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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Who should my daughter see about her chronic migraines?

    Related Topics
    Migraines & Headaches Neurology
    We would like to find a Dr who specialises in treating migraines. We live in a suburb in Sydney.
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    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    The most important aspects to look at with the migraines are to determine a cause (if possible) and a clear diagnosis. 
    We would need to determine if all the headaches she experiances are migraines, or if there is a possible overlay of another type of headache. 
    A good place to start would be a manual therapist (ie a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or an Osteopath). They should be able to determine if the headache is somehow musculoskeletal in origin (of which most types are). You could also take her to a GP to rule out other causes of migraines first, but I would be careful about taking migraine medication without a definite diagnosis, as they can have significant side effects. 

    I would be happy to chat over the phone and advise from there, as we would need more information (her age, how long, how often etc). 

    Best wishes. 
    Greg

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    Helen Potter

    Physiotherapist

    As a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with extensive experience and highly advanced qualifications, as well as excellent communication skills, I can help you to: Become informed … View Profile

    I would like to reinforce the need to have an accurate diagnosis of the type of headache your daughter has.
    Neurologists are the medical specialists to see as, if it is migraine, how your daughter learns to manage it now will be very important for the future. There is medication, and strategies, for acute migraine treatment and management, and longer-term lifestyle changes that may help.

    There is no blood test for migraine so it is diagnosed on the pattern and symptoms experienced. Family history of migraine is common.

    To help whomever you consult keep a diary for 3 to 6 weeks. Note the time of onset (morning/night etc), whether she has any symptoms prior to the headache (change in mood, visual flashing lights etc), any possible contributing factors (poor sleep, missing meals, stress, time related to menstrual cycle), whether she is nauseous or vomits and whether sleeping helps it resolve.


    Postural neck strain can contribute to a cervicogenic or neck headache that is very responsive to physical therapy but if present, it may also be a trigger for migraine. There is also the rare possibility of a brain disorder that needs excluding just to be certain.

    Once this medical part is sorted out a Physiotherapist with expertise in posture and neck pain headache will be able to assist you with advice, exercises and gentle non-manipulation treatment.

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  • Sharon Hespe

    Naturopath

    I am a degree qualified naturopath that specialises in the detection and treatment of food intolerances in both children and adults. View Profile

    I would recommend that you consult with a naturopath that specialises in Food Intolerances, as they can contribute to headaches and migraines

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