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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it serious to get migraines 5x in one month?

    Related Topics
    Brain Tumour Cancer Migraines & Headaches
    My son moved to Kuwait one month ago- he is a business developer and sales manager at a travel agency watch films on computer screens.

    When he was in Egypt he rarely got migraines- he is also a show jumping rider and he practices every afternoon in 40 degrees weather.

    Family history: his aunt and sister have always had migraines. They are using migraneel.

    His last migraine was yesterday as he said it was a killer. He took 2 panadol extra and slept 5 hours. I am scared. He is 27 years old.
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  • Neil Synnott

    Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist

    I am qualified as a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST.I primarily use the McKENZIE METHOD for assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain disorders. The McKENZIE … View Profile

    Hi,

    Good question to ask. Given the family history of migraines, understanding the causes(s) for your son's migraines is important.

    Migraines can have a few contributing factors - the cervical spine, vascular system, the nervous system including the brain to name a few.

    Making an appointment with the local GP to assess what is actually causing the migraine is very important. The GP may suggest referral to a neurologist, neurosurgeon or physiotherapist. 

    From a physiotherapist point of view - the regular (I assume) sitting and use of a computer screen may contribute to your son having a stiff neck. Restriction to neck mobility can contribute to a ‘migraine’. So improvement of sitting posture, regularly changing position and stretches for neck mobility may well help. Consultation with a physiotherapist trained in the McKenzie Method (available in Egypt) may be useful after seeing the GP.

    All the best.

    Neil

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  • Azzazag

    HealthShare Member

    Thank u Neil … He went to a noerologist in kuwait and he said its muscle stress gave some medicines but for more precautions he will make him a ct just to make sure everything is ok…
    Thank u for u reply…
    Azza

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  • Mr Roger O'Toole

    Physiotherapist

    Roger O'Toole is the Director and senior clinician of The Melbourne Headache Centre. Since opening the Melbourne Headache Centre in 2012 Roger has amassed over … View Profile

    Hi Azza,
    Glad to see your son has taken the right precautions and had his condition assessed.
    As a general rule any rapid onset of new headpain should be examined to rule out pathological causes.

    This stands not only for people who have never suffered migraines, and suddenly start to get them, but also people who might have a long history of headache or migraine, but there is a sudden change in symptoms (location, intensity, frequency, quality).

    Goodluck to your son.

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    Thanks

    Dr Carlo Rinaudo

    Chiropractor

    Dr Carlo Rinaudo (Chiropractor and PhD candidate) is the clinic director of Brain Hub, a clinic in Sydney focussed on helping people with dizziness and … View Profile

    Thanks for your question.

    The reasons why migraines occur is inconclusive, although there is good evidence to suggest it involves changes in blood flow to the brain. Namely blood vessels dilate and stretch, causing nerves in the head to be more sensitive leading to head pain. Other theories include increased sensitivity to the brainstem region (the area involved with breathing, heart rate, sensation of the face, and regulation of pain). Nonetheless, it is very important for any person suffering from migraines, especially repeatedly, seek care from a practitioner, as they can also be a symptom of something more serious occurring.

    What is well known are the triggers that most migraine sufferers can identify. These include, hormonal, stress, dietary, light and noise, dehydration, alcohol, and physical strains. Subsequently, it’s very important to keep a diary of what exact triggers are contributing to their migraines.

    So, in your case, Its important we rule out any serious conditions by a detailed history, including if he has suffered any visual, balance, and speech problems, as well as any weakness in his arms or legs. Additionally whether he has suffered any head injuries or concussions. If there are concerns, a referral for a CT or MRI scan are essential.

    If he answered no to any of the above, then he is a candidate for the sort of treatment that I provide. Depending on the examination findings, we may offer advice on lifestyle, diet and stress, treatment to affected spinal joints related to his posture and ergonomics, and breathing exercise. Additionally we may use novel methods of making his brainstem less ‘sensitive’ by filtering his sensory inputs, by using coloured eye glasses, music, and balance exercises.

    I hope this helps

    All the best

    Carlo Rinaudo
    Chiropractor ~ Functional Neurology
    www.liveactiveclinic.com.au

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