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Testimonials
The following are some unsolicited comments from our patients. The original letters are on file at Headache Prevention Medical Group.
"I just wanted to tell you that after just a few days the NTI made a HUGE difference! It is like a giant weight had been removed from my head and neck. The other thing I've noticed, which is totally unexpected, is that for the first time in twenty years, I am no longer waking with a stuffed up nose. I have a lot of sinus problems due to allergies, and nothing has ever improved the morning stuffiness. I feel like a totally new person. I had no idea that this would solve my sinus problems. It is really miraculous. I've had a cold for the past 3 days, and guess what - it has NOT turned into sinusitis! Just an ordinary head cold like other people get. I never thought I would be able to suffer through a little head cold without becoming horribly ill. All these years I have been going to dentists for TMJ problems and doctors for sinus problems, and none of them ever told me that the two problems could be connected. P.S. I'm still doing great. I've only had one headache in the last 3 months!"
Rebecca M.
"I had terrible migraine headaches for 18 years, since I was 10. I would have three or four a week, and at least twice a week they were so bad that I would throw up. My neurologist prescribed antidepressants, and those didn't work. Then he took me off birth control pills to see if that would help, and I got pregnant. During the pregnancy, I couldn't take pain medication, and after I delivered, the headaches got worse and worse. I saw you at the end of 2000 and was fitted with the NTI device. For the first few weeks, I had only a couple of headaches, and they were much less painful. After six weeks, I was migraine-free…Migraines affected every area of my life, and now I'm happier, nicer to be around and have more energy. To say I'm grateful for this cure is a giant understatement."
Angela G. - Colorado Springs, CO
"I have been a patient of Dr. Howard May's for ten years. About three years ago, I began experiencing frequent headaches, jaw soreness and teeth sensitivity. I would repeatedly wake up with severe headaches that would last throughout the day. Within 18 months, I ended up having three root canals from cracked teeth caused from jaw clenching. Dr. May suggested a nighttime NTI device to reduce my headaches as well as prevent further root canals. I started wearing my NTI on a nightly basis and found instantly that my morning headaches disappeared. Slowly my jaw became less sore and I haven't had a root canal in the last eight months. On nights I do not wear the NTI device, I wake up with a pounding headache in the morning. This device has been a great alternative to frequent root canals and daily headaches.I highly recommend this device to anyone who experiences frequent headaches, jaw clenching, teeth grinding and root canals from cracked teeth caused by grinding or clenching. I hope that this device can offer anyone else relief from any of these symptoms."
Rachel N. - Student - Scotts Valley, CA
"I am sending this to you to let you know how thrilled I have been with the NTI device that you fitted for me about 4 weeks ago. I have always suffered from low grade headaches that never were really too much of a problem, until 18 months ago at age 36 I got my first migraine. I was 'lucky' as the migraine finally left after about 6 weeks of coming and going. However, I then began to experience migraines on an occasional basis (my trigger mostly being the hormonal swing in my cycle). When I read the data on your website that spoke about "clenching" and the relation to headaches, I realized through the day that I was clenching. As I looked back at my migraine journal, most of my migraines hit at 2-3 AM which made me think that my night clenching could be the "gasoline" that was fueling my migraines. Within the 1st few days of wearing the NTI, I felt much "fresher" in the morning. I felt good! And, when my migraine did hit (about 2 weeks after wearing the device), it lasted only 2 days (instead of 4), and was very low grade. I was not bedridden or in need of taking my Maxolt pills to deal with the headache like I normally would have. I am hopeful that over time the migraines won't come at all....at least if they do I can tolerate them now! The ultimate proof to me that this device was helping my clenching (which until I visited you I wasn't aware I was doing!) was last week - I had a bad cough and did not wear the NTI device for 2 nights. The following mornings my jaw was so sore! I guess after years of clenching, I had gotten used to the morning pain. Like any migraine sufferer, I have researched like crazy, tried every cure under the sun, and, am excited to have found some relief without having to take drugs. Thank-you!
Well it has been one year now since I have had the NTI and I am so thankful! I rarely take an aspirin anymore, and I have not had a migraine since I have been using the device. I do get bad headaches on occasion, but 80%-90% of my life is headache free. It is quite a change from before. I referred my co-worker to you and she feels the same way. She cannot live without her device!"
