Treating Migraines With The Watson Headache® Approach
Migraine Treatment
Treatment is often focused on the use of medications which target the nerve sensitivity in the brainstem. These can include triptans or CGRP (Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide) injections.
The underlying driver of migraine (brainstem sensitivity) is the same for all migraine presentations, such as dietary changes, sleep improvements, exercise, and upper neck treatment. This is why treatment of the upper neck can be effective in changing migraine symptoms.
Sydney Headache and Migraine Centre uses the Watson Headache® Approach which focuses on addressing the underlying mechanical dysfunctions in the upper neck that can be dialling up sensitivity in the brainstem, causing migraine. Skilled physiotherapists trained in the Watson Headache® Approach utilise specific manual techniques to assess and treat dysfunctions in the cervical spine and related structures. These techniques have been proven to reduce the sensitisation of the nervous system, providing relief from migraine symptoms.
Migraines We Treat
Headache and Migraine conditions treated at this practice are NOT limited to the list above. Please contact our office for further information.
Migraine Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose A Migraine?
The diagnosis considers the severity of the headache, as well as the impact on a person’s ability to function normally in life. Although the severity of the headache is usually very severe, the associated symptoms such as nausea or light sensitivity will cause a person to retreat to a dark quiet room as any sensory stimulation is irritating. This is why migraine is such a debilitating condition, leading to inability to work, study or be involved in social activities.
Migraine Symptoms
Fatigue
Feeling tired or weary
Difficulty with concentration
Yawning
Neck stiffness
Increased sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound
Dizziness
Blurred vision / diplopia
Nausea
Nausea and/or vomitting
Pallor
Paralysis
Migraines We Treat
More Information About Different Migraines
- Migraine With Aura
- Vestibular Migraine
- Menstrual Migraine
- Abdominal Migraine
- Hemiplegic Migraine
- Silent Migraine
- Post-traumatic Migraine
Migraine With Aura
The migraine is preceded by a change in their vision like wavy lines, tunnel vision, flashing lights etc.…the migraine starts 10-30 mins later.
Vestibular Migraine
This is a migraine headache presentation which often includes a false sense of motion, either self-movement (internally) or movement of your visual surrounds (externally) lasting from five minutes to 72 hours.
Menstrual Migraine
The migraine occurs during a specific time of a female’s monthly period.
Abdominal Migraine
A person regularly experiences nausea, abdominal pain and vomiiting for no apparant reason, and lasting more than one hour.
Hemiplegic Migraine
During an episode the person loses control of one side of their body, similar to experiencing a stroke.
Silent Migraine
Occurs when the associated symptoms predominate and there is no actual head pain.
Post-traumatic Migraine
Often arise after a head injury, and they can manifest with severe headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
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