Today I have the rare opportunity - the first since I started this site - to do what all the big news guys have to do from time to time. That is to write a retraction.
Putting it in perspective, it means two things. First, someone is actually reading what I write. Secondly, what I say seem to matter enough for people to pay attention. Ladies and Gentlemen, my gentle readers, this is indeed a joyous occasion. And now, without farther ado...
In my previous article, NTI-tss by any other name..., I mentioned that "Searching through FDA database I did not find clear answer whether NTI-tss is indeed approved for migraine prevention." bmittler posted a comment saying the following - "NTI-tss was approved by the FDA in 2001". I went back to the FDA's site and there it was, from all the way back in 2001. Here's the pdf file directly from the FDA site.
My apologies to Dr. Boyd for this and for mixing up the NTI-tss and the SnoreHook Discluder.
Good doctor has also posted a comment in response to my request to elaborate on the theory behind the NTI-tss. I let him speak for himself (with yours truly piping in to clarify things for my gentle readers and to ask the doctor any follow up questions):
"The more current accepted hypothesis on migraine pathophysiology can be found on the NTI mainpage http://www.nti-tss.com. (Ed. note - it might be better to deep-link the relevant pages or quote the passages directly; if Dr. Boyd would specify, we'll edit this part.)
The "spindular dysfunction" hypothesis was an explanation I came up with many years ago, and is just a small (and possibly even irrelevant) component. (I cringed when I read your review). I've removed it from my personal website. (Ed. note - glad to be of assistance :P)
Nocturnal jaw-clenching is a pathologic hyperactivity of the TRIGEMINAL NERVE, the same nerve that modulates headache and migraine activity. Interestingly, 71% of migraineurs report that they either awoke with, or were woken up by, a morning migraine. (Headache and sleep: examination of sleep patterns and complaints in a large clinical sample of migraineurs. Headache. 2005 Jul-Aug;45(7):904-10). (Ed. note - is this a constant trend for a migraine patient or more of a happens-sometimes sort of thing? From my personal experience, I have, indeed, woken up with the headache on more than one occasion but it doesn't happen too often.)
The therapeutic goal of a properly-provided NTI device is to minimize the intensity of trigeminal hyperactivity (both motor and resultant sensory). Unlike a prescribed drug, operator protocol is critical when providing an NTI device. Many of the NTI devices I provide at the neurology clinic I work at are "re-do's" of clinical oversights on existing devices. (an NTI device done improperly won't just "not work", it can make things worse).
-Jim Boyd, DDS"
There you have it my gentle readers, the explanation from the man himself.
On a personal note, I am pretty impressed with two things about James P. Boyd, DDS reply. First one is that doctor's calm composure of his with the second being a willingness to explain. Those happen to be qualities that few doctors have and something that I actually look for in a physician.
I need to learn more on the subject of hyperactivity of trigeminal nerve before coming back to the subject. It does seem like an worth-while field to explore and can lead to some interesting debates.
2 comments:
OUCH! I mean, that's good journalism. Keep up the excellent work. I wonder how many patients return seeking refund.....from their mouth guards
Deborah, thanks.
I should have dug dipper on the first article though; on a plus side, the comments gave me enough material for another :P
I doubt that data is available...
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