1. Headaches & Migraines
By: Jessie

2. What is a Headache/Migraine?
Migraine comes from the Greek ward “Hemicrania” or half the head
As there is lots of research about headaches/migraines there has not been a clear definition of what it is
The symptoms of a migraine differ from person to person, even a single individual or a single episode
BUT! Headaches can be classified into 2 types of conditions:
PRIMARY: Those in which the headache IS the condition (eg. Tension, Migraine, mixed, cluster headaches) episodic headaches have CLEARLY identifiable endpoints
SECONDARY: The result of an underlying pathology

3. Migraine Theories
Vascular Model: Something is triggered to cause Vasoconstriction of the arteries in the brain. This can cause Auras or Visual distortions. After onset Vasodilation occurs causing pain
Neurogenic Theory: a primary disorder of the CNS, the migraine may come about by some sort or trauma, chemicals, acute hypertension or ischemia. Reduction in blood flow occurs and makes a wave across the brain at 2-3mm/sec, the aura is associated with the lack of blood flow

4. Other Possible Reasons for Head Pain?
Postural dysfunction (eg. Hyperkyphosis or Lordosis
Head-Forward Posture
Neck pain (eg. Whiplash, strain)
Trigger points
Weather/Barometric pressure
Stress
Food
Hunger
Meds
Sleeping
Hormonal shifts
Movement

5. Short History of Migraines
Migraines have been documented for years!
Some cultures believed it was a curse from the gods
The ancient Egyptians, ancient Incas, native Americans and the Chinese all had there was of curing migraines and some or still used to this day
Some believed that the auras experienced were “visions”
A German woman painted pictures which are recognized today as Scintillating Scotoma and Fortification Spectra
The author of Alice in Wonderland used the auras he was experiencing during his story like making Alice tall and small like a telescope, for those who experience this it is called “Alice in Wonderland Syndrome”

6. HIGH RISK HEADACHES New headache onset OVER 50
Onset of new or different headache
Client reports the “worst” headache they have ever had
Recent history of head trauma
Onset of headache worsens over time, worsens with exertion, coughing or straining
Headache is associated with:
Drowsiness, confusion, weakness, ataxia and loss of coordination and deep tendon reflexes
New headache in a person with HIV
Headaches associated with fever and neck rigidity
Headache associated with hypertension

7. Mixed/Transformational VS. Cluster
Mixed/ Transformational have symptoms of both a tension headache and a migraine headache
Associated with nausea, vomiting, IBS, Sleep disturbance and depression
A person can experience this daily
Cluster Headaches affect 0.1% of the population
It is a grouping of headaches often ONCE a day for SEVERAL weeks and may disappear for months or years
The pain refers to the teeth, jaw and nose
It is devastating in intensity described as SHARP, BORING and BURNING
Symptoms last for 30 min – 3 hrs
People who suffer from these headaches respond well to oxygen therapy

8. Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
RARE, EXCRUSHIATING headache disorder
Has traits that are common with cluster headaches
It happens daily with and average of attacks a day
Attacks can last from 1-2 min or up to 30 min
There is no meds that have been able to help

9. What are some things I can do at Home?
Cold cloth under the head and heat on the feet and hands
Ice pack on the head or forehead depending where it is felt
Stretching neck and shoulder muscles
Modifications of lifestyle like diet, exercise, sleep, managing stress
Alternative modalities: Massage Therapy, Homeopath, Chiro, Osteopath, Craniosacral practitioner, dentist, acupuncturist and Naturopath