.
Limitations
The study lacked a placebo control group, which may affect the validity of the results.
Participant Demographics
Eighteen outpatients with chronic tension-type headache, ages ranging from 18 to 55, with varying levels of headache frequency and tenderness.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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