How Functional Neurology Can Help Migraine Sufferers
Those who suffer from migraine headaches can often feel hopeless. Migraine pain interferes with work and family time, and can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. When seeking treatment options, patients then often find that the pharmaceuticals that are offered to them have their own negative side effects including nausea, fatigue and depression.
We at NorCal Brain Center recognize that you may be seeking other ways of addressing your migraine pain, ones that are all-natural and pharmaceutical-free. Read on to see how functional neurology may be able to help you with your migraine pain!
What You Need to Know About Migraine Pain
Almost 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraine disease- a neurological condition that has become a serious public health issue. Migraines typically appear as severe, throbbing, recurring pain on one side of the head (though both sides may be affected). This pain can be incapacitating, causing people to be unable to function.
Migraine disease affects women more than men, with 85% of chronic migraine sufferers being women. Migraines can begin in childhood for men and women, half of all those with migraine disease have their first attack before the age of 12.
Migraine attacks are often accompanied by other disabling symptoms such as: visual disturbances, nausea, dizziness or sensitivities to light and sound. Migraine sufferers can also feel tingling or numbness in their extremities and face. These attacks can last up to 72 hours.
One thing to remember is that in many attacks, the symptoms in the brain and nervous system occur before actual the actual headache appears. This is one reason why that treating the underlying neurological condition is more effective than only treating symptoms with medication.
What Are the Treatment Options for Those Suffering from Migraine Disease?
Many who suffer from migraines have built at least some ways of coping. Patients may take a pill prescribed by the doctor. Others may lie down in a dark and quiet room. Either, however, has their downsides. The side effects of migraine medications are real, and many (mothers, employees, caretakers) do not have the luxury of uninterrupted quiet when a migraine strikes. Other interventions such as acupuncture, again only treat the symptom of the disease.
If you, or someone you love, suffers from migraines, we ask that you consider functional neurology as a way to treat migraines. Functional neurology will not just address the symptoms of your migraine, but the underlying causes.
What Functional Neurology Does
Migraines have four possible triggers: metabolic issues, musculoskeletal problems in your neck, improper firing of the nervous system and hormone imbalances. Each or all of these may be involved as the root of your pain. We will work with you to do testing to determine your triggers. This testing will go far beyond what traditional medicine and doctors have to offer and may include:
- Balance and posture analysis
- Hormonal lab testing
- Visual and Vestibular workup
- Comprehensive blood testing
- Musculoskeletal examination
Based on the results of this evaluation, we will then be able to design a personalized treatment plan that is customized to what is happening in your body.
This plan may include brain rehabilitation, nutritional programs, all-natural hormonal treatment, eye movement therapy, neuromuscular rehabilitation or nerve stimulation.
In all cases, the treatment plan will address your personal underlying causes for your migraine disease.
If you have been struggling with migraines, or if your child or partner is suffering, you should call the NorCal Brain Center today to schedule an evaluation and see what functional neurology can do!