Kristen F. - Morgan Hill
"I want to thank you for the fantastic success you have had in curing my headaches. I had tried everything: acupuncture, chiropractor and was finally on preventative medication from a headache specialist. Nothing was working reliably. After hearing about your mouth guard I was rather skeptical, since I was sure I did not grind my teeth or believe I had tension in my jaw. However, I was willing to try. I had the nighttime guard for 9 days and suffered only 1 headache in that time (remarkable) and then I got the daytime guard. I can honestly say my life is dramatically improved. I can even exercise without risking a migraine!"
Sally C.
"I have been suffering from headaches for over 10 years. They have been called tension headaches and cluster headaches. I have tried over 12 medications for the pain and even went to the headache clinic at Kaiser-Santa Teresa. Nothing helped and the headaches were coming more often. I also saw a chiropractor in hopes of lessening the headaches but was not successful. When I read about your "device" in the Mercury News, I was eager to get an appointment with you. I was amazed that I could be fitted right away and go home with my new nighttime appliance. In the past, I would wake up about 4 or 5 AM with severe headaches. I would take medication and try to fall back to sleep. With the NTI device, I had results immediately. I am no longer waking up with headaches. I am sleeping until I want to wake up and I am getting out of bed feeling great. I am no longer taking pain meds every other day and it has been a long time since I have needed my anti-nausea medicines. I am thankful that I was able to benefit so quickly and see results immediately. My life is more normal - I am less sluggish because my body is not full of bloating medications. Thank you for your diagnosis and thank you for my NTI device."
Joan G.
"Thank you for taking the time to inquire about my headaches at our initial visit. My first reaction was to say I don't get them often, but in fact I was suffering from a terrible headache during my visit! I had simply resigned myself to almost always having at least a low-grade headache and ignoring the pain.
During the days following our consultation, I noticed I clenched my teeth constantly and I also noticed I was rarely free from neck pain and headaches. When I returned for my follow-up visit, I decided I should have you fit me with the NTI device. I was surprised how quickly you were able to create and fit the device. When I saw the tiny piece of plastic, I was skeptical that it could help - it seemed too simple. That night I inserted the NTI device and the next day I was pleasantly surprised by my missing headache! I have used it for a week now and morning after morning I wake up headache-free. I actually look forward to inserting the device in the evening, knowing it will help me feel better. It has also shown me how often I do clench my teeth - so it works like a biofeedback toot when I am awake. Thanks again to you and everyone in your office. I feel very fortunate that Leilia Peake recommended you to me."
Janet D.
"I wanted to tell you how much my NTI device has helped me. A year and a half ago I had a terrible experience. I bit down on a peanut and felt a terrible shooting pain from my tooth. I went to the dentist and was told that I needed a root canal. After the root canal, the pain continued at the same level. In fact, I could not close my teeth at all because it would cause a terrible pain. It was then that I realized I was clenching my teeth at night, because every time I started to fall asleep, I would be awakened by a terrible pain, when I clenched my teeth. Unable to sleep at all, I was reduced to sticking my finger in my mouth to try to stop my teeth from clenching; of course, that didn’t work, as all I did was bite my finger all night, which also hurt. I had been told by a previous dentist that I ground my teeth and had been fitted with a night guard, which I had worn for several years; however, it did not prevent my upper and lower teeth from touching. After a couple of nights of excruciating pain, I went back to my dentist and begged her for some kind of guard that would prevent my upper and lower teeth from touching, much as sticking my finger in my mouth would. She declared that no such device existed and that she couldn’t help me. She sent me to a specialist, who sent me to a surgeon; they all recommended that I have the tooth pulled. I just couldn’t believe that there wasn’t some kind of night guard that could help me. I started searching the Internet on “bruxism” since I knew that was a term that was used for teeth grinding. That is when I found the site on NTI. I called several dental offices in the area that offered it, and because yours was the only office that agreed to see and fit me immediately, I went to see you the next day. I was desperate—I could not eat or sleep. You fit me with the device and it provided immediate relief from the excruciating pain I had been feeling when clenching my teeth. You also mentioned that perhaps if I gave it time, the root pain would heal and I could save my tooth. I thought back to another incident years before when I awoke to find a front tooth chipped; now I think that was from nighttime clenching and grinding, although I did not realize it at the time. I firmly believe that had I not found this device, I would be facing a lifetime of cracked teeth and root canals. Two more benefits have arisen from using this device. I no longer wake up in the morning with a headache. Also, I realized the sensitivity I suffered in my upper right teeth for 23 years has completely disappeared. Thank you for being open and prescribing this innovative device and for seeing me so quickly when I needed help. I plan to wear it for the rest of my life."
