AboutSteven C. Scherr, D.D.S. Expertise My expertise is in the areas of TMJ Dysfunction, Tension Headaches and Occluso-muscle Disorders. I am a dentist with 19 years of experience, including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private TMJ Dysfunction and Comprehensive Rehabilitative Practice near Baltimore, Maryland.
Experience I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of caring and excellence.
Question My 9 yr old daughter has had a constant dull pain on the top(where the crown of hair parts)for 4 weeks now.Blood test normal, 1st urine test had protein, 2nd 24hr urine test normal.Dr said probably tension headache.
Heartbreaking to see her suffering.Are there any other tests that can be done to find a definite root cause?
Answer Natalie,
I am sorry to hear that your daughter is suffering with headaches. Tension headaches are caused by muscle cramps in the head and neck region. Blood tests are valuable in ruling out some other potential causes of headache, but they are not helpful in identifying muscle tension.
The site of pain may be at a different location from the source of pain. This is because muscle pain often refers to other sites.
Tension headache is identified through a physical exam that includes palpation of commonly involved muscles, the jaw joints (TMJs), and associated structures. Load testing to place strain on selective structures can help identify the muscle groups involved. Xrays, MRI and CT scans are sometimes helpful. Tension headache is best evaluated and treated by a dentist with advanced training in facial pain disorders.
It is important to rule out other sources of headache as well. One common source of persistent headache is migraine. Migraine is a neurovascular headache and is evaluated and treated by a neurologist.
I don't know if your daughter wears her hair in a ponytail. Pulling a ponytail too tight can cause headaches also.
