The Effect of Flat Dual-Cure Stabilizer Occlusal Splint in Pain Relief of Individuals Suffering from Migraine Headaches

BACKGROUND: No study on the effect of dual-cure stabilizer splint without canine ramp in migraine patients is present. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of maxillary flat dual-cure stabilizer occlusal splint on severity, frequency and episodes of headaches in individuals suffering from a migraine. METHODS: In this interventional clinical trial, 30 eligible patients were divided into 2 groups (case and control); each group consisted of 8 men and 7 women. Dual-cure stabilizer splint was made for patients in the case group and they used the adjusted splint 20 hours a day for 6 weeks. The severity, frequency and episodes of migraine attacks before and after using the splint were determined. For grading pain, severity visual analogue scale was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and paired t-test. RESULTS: The severity, frequency, and episodes of migraine attacks before and after using the splint were reduced by 56%, 68%, and 72%, respectively. The reduction was statistically significant (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Despite the effect of occlusal devices on the migraine disorder is controversial, the most researchers agree that using these appliances can be effective in reducing headache in migraine patients. CONCLUSION: Given the favorable effects of dual-cure stabilizer splint on reducing the severity, frequency and episodes of migraine headaches, the device can be used as an effective alternative therapy besides common pain-relieving methods.