Migraines and your brain
What is a migraine?
What many overlook is that a migraine is classified as a complex neurological disorder. This means that our brain and nervous system are involved in creating the symptoms we know as a migraine. Symptoms can vary greatly between each and every person that has a migraine. Now it is vital to understand that while migraines are common, they certainly are not normal. There is a lot of great historical art, some known as “migraine art” that depict how artists feel when they experience their migraines. The art itself goes to show the incredible range of effects migraines have on those who suffer.
Typical treatments for migraines
For most that suffer migraines there are usually phases of treatment. Migraines are most common to appear in women nearing 40 years of age or older. There are other factors why migraines occur, such as lifestyle factors, dietary factors, and hormonal changes. As migraines begin to set in, an ibuprofen may be the first choice of treatment. From there, a primary care visit that usually ends up with a referral to a medical neurologist. If you’re lucky, a prescription knocks down the symptoms enough to carry on with your life. But that doesn’t mean the migraines are cured. Before you know it, the dose is being increased or the prescription is changed altogether.
Beyond prescriptions, are injections, Botox, and manual therapies that many seek out in an effort to find relief. While these methods are all good-intentioned, we come to a fork in the road. We are faced with the reality that for the rest of our lives we are forced to continue to take a pill to avoid our migraine attacks.
Natural and holistic migraine treatment
At SCC Neuro we take a natural and holistic approach to migraines. When relief hasn’t been found through the use of prescriptions, injections, or Botox this is a pretty good indication for specific neurological care. We use our neurological exam and any recommended blood or hormone testing to identify the root cause of your migraine symptoms. Without the use of drugs or surgery, we actively rehabilitate your brain and nervous system. This create neuroplasticity by exposing the brain to new stimuli. This stimuli helps the brain rewire the nervous system to reduce and eliminate the frequency, severity, and duration of your migraine symptoms.
I. FIND THE ROOT CAUSE
Neurological exam + any recommended blood and hormone testing.
Identifying any dysfunctional area in the brain and nervous system is a crucial piece of healthcare that is often overlooked.
II. SUPPORT
Proper identification creates a specific treatment plan to address root cause of dysfunction. We will create a plan that includes lifestyle modifications, exercises, and supplementations necessary to treat the root cause of your symptoms.
III. STABILIZE
Create lasting change in your nervous system. Our goal is to work together and help continue the work outside of your office appointments. This means continued patient education and virtual follow up appointments.
IV. PREVENT
Continue building neuroplasticity to prevent future migraines. This means continuing with recommended supplements, dietary changes, home exercises, and pursuing lifestyle and exercise modifications regularly.