Diagnose My Migraine

CT Scans

CT/3D Imaging technology provides the most diagnostic information for head pain patients. CT scans are now available at our Michigan based office and can be read and evaluated within minutes so that you can have a complete diagnosis. MRI studies are also highly effective in diagnosing these problems so long as the technicians know how to position your jaws. Many MRI centers do not know how to complete a proper TMJ MRI study and therefore you must be careful about which center is performing this type of scan. Please ask the technician to start the study with your back teeth touching together!

Jaw Tracking and Sonography

Jaw tracking provides objective data on how the mandible moves during opening, closing, and lateral excursions. It helps identify asymmetries in joint function, suggests which joint may be more chronically involved, and offers insight into how cervical musculature may be influencing jaw mechanics.
Sonography is another valuable adjunct for evaluating TMJ condition. Using high-frequency sound waves—similar in principle to sonar—it complements imaging studies by helping to confirm findings and reveal functional details that may not be apparent on CT or MRI alone. Together, these tools enhance the accuracy and depth of our diagnostic process.

EMG

Electromyography (EMG), including systems such as Myotronics, is used to measure the activity of the jaw and neck muscles. It can be a valuable adjunct when planning bite reconstruction or making permanent changes to jaw position, helping to refine and confirm the optimal mandibular relationship. However, EMG is generally not reliable in patients with chronic muscle dysfunction—particularly those with persistent clenching—because muscle hyperactivity can distort the readings. For this reason, it is not typically indicated during the initial diagnostic examination. Given the cost and clinical limitations, EMG is best reserved for complex reconstructive cases or later stages of care when fine-tuning jaw position is necessary. It should not be used in patients experiencing severe pain,but may be considered after physical therapy has been completed and parafunctional habits, such as clenching, are under control.

Panorex X-Ray

Panorex is one of the most common x-rays used by dentists and oral surgeons in everyday practice. Alone, it cannot detect any jaw or joint problems or headache issues! Too many dentists and surgeons use this x-ray to try to diagnose TMJ and headache problems. A Panorex is mainly used to look at the structures of the jaws, neck, and head. It is a screening tool that we use to make sure that there are no abnormalities. We also use this x-ray to help determine if the Coronoid Process is enlarged. This is the bone in the middle of the jaw that extends up into the middle of the face. In many headache patients, especially the ones who grind their teeth, we notice an enlarged coronoid. Abnormal growth or enlargement of this bone causes sharp pain into the face region due to the fact that this bone starts to “knife” through the muscles.

2D & Transcranial X-Rays

2D and Transcranial X-Rays were used in the past to inspect the position of the jaw bone in relation to the skull. These X-Rays can provide some minimal diagnosis but we have not used them in over a decade.