Migraines

It's likely that either you or someone you know suffer from migraines. In conventional medicine, an individual is diagnosed with "migraines,” and then is treated with a variety of prescription medications including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure medications – all of which have known side-effects. This method of treatment focuses on symptom management rather than treating the root cause
Migraines can be caused by a vast variety of reasons. Obtaining a thorough history about your symptoms and your individual health/medical history can help uncover the root cause as to why your migraines are occurring. Possible causes include magnesium deficiency, hormonal imbalances of progesterone and estrogen, food allergies and sensitivities, or mitochondrial dysfunction. Identifying the root cause and treating it appropriately can lead to elimination of migraines and a better quality of life.

Here is a list of common symptoms you may experience before, during and after a migraine episode:

PRODOME (1-2 DAYS PRIOR TO HEADACHE)

• Constipation
  
• Depression
  
• Food Cravings
  
• Uncontrollable yawning
  
• Hyperactivity
  
• Irritability
  
• Neck stiffness
  

AURA (PRIOR TO OR DURING THE MIGRAINE)

• Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light.
  
• Vision loss
  
• Pins & needles sensations in an arm or leg
  
• Speech or language problems (aphasia)
  

ATTACK (TYPICALLY LASTS 4 – 72 HOURS)

• Pain on one or both sides of your head
  
• Pain that has a pulsating, throbbing quality
  
• Sensitivity to light, sounds & sometimes smells
  
• Nausea & vomiting
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
  

POSTDROME (FINAL PHASE – AFTER ATTACK)

• You may feel drained & washed out
  
• Some people report feeling mild euphoria
  

Possible causes of migraines can include:

• Hormonal changes in women
  
• Certain foods, as well as skipping meals or fasting
  
• Food Additives – aspartame, MSG
  
• Drinks – alcohol (especially wine), highly caffeinated drinkis
  
• Stress
  
• Sensory stimuli – bright lights, glare, smells
  
• Changes in wake-sleep pattern
  
• Physical factors
  
• Changes in the environment
  
• Certain medications and medication interactions
  

There are several non-prescription treatments, including:

• Magnesium as well as other supplementation
  
• Dietary modifications
  
• Hormone treatment
  
• Stress-relief techniques
  
• Sleep hygiene exercises
  

If you’re ready to get to the root cause of your migraines, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elliott. Our functional/integrative medicine approach targets the root cause of your symptoms.

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