NTI Splint

Description: The NTI-tss is a dental splint worn at night to reduce bruxism and temporomandibular joint strain, which has been postulated as a migraine trigger in some patients.

Biological Plausibility

By reducing jaw clenching, the splint may lower trigeminal nerve activation during sleep. This could reduce nocturnal or morning headaches.

Evidence

No RCTs in migraine. Small open-label studies and expert opinion support its use in patients with bruxism or TMJ dysfunction.

Effect Size

May help a small subset of patients with comorbid jaw issues. Not broadly effective.

⚠️ Risk

Low to moderate. May alter bite alignment or cause jaw soreness with prolonged use.

Cost

$$

Scores

  • Benefit: 1
  • Burden: 2
  • Ratio: 0.5

Clinical Takeaways

  • Consider in patients with TMJ or bruxism-related headaches.
  • Should be fitted and monitored by a dentist.
  • Not recommended for routine migraine prevention.

Key References

  • Shankland WE. *Nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system: a method of preventing migraine and tension headaches.* Cranio. 2002.
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