New Craniofacial Pain Treatment May Emerge from Oregon Study
New Craniofacial Pain Treatment May Emerge from Oregon StudyA recent study conducted at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry (OHSUSD) in Portland found that when tissues in the head become inflamed nerve cells that carry pain
New Craniofacial Pain Treatment May Emerge from Oregon Study
A recent study conducted at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry (OHSUSD) in Portland found that when tissues in the head become inflamed nerve cells that carry pain information to the brain produce large quantities of a protein involved in pain signaling. The study authors assert that their findings could play a significant role in the development of new treatments for craniofacial pain conditions caused by toothache, trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Craniofacial pain is one of the most common chronic pain conditions experienced by Americans according to the National Institutes of Health.
The researchers used a novel animal model for the study and the results will appear in a future issue of the journal Neuroscience.
The trigeminal nerve reports head pain caused by periodontal diseases, dental procedures, migraine headaches, and TMJ to the brain. Although much is unknown about how trigeminal pain works exactly, research suggests most craniofacial pain disorders are caused by inflammation.
Previous research conducted at OHSUSD found that the molecule, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is produced by trigeminal nerve cells. BDNF is key to the normal functioning and development of the nervous system. Researchers were able to determine that BDNF is emitted during the stimulation of trigeminal nerve cells, which happens during craniofacial pain, and that it plays a role in migraine headaches. The new study has found that the inflammation of tooth pulp results in a significant increase in the production of BDNF by trigeminal nerve cells.
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
