What is Chronic Migraine?
Chronic migraine is a debilitating neurological condition characterised by headaches that occur on 15 or more days per month for more than three months, with at least 8 days of the headache being migraines. Migraines are typically severe, throbbing headaches, often
accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Chronic migraine can significantly impact daily activities, making work, social engagements, and personal life.
Symptoms of Chronic Migraine:
- Frequent headaches lasting 4-72 hours
- Throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases
- Dizziness or vertigo
Causes and Triggers:
While the exact cause of chronic migraine is not fully understood, several factors may contribute to its development, including:
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of developing chronic migraine.
- Neurological factors: Chronic Migraine is now classed as a ‘Central Sensitivity Disorder’.
- Triggers: Stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, poor sleep, dehydration, and environmental factors like bright lights or strong smells can trigger migraine attacks.
Management of Chronic Migraine:
Effective management of chronic migraine involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments,medications, and sometimes physical therapy. Here are the main approaches used to manage
the condition:
Lifestyle and Rehabilitation:
- Consistent Sleep patterns
- Stress management
- Dietary changes
- Hydration
Possible Causes:
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, bending, or poor posture
- Degenerative disc disease (most common)
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Spinal Stenosis
- Nerve impingement (sciatica)
- Fibromyalgia (90% fibromyalgia sufferers report spinal pain, as their main complaint)
- In rare cases, infection, fracture, or tumour
How Can We Help?
As pain specialists, we offer the following interventions for managing chronic migraine:
- Botox for Chronic Migraine: Botox has been shown to reduce headache frequency
by 50% in about 60% of patients. The benefits typically last 3-4 months, and
treatments can be repeated as necessary. - Occipital Nerve Blocks: Occipital nerve blocks involve the injection of a local
anaesthetic and steroid around the occipital nerves, which supply the scalp. This
reduces inflammation, providing temporary relief from headache pain.
If you're experiencing chronic migraine symptoms, which are not controlled by medications, reach out to us for an assessment to explore the above two treatments options.
