Headache of cervical origin and migraine often
For the clinician, pain presentations in the headache patient are frequently a diagnostic challenge.”
Goadsby PJ, Bartsch T. Anatomy and physiology of pain referral patterns in primary and cervicogenic headache disorders. Headache Currents 2005;10:42-48. |
What is a Migraine Headache?
Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can be very distressing and disabling. Typically it is a one-sided throbbing or pulsating headache that is at least moderately intense and can be aggravated by physical activity. It is very often associated with nausea and vomiting, as well as increased sensitivity to light, sound and even some types of smell.
Do I Have a Migraine?
The International Headache Society classifies a headache as a migraine when:
(a) the pain can be classified by at least two of the following;
(b) there is at least one of the following associated symptoms:
- nausea
- vomiting
- photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- phonophobia (sensitivity to noise)
(c) the headache lasts for between 4 and 72 hours.
Other symptoms that may be experienced include
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What causes a migraine?
- Any disturbance in the nerve pathway especially in your upper neck sensitizes your brainstem and causes a migraine. We can confirm by examining the upper three joints of your neck.
- Migraine can be hereditary. Any abnormal activity in your brain which affects your nerves, blood vessels, and chemicals in your brain causes migraine. Your genes may be making you more prone to migraine triggers.
- Migraines are more common when you are in your thirties. Boys are more prone to headache than girls. However, by puberty and beyond, girls may be more prone to migraine than boys.
Treatment of a migraine?
For long term relief, call the team on (07) 5547 5665
80% of our migraine patients feel at least 80% relief in their migraine even after 12 years of treatment! You just need 4 to 5 treatment sessions to feel much better! We use a scientific approach known as Watson approach which is the latest treatment option but is helping migraine patients in 25 countries already! We desensitize your brain stem and relieve your migraine, that too with no side effects! Medicines give you only a temporary relief and also cause side effects. |
What triggers a migraine?
Here are 5 major triggering factors for migraine
- Hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopause/ no more periods, and oral contraceptives may trigger or worsen migraines. This is due to a drop in the hormone known as estrogen. Therefore, some women experience migraine two days before periods or during periods or three days after their periods when their estrogen is low. Few women experience migraine only during their periods and this is known as pure menstrual migraine. Some women experience migraine before or after their periods ad this is known as menstrual related migraine. *Hormone is a chemical substance which has many actions.
- Dietary changes such as skipping meals/ fasting/ having processed foods may trigger migraine in some. Additives such as MSG/ Mono Sodium Glutamate and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, strong coffee/ beverages with high caffeine, and alcohol may trigger migraine in some. Dehydration/ drinking less water than you should, chocolates, citrus fruits such as orange and cheese also can trigger migraine.
- Changes in the surroundings such as bright lights, loud sounds, sun glare, and strong smells such as that of a second-hand smoking or a paint thinner can cause migraine in some.
- Physical changes such as a change in the sleeping pattern, lack of sleep, physical exertion, stress, anxiety, poor posture, low blood sugar or weather changes can be triggers.
- Medicines such as sleeping pills and contraceptive pills or any pills which have hormones such as estrogen may trigger migraine.