Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches affect roughly 21% of women and 9% of men in the U.S. and are extremely debilitating for the affected individual(1). A migraine headache refers to an intense, painful pulsing or throbbing that typically occurs on one side of the head. Migraines are different from a normal headache in that they are often accompanied by nausea, light and/or sound sensitivity, and vomiting that significantly impairs daily living(2). Unfortunately, the primary treatment for migraines are medications that only relieve pain in the short-term and may cause side effects and overuse issues(3). While preventative migraine medications do exist, less than half of those with migraines use them due to the countless side-effects and poor efficacy(4, 5). We offer multiple therapies that have proven benefits for both acute and long-term migraine management.

 

Extivita Therapies for Migraine Headaches:

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Extivita Therapies Migraine Headaches:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Migraine Headaches

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Neurofeedback for Migraine Headaches

Neurofeedback

Supplements for Migraine Headaches

Supplements

IV Therapy for Migraine Headaches

Nutritional IV Therapy

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) for Migraine Headaches

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Migraine Headaches:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can relieve acute migraines by directly combating decreased oxygen levels (hypoxia)(6). Hypoxia is believed to trigger migraines by inducing something called cortical spreading depression (CSD), which results in suppressed brain activity and altered neural and vascular function(7). HBOT significantly increases oxygen concentration in the blood and tissues, thus resolving the issue of hypoxia and relieving migraine pain(8).

Inflammation in the brain is also believed to play some role in migraines, and HBOT has proven effects on reducing neuroinflammation(9, 10). The potential of these HBOT mechanisms to relieve acute migraines has been realized in multiple studies. Specifically, research suggests that HBOT can significantly relieve migraine symptoms when administered directly before or during a migraine attack(11, 12).

Benefits of HBOT for Migraine Headaches:

  1. Increases oxygen levels in the brain
  2. Increases blood flow in the brain
  3. Decreases neuroinflammation
Learn more about HBOT

Effects of HBOT on Migraine Headaches:

Grows New Blood Vessels

New Blood Vessel Formation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, healing injured tissues that were unable to get nutrients and oxygen.
Increases Stem Cell Production

Increased Stem Cell Activity

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy mobilizes stem progenitor cells (SPCs) from the bone marrow, creating the opportunity for tissue regeneration.
Decreases Inflammation

Decreased Inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces systemic inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory gene expression and decreasing proinflammatory genes.

Neurofeedback for Migraine Headaches:

Neurofeedback can be extremely effective in reducing the frequency, severity and duration of migraines. Common protocols for relieving migraines involve reducing theta (4-7 Hz) and high beta (20-30Hz), increasing low beta (12-15Hz), and sometimes increasing alpha (8-12Hz). The training location varies per patient, but the best results are typically seen when training over the frontal or central regions along the midline(13, 14, 15). These protocols can be highly effective because they help stabilize the brain hypersensitivity common in people with migraines(14, 16). While the number of required sessions varies per person, many people begin to notice a reduction in migraine frequency and severity within 5-8 sessions.

Common EEG Abnormalities in Migraine Headaches:

  1. Increased global relative theta activity (4-7Hz)(17-18, 20)
  2. Increased high beta activity (20-30Hz)(15, 21)
  3. Decreased alpha activity (8-12Hz)(18, 19)
Learn more about Neurofeedback

IV Therapy for Migraine Headaches:

The migraine IV contains magnesium and vitamin B6, both of which have proven benefits for relieving migraines. Magnesium has repeatedly been shown to reduce the frequency of migraines (how often they occur), as well as the severity of migraines(22, 23). Vitamin B6 reduces the severity and duration of migraines(24). Many patients report that the pain associated with their migraine is rapidly relieved following specialized migraine IV’s.

Benefits of IV Therapy for Migraine Headaches:

  1. Quickly Reduces Severity of Migraines
  2. Reduces Frequency of Migraines
  3. Reduces Duration of Migraines
Learn More About Nutritional IV Therapy
BEMER Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Durham, NC

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Migraine Headaches:

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) has proven to be effective in reducing migraine headaches. In multiple studies, migraineurs who received 10-20 PEMF sessions experienced a significant reduction in days with a migraine, duration of migraines, and severity of migraines(25-27). These improvements persisted for up to 8 months following the PEMF sessions, suggesting that PEMF may provide long-term relief of migraines(25, 26). Such benefits are likely due to PEMF’s ability to reduce hypoperfusion, which is a common issue in those with migraines(28). Other potential mechanisms include PEMF’s anti-inflammatory effects, it’s ability to increase serotonin and dopamine synthesis, and it’s benefits for mitochondria(29-31).

