Migraines affect millions of people worldwide. Understanding the causes, various types, and the range of symptoms associated with migraines is crucial for effective management.

At KOEO, we take a holistic approach to migraine treatment, primarily focusing on Upper Cervical Chiropractic, supported by Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Therapeutic Massage in order to help our clients reduce their migraines and for many, to actually stop their migraines forever.

The Causes of Migraines

Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, although the exact cause remains the subject of ongoing research. Scientifically proven causes include:

Genetic Predisposition: Migraines often run in families, indicating a genetic link. If one or both parents have a history of migraines, their children are more likely to experience them.
Abnormal Brain Activity: Some migraines are linked to abnormal brainstem activity. During a migraine attack, changes in brain activity can lead to the release of pain-producing inflammatory substances.
Vascular Changes: Changes in blood vessel dilation and constriction are thought to play a role in migraine attacks. Blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow and triggering aura symptoms, then dilate, causing intense pain.

Common Migraine Symptoms

Migraines manifest in various ways, with symptoms that can be debilitating. Common migraine symptoms include:

Intense Headache: Migraines often bring on a throbbing, pulsating headache, usually on one side of the head.
Nausea and Vomiting: Many migraine sufferers experience nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting during an attack.
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia) and Sound (Phonophobia): Even normal light and sound levels can become painful during a migraine attack.
Aura Symptoms: These can include visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Some individuals may also experience tingling sensations or muscle weakness.

Types of Migraines

Migraines come in multiple forms, with the two most common types being:

Migraines without Aura (Common Migraines): These migraines often present with intense head pain on one side, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines with Aura: This type is characterised by specific neurological symptoms, known as aura, that precede or accompany the headache. Aura may include visual disturbances, tingling sensations, or difficulty speaking.

In addition there are other types of migraine with a more unique mix of signs and symptoms:

Menstrual Migraine: These attacks usually occur in the two days before a woman’s period and the first three days of flow, when oestrogen levels drop. It is estimated that for nearly 2 out of 3 women with migraine, attacks occur at the same time as their period. A large majority of our clients at KOEO report their migraines linked with a specific day of their menstrual cycle.
Migraine Aura without Headache: These only happen in about 4% of people. The person experiences the aura symptoms (usually visual in nature, such as seeing spots, zig zags, flashes or even losing sight for a short time) but no headache follows. This rare type of migraine is most common in young adults in their 20s and 30s, and older adults between 40 and 60 years old.
Vestibular Migraine: This is a combination of migraine symptoms like light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, with vertigo (a feeling of moving, falling, or spinning even though you’re still) - headache can also be present but not always. Vestibular migraine is the second-most common cause of vertigo in adults.
Hemiplegic Migraine: This is an extremely rare type of migraine. With this type people experience weakness on one side of their body (hemiplegia) along with headache and other symptoms that are often the same as seen in migraine. The weakness is a form of migraine aura and occurs with other typical migraine aura signs like changes in vision, speech or sensation. Its essential that if you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in one side of the body that you seek immediate medical help to make sure its not being caused by something more serious.

Natural Migraine Treatments at KOEO

At KOEO, we take a natural, holistic approach to migraine treatment, offering various therapies to address the root causes and alleviate symptoms:

Upper Cervical Chiropractic: We specialise in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, focusing on the uppermost vertebrae in the spine. Misalignments in this region can impact the nervous system and contribute to migraines. In all our migraine clients we find misalignments in this critical zone. When corrected the frequency and intensity of migraines reduces dramatically, and for many their migraines cease to exist.
Osteopathy: Our specialised Osteopathy (Psico-osteopatia Orgánica) looks at the connection between emotions, organs, and body function, addressing underlying contributors to migraines like poor liver detoxification pathways.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is used in conjunction with Upper Cervical Chiropractic to support the body and nervous system in returning to balance. It also helps release tension and stress from the body which are usually underlying contributors to migraines.
Therapeutic Massage: Our highly trained therapists use therapeutic massage to release tension and support a balanced nervous system function.

Migraines can be debilitating, but there are effective natural treatments available. At KOEO, we take a comprehensive approach to migraine management, addressing the root causes and helping individuals find relief without the need for medications. Our therapies provide a path to a migraine-free life, allowing you to regain control and enjoy better health and well-being.