Headache and transverse maxillary discrepancy

J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2008 Fall;33(1):67-74. doi: 10.17796/jcpd.33.1.j82n127877250863.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of rapid palatal expansion in growing patients to eliminate the nasal pyramid stenosis as a cause of primary headache. Patients were invited to participate in the clinical study at the University of Milan, Department of Orthodontics. Forty-one growing patients of both genders suffering from primary neurovascular headaches and having transverse maxillary deficiency were studied before and after rapid palatal expansion. A clinical examination, postero-anterior radiography and rhinomanometry were performed. After rapid palatal expansion (RPE) therapy all patients showed a constant and important increase in the values relating to both skeletal and dental structures, a significant reduction in the mean nasal resistance, and a significant decrease or elimination of headache symptoms. This therapy provides a preventive alternative for surgical procedures, such as the neurovascular decompressive septo-ethmoidosphenoidectomy performed in adult patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Cephalometry
  • Child
  • Female
  • Headache Disorders / classification
  • Headache Disorders / complications*
  • Headache Disorders / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malocclusion / complications*
  • Malocclusion / therapy
  • Maxilla / abnormalities
  • Nasal Obstruction / etiology
  • Nasal Obstruction / therapy
  • Orthodontics, Corrective / methods
  • Palatal Expansion Technique*
  • Rhinomanometry
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Treatment Outcome