Anna M.
"I just wanted to thank you for fitting me with the device for my teeth. I have found my low grade headaches have virtually diminished. I am not clenching or grinding my teeth anymore. I would say over all it was successful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"
Shirley S.
"Two years ago I was suffering from tension headaches almost every day. I was coaxing out my prescription medication and had been to the emergency room on one occasion due to a severe headache and nausea. Then I tread about your work with headache prevention using the NTI device. Although skeptical at first, I decided to try it in January of 2002. It has saved me! Since getting the NTI device last year my headaches have decreased Over 75%, especially morning headaches and sun headaches. I was waking up almost every day with a headache from clenching my jaws and had tried numerous might guards but only the NTI device works at preventing these headaches. I am so glad that I found your office and I would never give up my NTI device! Thank you so much for all of your help."
JoElle H.
"I have had regular headaches for almost eight years with increasing intensity over time. Knowing these headaches were stress related I did not take any action until six months ago. By then the frequency of headaches had become unacceptable and when a particularly bad headache was accompanied by a sour jaw, I put the two together, did some research and ran into NTI. My regular dentist wasn’t aware of the treatment and I chose your practice to get an NTI device. The NTI device has reduced my headaches by about 75% over the last six months and in combination with a regular workout schedule, I am able to keep headaches to a minimum. Needless to say that I am very pleased with the NTI device!"
Marcel T.
"I had suffered with migraine headaches for years. I knew that I was clenching and grinding my teeth based on the damage to my teeth but what I didn't know was that it was causing my migraines. One day my husband cane in from his day of work and told me of something he had heard on the radio that day. It was an announcement of an appliance designed to stop the clenching that was "causing migraines" and that it had been approved by the FDA. I called Dr. Howard May's office, proceeded to ask many questions and I made my appointment. I went to my appointment on August 14, 2001, walked out the door with my appliance that very day and couldn't be happier. It has given me the relief from my migraines that I never thought that I would have. I call it my "wonder appliance" and will NOT go to sleep without it. I know better!
Dr. May and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, capable and just wonderful! I'm going back to get a second appliance (just in case I lose mine) so that I'm never without one."
Cheryl T.
"Time flies and I procrastinate, but I did want to thank you for the tremendous difference you have made in my life. After at least four years of a constant headache, I went to my dentist for help. He told me that I had a severe case of TMD. He prescribed a splint for my lower teeth that I was to wear 24 hours a day. He also told me that I would probably need around $50,000 worth of dental work. I went to another dentist for a second opinion and he told me virtually the same thing. The splint made my headache so severe that I was almost unable to function. I couldn’t work effectively and was just generally miserable. All I could think about was this huge, long battle ahead of me with years of dental work and expense, and no guarantee that it would actually work. My friend Sharon called me one day and told me about your clinic. You were so encouraging and honest with me that I decided to give your treatment a try. I woke up the following morning without a headache for the first time in over four years! I was cautiously optimistic, but figured that even one day without a headache was something to celebrate. That was on July 2nd. Today is August 7th and the headache has not returned. I feel so good! Life is worth living again. Work is great, family is great and loud noises don’t hurt anymore. Words cannot adequately describe how grateful I am to you for your help"
Lisa S.
"I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given me, most specifically by introducing me to the NT! and having me use it, I'm not sure if I conveyed to you just how completely non-functional my life had been for decades because of my migraine headaches. I've been plagued by them since puberty and by the time I was in college, I was taking narcotics on a daily basis round the clock for the headaches. By the time I was in my forties, I could no longer work. I could no longer adequately care for my patients and was put out on full medical disability - because of my migraines ...I was needing narcotics daily and Imitrex injections between 7-10 times a week. I was also on a host of other medication to try and decrease the frequency and intensity of the headaches, and other medications to cope with the side¬-effects of some of the other medications. I had tried "everything;" Specialists of all varieties, Acupuncture... Transcendental Meditation...TMJ clinic... Drugs. Herbal preparations... diets... Prayer. Multiple medical specialists, even psychiatrists. My life was barely more than a haze of pain and drugs. My father recommended that I see you as you had helped him with a different problem ... but also one that was being helped by an NTI. You agreed with the diagnosis. You also agreed that I did have problems with my TMJs. I could not open my mouth widely enough to even take a bit of apple or a piece of corn on the cob. You fitted me on the devices my first visit (one for night and one for day).
