Migraines

Migraines are a neurological condition beyond the normal varieties of headache. The current thinking is that severe, disabling classical migraines are at one end of a headache spectrum extending to simple tension headaches at the other end of the spectrum. But it is important to know that in reality, the symptoms are often a combination of more than one type of headache.

There are often three distinct phases of a classical migraine:

1. The prodrome phase may begin 1 -2 days before the actual headache. Symptoms such as fatigue, food cravings, depression, irritability, neck stiffness may be felt. Visual changes may occur toward the end of this phase. Common visual disturbances include the classic migraine “aura” or halo seen around objects, or double vision or other visual distortions.
2. The attack phase is the onset of pain which may be severe and last several hours, sometimes longer. The pain of a migraine is typically severe, throbbing or pulsating pain. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are normally one sided, covering half of the forehead and one eye, however, pain can also spread from the back of the head over to the eye or in some cases be located over both eyes. The pain may be accompanied by sensitivity to sound and light, nausea and vomiting and dizziness.
3. The postdrome phase occurs after the worst of the pain has subsided and may be marked by lethargy and low mood.

Triggers
Many triggers have been related to the onset of a migraine attack:
• Following periods of intense stress (commonly occurs over the week end or holidays)
• Food triggers (chocolate, caffeine, nitrates, cheese, nuts, wine and many more)
• Some medications
• Poor sleep quality
• Hormonal changes (premenstrual)
• Tension in the neck muscles

Treating Migraine
Identification of specific triggers is essential in the management of recurring migraines, with behavioural or lifestyle changes playing an important part in the treatment (e.g. avoidance of certain foods or maintenance of a regular sleep pattern).
Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D among others are often useful in the management of migraines.
GP prescribed medications may be prescribed to use at the onset of symptoms, to prevent escalation into a severe migraine episode.
Acupuncture treatment and dry needling has also been shown to help in many cases.
Chiropractic can help reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks, especially cases of common migraines. Chiropractic treatment deals with many contributory factors and migraine after effects, including relieving muscle tension in the neck, upper back and shoulders and releasing compression and restriction in the neck, promoting normal circulation and head posture.

For migraine consultation, diagnosis and treatment, contact us at Blue Vista Health Centre.

Our service area includes Bullaburra, Wentworth Falls, Lawson, Leura, Katoomba, Hazelbrook and the greater Blue Mountains.