Hi,
I wonder if you can help. I am a 34 year old lady who was born 10 weeks early and as a result I have spastic diplegia (a form of cerebral palsy affecting the lower body).
I have been suffering from bruxism for many years now. Three years ago I had to have 6 months off work as I was getting very bad dizzy spells. The doctors put me on antidepressants as I was getting panicky about feeling dizzy and out of control. They thought this was the answer, however after various tests ENT, Neurology etc they could find nothing wrong. However I was getting a lot of jaw pain and went to a private dentist who said my teeth were out off place. I have an openbite, overbite and crossbite and also a tongue thrust. My teeth have now been in braces for over 18 months, with another 12 months or so of treatment to go.
I get really bad headaches, especially in the base of my skull and tightness and pain in my neck and shoulders. I also get severe tinitus and inflammed sinuses, which makes me feel sick and off balance.
I have just come off antidepressants (3 weeks ago), as the doctor said they could make the bruxism worse! and they were giving me terrible vivid dreams. So much so it feels like I am living another life at night!
I do find it difficult to relax and switch my mind off of thoughts.
I really want to stop/control the bruxism, are there any treatments out there to help, for example hypnotherapy? Also what causes bruxism? Could the teeth be a factor or even the cerebral palsy be causing it? Should I ask my doctor to refer me to a sleeplab?
Many thanks for reading. Tash