What Causes a Migraine?
Migraines are caused by improper neurological function, resulting in attacks that can last from hours to days. People who suffer with migraines have a sensitive nervous system that is easily overstimulated by things such as stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, changes in weather and more. Each person that experiences migraines has unique triggers that bring about their symptoms in varying levels from mild to debilitating, but these triggers are all rooted in the hypersensitivity of their nervous system.
There are different areas of the brain that are commonly responsible for causing migraine symptoms, and it is incredibly important to address neurological deficits in these areas when treating migraines.
Autonomic Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system regulates functions of the body that happen automatically, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, pupil size, and temperature control. People who experience symptoms after visual triggers (watching TV, using the computer, etc.) or changes in gravity (standing up after sitting or lying down) may have autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Brainstem: The brainstemThese areas in your brain are partg of the “pain matrix” and are involved in integrating sensory information. They become active during periods of processing pain.middle area of the brainstem) and the mesencephalon (top area of the brainstem). These areas house the nuclei that are responsible for eye movements, head and facial pain modulation.
Thalamic/ Hypothalamic: These areas in your brain are part of the “pain matrix” and are involved in integrating sensory information. They become active during periods of processing pain.
Holistic Migraine Healing
Migraine symptoms are multifactorial and in need of a multimodal approach to treatment. At Carolina Functional Neurology Center, we focus on four healing factors: neurological, nutrition, hormones, and biomechanics.
Some patients have tried these treatments individually in the past with little to no success, but when we combine multiple approaches or utilize the approaches from a different perspective we see healing take place. By looking at the body as a whole and combining treatments, we simultaneously bring about results. Even if an approach has been unsuccessful by itself in the past, it does not mean that it isn’t part of the puzzle.
When we are working with migraine patients, we first conduct an in-depth examination to look at their nervous system, understand the health of the neurons in many different areas of their brain, review their nutritional habits, understand their hormonal balance, and make sure their musculoskeletal system is in tip-top shape. Initial tests include a full bedside neurological exam, an autonomic evaluation, video-oculography, computerized posturography, neural timing mechanisms, and lab work.
Once the initial examination results are reviewed, a customized treatment plan is created to address the root cause of the patient’s migraine symptoms. Treatment options may include tilt table therapy, neuromodulation, eye movement therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, musculoskeletal therapy, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, supplementation and more.
Migraines are a neurological disorder and whether you have tried many treatments or only a few, a functional neurological approach may be needed to overcome this debilitating syndrome.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or schedule a consultation where you can talk with a doctor about your migraine symptoms and possible treatment options.