WHAT ARE THE CARDINAL SIGNS OF A TRUE MIGRAINE? There are numerous types of migraines, classified according to the unique symptoms produced.  The typical presentation of a migraine is a throbbing or pulsating one sided (unilateral) severe headache, lasting 4-72 hours, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (phonophobia).  The most common site of head pain is the temple region, extending into the forehead and eye on one side (frontal-temporal).  The attack may be so severe that it interferes with daily activities.

WHAT GOES WRONG IN AN ACUTE MIGRAINE EPISODE?

Current treatments for migraines are generally unsatisfactory for most patients due to a lack of understanding of basic neurophysiologic concepts concerning migraines.  Exciting current research is focusing on a phenomenon termed cortical (brain) spreading depression (CSD) and on dysfunction in brainstem cells that are involved in the control of pain.  This groundbreaking concept was originally postulated in 1941, however it is getting more attention due to recent advances in brain imagery.  Essentially, brain cells responsible for processing vision, sound, smell, touch, and even movement become very active prior to and during a migraine episode, producing symptoms such as light and sound sensitivities.  Auras, a neurological phenomenon experienced 10-20 minutes prior to a migraine involving vision, motor, or speech impairments may also be experienced.  It is theorized that this spontaneous activity of brain cells is due an unhealthy state; a lack of oxygen, appropriate food (fuel), and/or consistent stimulation.  Simultaneously an area in the brainstem responsible for controlling head and face pain malfunctions, leading to unbearable pain.

NEW BRAIN-BASED TREATMENT:

How can this information help those who suffer from migraines?  Our current understanding allows us to develop a treatment plan that is multi-factorial in nature addressing the oxygen deficiencies, inappropriate nutrition, and lack of stimulation.  Graded aerobic activity, oxygen supplementation, and prescribed breathing exercises aimed at increasing vital capacity are essential to allow for greater oxygenation.  Chiropractic adjustments of the thorax allows for increased rib excursion and greater oxygen intake.  One should attempt to eliminate or reduce alcohol (red wine), caffeine, monosodium glutamate (MSG; found in some ethnic foods), nitrates (processed foods such as cold cuts and hot dogs), hunger episodes, and lack of sleep.  Some nutritional supplements that may be of value are L-arginine, magnesium, and 5-hydroxytryptophan.  Specific brain-based exercises such as eye movement activities (oculomotoric rehabilitation), vestibular activities (inner ear), brain-balance auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, olfactory stimulation, and chiropractic adjustments are essential in stabilizing these clusters of unhealthy cell in our nervous system.

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