by Dr. Donald R. Moeller
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a well known and well documented Medical Disorder with a common set of symptoms and associated physiological changes. One of the most common co-morbidities or “side effects” of this disorder is the presence of daily headaches, night mares (night terrors) and interrupted sleep patterns. There are an estimated 600,000 VIetnam and Desert Storm Veterans and an another 160,000 Iraqi and Afghanistan Veterans with this disorder.
The treatment of PTSD is complex and numerous medical specialities are involved e.g. Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Sociology Physical therapy and Chaplains. One area which is receiving new emphasis is the role which the Cranio-facial- masticatory muscles can play in the amplification and perpetuation of the chronic daily headaches, nightmares and altered sleep patterns. For many PTSD patients these problems are still unresolved and present a siginicant alteration in their daily lives.
Recent research by Dr Moeller has discovered that a previously unknown factor called “muscle triggerpoints” in the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles) may provide a clue as well as a new possible treatment avenue for PTSD headaches, nightmares and interrupted sleep patterns. Dr Moeller has successfully treated 30 previously diagnosed PTSD utilizing a specialized mouth splint ( looks like a sports mouthguard) and helped them resolve over 90% of their headaches , nightmares and interrupted sleep patterns. This treatment is non-invasive and the device is removable and worn at night and occasionally during the day.
About the Author: Dr. Donald R. Moeller is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Dental Corps and graduated from Dental School, Medical School , Graduate School in Biological Sciences and finished a Residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is currently in Private Practice in Columbus Georgia. For more information, call his office at (706) 323-1852
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