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:

      The conventional neurological approach involves the interpretation of data on a strict black and white scale. This system of analysis leaves an abundance of individuals manifesting symptomatic dysfunction "out of the loop" without a diagnosis and a well structured treatment plan. The chiropractic neurological approach differs in that it interprets dysfunction on a functional continuum recognizing those individuals left in the grey area. In essence, the clinical findings and symptoms are reviewed with an intimate understanding of the neurology and physiology involved. The chiropractic neurologist then formulates a plan targeting the dysfunctional areas within the body and the nervous system. This means that through the utilization of a functional neurological approach, chiropractic neurology offers an exceptionally valuable option for certain patients that have been unable to obtain a named diagnosis or solution for their problem, especially in the case when a dysfunction, rather than a named process of pathology, exists.

Chiropractic neurologists do not prescribe drugs nor do they perform surgery. A much more intimate participation is taken in the functional rehabilitative care of the patient. Chiropractic neurologists are most often directly involved in performing and overseeing rehabilitation and treatment. This is a clear distinction from medical neurology which usually involves a more hands-off approach. Chiropractic Neurologists often prefer to remain directly involved in the rehabilitation of their patient population so that they can appropriately fine tune rehabilitative procedures to the ever-changing, dynamic needs of the recovering patient.