The very next morning I woke in a bit of a shock. I could open my mouth - and there was no pain! I hadn't woken up with my usual pounding headache. After approximately 8 weeks of continuous use of the NTI, I had at least a 50% improvement in my overall headaches, and as much or more improvement in my TMJ symptoms.
It's now been more than two years since I have been using the NTIs. My migraines average about once every 3 or 4 months. I no longer visit the ER regularly ...I no longer take daily narcotics. I don't need them as I don't have the pain. I have my life back. Thank you."
Margaret F., M.D.
"J.J. is currently under my care. Since her inception of care she has suffered from migraine headaches. Many modalities of treatment were initiated (i.e. NSAIDS, Imitrex, narcotic pain relievers etc.) without relief. Conservative measures were also unsuccessful, as were dietary modifications. It was my recommendation that J.J. seek out alternative treatment option after she became pregnant as she desired to breastfeed. Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition tension suppression system (NTI-tss) treatment has eliminated her headaches, and has allowed Janine the benefit of breastfeeding her baby daughter without harmful medication side effects."
Catherine G., M.D.
"Please accept my deepest and sincerest gratitude for treating my headache problem with the NTI device. My headaches were reduced from an almost everyday occurrence to once every three weeks on average. I went from taking migraine medications (which gave me upset stomach), pain killers, and sleeping pills (just so I can get relief) to taking nothing. Now, if and when I get headaches, they are manageable that I do not need to take even Ibuprofen for it. It really made a big difference in how I live my day-to-day life. In the process of curing my headache you have saved my teeth too -- I do not grind my teeth in my sleep or even when I'm awake due to the night and day guards that you have provided with the treatment. Even my manager has noticed the change in me - just recently, she mentioned that she believes that the NTI device is working for me because I haven't complained about my headache in a long time. She is considering setting up an appointment with you to discuss getting the NTI treatment as well.
Again, 1 thank you for this cure and. I wish you more success in this treatment that you have helped pioneered."
Mhel M., Busy Mother
"I wanted to write you to let you know how life changing the NTI bas been for me.
The TMJ I suffered from led to extreme pain ranging from a tight jaw to unbearable migraines. There have been many nights of my 'life before the NTI' that I could not sleep due to the piercing pain of a migraine, let alone function to the best of my ability during the day. Additionally, before I used the NTI, I often woke up in the middle of the night with a sore jaw and pain in my temples, which also prevented me from a good night sleep. I was extremely frustrated by these experiences and didn't fully recognize that much of my pain was due to both TMJ and grinding my teeth at night. When you told me that a little mouthpiece could change this painful experience, I was skeptical but I was willing to give it a try ... and I am so glad I did.
'Life-after-the-NTI'is a different story. After wearing this device for about a year, my migraines have basically ceased, as has my jaw soreness. I sleep better on a regular basis and function amazingly better during the day. I am very thankful that you led me to such an excellent way to minimize the pain I was experiencing."
Amanda H., Ph.D. Candidate
"I wish to express my appreciation to you and your wonderful staff for the excellent care I have received for my headache treatment. I have been suffering from migraine headaches for over ten years, due in large part to the constant grinding of
my teeth at night. Before visiting your office, I would awake most mornings with a sore jaw, teeth and temples that would eventually trigger into some sort of headache by the days end. After a CAT Scan, blood work and multiple medication trials I happened to read about your headache prevention clinic in the local paper. After being fitted for an NTI mouth device, I was eager to begin this new "treatment". In just a few short weeks, my headaches began to lessen in both number and intensity. The pain I experienced upon awakening was completely gone! And I am finally sleeping all night through, something that I have been unable to do for many years.
Today, I feel better than I have in over 10 years. I am very impressed with the quality of the product and know it has made a positive difference in my health. I most certainly have saved money on expensive prescriptions and other treatment options.
I am very excited about the NTI System. I hope many more of your patients will find it to be the key to their headache and jaw pain relief as I have."
Patricia B.
"I wanted to tell you how much the NTI treatment has helped me. I had terrible headaches and sinus pain for years. I saw an allergist but my sinus and headaches didn't improve. I didn't realize that the grinding and clenching was causing the headaches until I started wearing the night guard you made for me. After only a few days my headaches and sinus pains disappeared. I thought it might be a coincidence, but if I forget to wear my NTI night guard for even one night, I get the worst headache in the morning, I wasn't aware of how much I clenched my teeth during the night! My husband told me I did and now the NTI has confirmed it."
