Malicious Migraines

The term migraine is often mistakenly used to describe a severe headache. Although not all severe headaches are migraines, most migraines are severe. As the diagram shows, the typical pattern of pain is felt above, near, or behind one eye. Half of the face is usually affected. Most of those affected will also have abnormal visual disturbances without any other explanation. These "aura" can take many forms (see Table 2).

The aura is often preceded by light sensitivity, loss of appetite, dizziness, or depression. During the migraine, continued nausea and light and sound sensitivity is also common. The interesting part is that these symptoms occur in slightly more than half of migraine sufferers, but not all. Even the location of pain is not 100% consistent. There is no definitive diagnostic test to confirm or deny the presence of a migraine. This means we still know very little about why they happen, and what makes them different from other headaches.

What we do know, however, is what typically triggers a migraine. Allergies, stress and abnormal hormone levels are the most common triggers. Allergies can be food (chocolate, red wine and MSG are the most common), or seasonal (mold, pollen, grass). Just like with sinus headaches, an air purifier in the bedroom can be of great benefit. Steering clear of perfumes, scented laundry products, and and scented soap will help prevent chemical triggers.

Stress triggers may come in the form of biomechanical (excessive physical exertion, spinal misalignment and poor posture), emotional (loss of a loved one, life changes), or mental (work/other). Fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle is a very common trigger for females, and is usually the most difficult to overcome. With all of these possible triggers, one can see the benefit of keeping a migraine journal. This often helps identify patterns and point the migraine sufferer to the source.

From the chiropractic perspective, spinal adjustments can help decrease biomechanical stress. Improving posture and relieving nerve pressure will decrease migraine severity by 50% on average. To a migraine sufferer this is an enormous improvement. For emotional and mental stress, meditation is most helpful.

In summary, if you really have a migraine, it may take a while to find your triggers, but it is well worth the effort.