Transformative Migraine Treatment Options in Montana

Understanding Migraines: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

A migraine is more than just a headache — it is a complex neurological condition that can cause intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Migraines can last for hours or even days, significantly interfering with daily activities. Often accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or movement, migraines can be debilitating without proper treatment.

Types of Migraines

Migraines present in various forms, but the most common types include:

• Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine): Characterized by visual, sensory, or speech disturbances before the headache, such as flashing lights, blind spots, or tingling sensations.

• Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine): The headache occurs without any warning signs or sensory disturbances.

• Chronic Migraines: Migraines that occur more than 15 days a month, often severely impacting daily function.

Prevalence of Migraines

In the U.S., approximately 12% of the population experiences migraines, with women being three times more likely than men to suffer from them. Migraines can develop at any age but often peak between early adulthood and middle age.

Phases and Symptoms of a Migraine

Migraines typically progress through four distinct phases, though not everyone experiences each phase:

Prodrome (Pre-Migraine Stage): Hours or days before the headache, individuals may notice:

o Mood changes

o Increased thirst or hunger

o Difficulty concentrating

o Fatigue

Aura (Sensory Disturbances): Not everyone experiences this phase, but symptoms may include:

o Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots, zigzag lines)

o Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs

o Muscle weakness

o Ringing in the ears

Headache Attack: This is the most intense phase, often lasting between 4 to 72 hours, with symptoms such as:

o Throbbing or pulsing pain, typically on one side of the head

o Nausea and vomiting

o Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells

o Fatigue and confusion

Postdrome (Migraine Hangover): After the headache subsides, individuals may still experience:

o Fatigue

o Stiff neck

o Dizziness

o Mental fog or difficulty concentrating

Causes and Triggers of Migraines

While the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors often contributes to migraine attacks. Common triggers include:

• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen migraines.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause may trigger migraines in women.

• Dietary Factors: Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, aged cheeses, chocolate, and processed foods, can trigger migraines.

• Sleep Disturbances: Lack of sleep, irregular sleep patterns, or too much sleep can contribute to migraine onset.

• Weather Changes: Changes in barometric pressure or weather conditions can influence migraines.

• Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors can trigger migraines in sensitive individuals.

Treatment Options at the nCenter

At the nCenter, we take a comprehensive and individualized approach to managing migraines. Our team offers multiple treatment pathways depending on the cause, severity, and frequency of your migraines.

Nutritional and Functional Medicine Support

Candice Vann, our functional medicine nutritionist, can help reduce migraines by addressing underlying causes such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or imbalanced blood sugar levels. She may recommend:

• Nutritional Supplements: Magnesium, Riboflavin (B2), and Feverfew have been shown to reduce migraine frequency and severity.

• Dietary Modifications: Identifying and eliminating trigger foods, improving gut health, and maintaining blood sugar balance can reduce migraines.

• Lifestyle Changes: Optimizing sleep, hydration, and meal timing can stabilize brain function and decrease migraine triggers.

Medical Treatment and Medication Management

Alison Hall, PA, our Physician Assistant, can offer evidence-based medication management for acute migraine relief or long-term prevention. Depending on your migraine patterns, she may prescribe:

Acute Medications (for immediate relief):

• Triptans: Specifically designed to treat migraines by reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels.

• Ditans and Gepants: Newer migraine-specific medications that help relieve symptoms without the cardiovascular side effects of triptans.

• Anti-Nausea Medications: For individuals who experience nausea or vomiting during migraines.

Preventive Medications (to reduce frequency and severity):

• Beta-Blockers: Commonly prescribed to reduce migraine frequency.

• Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants may also help prevent migraines

• Antiseizure Drugs: Help stabilize nerve activity in the brain, reducing migraine onset.

• Monoclonal Antibodies: Newer injectable medications designed to prevent migraines by blocking migraine-triggering proteins.

Neurostimulation and Brain Health Support

If your migraines are linked to brain wave dysregulation or post-traumatic brain injury (TBI), our team can also offer:

• qEEG Brain Mapping: This diagnostic tool identifies brain wave imbalances contributing to migraines.

• Neurostimulation Therapy: Using gentle electromagnetic pulses, neurostimulation helps balance brain wave activity, reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

• Neurofeedback Training: This therapy helps retrain the brain to regulate pain signals and restore healthy brain function.

Preventing Migraines: Self-Care Strategies

While professional treatment can significantly reduce migraines, implementing lifestyle changes can also support long-term relief:

1. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.

2. Hydrate and Eat Consistently: Avoid long periods without food and drink plenty of water.

3. Manage Stress: Engage in activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress levels.

4. Avoid Known Triggers: Keep a migraine journal to identify foods, environmental factors, or behaviors that trigger migraines.

5. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can exacerbate migraines, especially when consumed in excess.

When Should You Seek Professional Care?

You should contact the nCenter if:

• Your migraines increase in frequency, severity, or duration.

• You experience neurological symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, or vision changes.

• Your migraines interfere with daily functioning, work, or relationships.

• You have a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may contribute to migraines.

In cases where migraines have developed after a head injury or concussion, we highly recommend undergoing a qEEG brain map to assess brain function. If imbalances are detected, we can customize a neurostimulation protocol to help reduce migraines and support overall brain recovery.

You Don’t Have to Live with Chronic Migraines

Migraines can significantly impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, but they do not have to control your life. With the right combination of medical management, nutritional support, and neurostimulation, many individuals have found lasting relief from chronic migraines.

Contact the nCenter today to schedule a consultation with our migraine specialists.

Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you reclaim your health and live migraine-free.