Connie P., H.R. Director
"Thank you for all your help with my teeth and my T.M.J. (I don’t get headaches anymore—thanks.) Also, thank you so much for a very nice dinner at Forbes Steak House."
Doreen L.
"After years of suffering from headaches and exhausting visits to a variety of doctors and chiropractors I finally found relief from the NTI system you recommended. I found substantial relief within the first few days of wearing the device and within a few weeks the daily pain had subsided. I cannot tell you how miserable l was. To live with head, neck and shoulder pain every single day is irritating and exhausting. To now have the relief that your NTI system has provided me is wonderful.
You and your staff are thorough in providing information. Everyone is very welcoming, kind and helpful. I have and will continue to recommend you to anyone. Thank you very much."
Christine M.
"This is to add to your fan mail regarding the NTI that I have used now for several years and have been able to successfully decrease the amount of my migraine headaches, from at least once a week to maybe one, once or twice a year, if that. I have tried many many ways to try and defeat this crippling, life-impacting problem ranging from really strong medication to a variety of therapies. The one that has had the most significant impact has been this device. It truly has returned to me time to spend my life in more rewarding and productive activities. Thanks again."
Paula W.
"I would like to share my experience about a product called the NTI I have suffered from Migraines for 36 years. I also suffer from TMJ. A friend, who is always looking for help and information for me, gave me a newspaper article to read. It was about a method of preventing clenching on the teeth in the back area of your mouth, especially when sleeping. I had previously cracked teeth from clenching during the night. Using the NTI mouthpiece, I can't clench any tooth because the NTI is placed on my front teeth preventing the clenching of my back teeth. Any headache I get becomes a migraine if I don't use the NTI and medications. During the previous three years, I have suffered from 2-3 migraines per week. That doesn't happen anymore.
I have a stressful job. Before I started using the smaller daytime-use NTI, I also had problems at work. I no longer clench at work and have far fewer headaches during the day. If you have migraines, or even TMJ, this will work for you. I have never recommended a product before, but I have absolute confidence recommending this product."
Milli B.
"As an individual suffering from chronic headaches, I had gone from one doctor to the next trying to find a remedy for my pain. After being diagnosed with TMJ, I was told to apply warm compresses to my jaw and take three Advil whenever I felt a headache coming on. Unhappy with this miracle cure, I continued to try to find a solution for my chronic headaches.
Finally, I arrived at Dr. May's office, where he discovered that I grind my teeth and recommended an NTI. Unsure of how such a small gadget could be the remedy to my headache woes, I decided to overcome my doubts and have a mouth guard made. Later that night, I went home and placed the small piece in my mouth; it felt comfortable---small and unobtrusive. When I awoke the next morning, I was truly amazed, I did not wake with the dull headache that I had experienced for as long as I could remember, and my jaw felt loose, rather than clenched as usual. Delighted, I continued through my day, which passes without a headache. The power of the NTI had cured my chronic headache pain, as well as the tenseness and pain I had always felt throughout my jaw and face!
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Kristin B.
"I appreciate very much the help you have given me in practically eliminating my migraine and less severe headaches. I want to share my experiences in hopes that it might be helpful to someone else suffering from headaches.
I was having migraine headaches 5-10 days each month that I felt were triggered by hormones. Stress and wine also triggered less severe headaches. I have suffered with these headaches for 35 years. In recent years I felt relief with a prescription medication although the potential side effects were disconcerting. My husband encouraged me to see you. I was reluctant because I didn't believe I clenched my teeth while sleeping. I began to realize that I was not only doing that at night but sometimes in the day also. After six months of wearing the NTI device you created for me my headaches are essentially gone. I have gone from taking prescription drugs 7-9 times a month to about I pill every other month. It has made a remarkable difference in the quality of my life to be pain free and provided me freedom that is hard to describe. Finding several days a month to do with as I please is very rewarding. I don't take for granted the change in my life and I am very appreciative. If there is one downside however, it is that I can now drink wine."
Donna T.
"Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. I have suffered with headaches for thirty years. They had gotten progressively worse over the years until I was having them 5 or 6 days a week and an occasional trip to the ER was not uncommon. I tried everything: various medications, physical therapy, acupressure, you name it, I think I tried it. My sister sent me an article on your Headache Clinic and I figured I had nothing to lose but my headaches. Believe me, it has been worth my 3-hour drives to visit you. I have been relatively headache free for 8 months!
Yes, I am a success story and I thank you for that and your persistence in developing the "NTI" and your headache Clinic."
Margery from Ukiah
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