 

Benefits of PEMF for Migraine Headaches:

  1. Relieves migraine symptoms for up to 8 months
  2. Decreases the number of days with a migraine (migraine frequency)
  3. Decreases the duration of migraines
  4. Decreases the intensity of migraines​
Learn More About PEMF

News & Research for Migraine Headaches:

Meta-Synthesis on Migraine Management

Meta-Synthesis on Migraine Management

Jan 5, 2018 |

Abstract Background: Migraine is one of the top 10 most disabling conditions among adults worldwide. Most migraine research is quantitative and indicates concerns about medication adherence, stigma, and more. Qualitative studies might reveal an improved understanding...

read more
References
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  2. Migraine Information Page | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Migraine-Information-Page. Accessed 6 Nov. 2020.
  3. Ong, Jonathan Jia Yuan, and Milena De Felice. “Migraine Treatment: Current Acute Medications and Their Potential Mechanisms of Action.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 15, no. 2, Apr. 2018, pp. 274–90. Springer Link, doi:10.1007/s13311-017-0592-1.
  4. Lipton, R. B., et al. “Migraine Prevalence, Disease Burden, and the Need for Preventive Therapy.” Neurology, vol. 68, no. 5, Jan. 2007, p. 343, doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000252808.97649.21.
  5. Minen, Mia T., et al. “Meta-Synthesis on Migraine Management.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, vol. 58, no. 1, 2018, pp. 22–44. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1111/head.13212.
  6. Arngrim, Nanna, et al. “Migraine Induced by Hypoxia: An MRI Spectroscopy and Angiography Study.” Brain, vol. 139, no. 3, Oxford Academic, Mar. 2016, pp. 723–37. academic.oup.com, doi:10.1093/brain/awv359.
  7. Charles, Andrew C., and Serapio M. Baca. “Cortical Spreading Depression and Migraine.” Nature Reviews Neurology, vol. 9, no. 11, 11, Nature Publishing Group, Nov. 2013, pp. 637–44. www.nature.com, doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2013.192.
  8. Choudhury, Ryan. “Hypoxia and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Review.” International Journal of General Medicine, vol. 11, Nov. 2018, pp. 431–42. PubMed Central, doi:10.2147/IJGM.S172460.
  9. Malhotra, Rakesh. “Understanding Migraine: Potential Role of Neurogenic Inflammation.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, vol. 19, no. 2, 2016, pp. 175–82. PubMed Central, doi:10.4103/0972-2327.182302.
  10. Thom, Stephen R. “Hyperbaric oxygen – its mechanisms and efficacy.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 127, no. Suppl 1, Jan. 2011, pp. 131S-141S. PubMed Central, doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fbe2bf.
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  15. Walker, Jonathan E. “QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback for Recurrent Migraine Headaches.” Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, vol. 42, no. 1, SAGE Publications Inc, Jan. 2011, pp. 59–61. SAGE Journals, doi:10.1177/155005941104200112.
  16. Gerber, W. D., and J. Schoenen. “Biobehavioral Correlates in Migraine: The Role of Hypersensitivity and Information-Processing Dysfunction.” Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headache, vol. 18 Suppl 21, Feb. 1998, pp. 5–11. PubMed, doi:10.1177/0333102498018s2103.
  17. Facchetti, Dante, et al. “Cerebral Mapping in Subjects Suffering from Migraine with Aura.” Cephalalgia, vol. 10, no. 6, 1990, pp. 279–84. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.1990.1006279.x.
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  19. Neufeld, M. Y., et al. “EEG and Topographic Frequency Analysis in Common and Classic Migraine.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, vol. 31, no. 4, 1991, pp. 232–36. Wiley Online Library, doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.1991.hed3104232.x.
  20. Bjørk, Marte Helene, et al. “Interictal Quantitative EEG in Migraine: A Blinded Controlled Study.” The Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 10, no. 5, 5, BioMed Central, Oct. 2009, pp. 331–39. thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com, doi:10.1007/s10194-009-0140-4.
  21. Clemens, Béla et al. “Three-dimensional localization of abnormal EEG activity in migraine: a low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) study of migraine patients in the pain-free interval.” Brain topography vol. 21,1 (2008): 36-42. doi:10.1007/s10548-008-0061-6
  22. Wang, Fong, et al. “Oral Magnesium Oxide Prophylaxis of Frequent Migrainous Headache in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Headache, vol. 43, no. 6, June 2003, pp. 601–10. PubMed, doi:10.1046/j.1526-4610.2003.03102.x.
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