Migraine Q&A

 

What type of headache do I have?

There are many different types of headaches besides migraines.

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Tension headache:

Tension headaches are caused by tightness in muscles of the scalp and on the back of the neck. Symptoms include pressure or tightness around the head and forehead.

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Sinus headache:

Sinus headache symptoms include runny nose and pain around the eyes and sometimes a fever.

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Migraines:

Mistaken for sinus or tension headaches, migraines aren’t just bad headaches. They’re the result of a debilitating collection of neurological symptoms that usually manifest in sharp throbbing pain on one side of the head. However, in one-third of migraines, both sides of the head are affected.

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Migraines typically last anywhere from 4-72 hours and include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Visual disturbances

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell

• Tingling or numbness in the extremities or face

 

Symptoms vary and everyone experiences migraines differently.

 

What triggers migraines?

Many researchers believe that migraines are caused by abnormal changes in levels of substances produced in the brain. Overproduction of these substances can lead to inflammation and swelling blood vessels in the brain, causing pain.

Genetic factors have also been linked to migraines.

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A combination of triggers can incite a migraine attack, including:

• Lack of, or too much sleep

• Skipped meals

• Workplace ergonomics

• Loud noises

• Hormone changes

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Certain foods

Dr. Halperin recommends patients keep a “headache diary”, documenting specifics of each instance, to help identify triggers of migraines.

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How does Dr. Halperin diagnose the cause of migraines?

Dr. Halperin may incorporate nutritional profile testing and allergy testing to look for foods that trigger symptoms.

 

Patients should know that foods containing nitrates, like hot dogs and lunch meats, are common culprits.

 

In his testing, Dr. Halperin will also be looking for and will plan to address mineral depletion and Vitamin-B deficiency in patients.

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What type of treatment does Dr. Halperin offer?

Dr. Halperin uses both diversified adjustment and the activator method to address neck pain associated with the trigger points of migraines.

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In addition, he uses the Neuro-emotional technique (NET) to relieve pain sensitivity in trigger points for migraine sufferers who also experience chronic neck pain. With NET, Dr. Halperin identifies and balances unresolved emotional influences like stress, as well as compromised physiological underpinnings of emotions. The technique significantly improves the body’s healing process.

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