Sydney Headache And Migraine Centre

WATCH OUT FOR LIGHTNING, SYDNEY-SIDERS!
A study of migraine sufferers in Ohio and Missouri found that the risk of migraine went up on days when there was lightning nearby compared to days when there wasn't. And weather-related factors such as barometric pressure and humidity, both of which have been linked with migraines in the past, couldn't explain all of the elevated risk. The study authors speculated that electromagnetic waves from the lightning could be triggering the headaches or that lightning might increase the production of ozone or fungus spores, either of which might spur a migraine. (Source: ABC news)

The Watson Headache® Approach is a scientifically validated approach which seeks to determine if your upper neck is a cause of your headache or migraine condition. The approach uses a hands-on or manual assessment of the small movements of the top three neck joints…there is no violent ‘clicking or cracking’ of the neck joints.
Key factors that make it different from other manual treatment techniques:- 1. It is based in sound anatomical and biological knowledge.... 2. The technique has scientific validation with 3 articles printed in ‘Headache’, the journal of the American Headache Society. 3. The technique of 'Reproduction and Resolution' of familiar headache symptoms can confirm that your neck really is part of your headache/migraine issue.
Want to learn more about this technique? Call Sydney Headache & Migraine Centre on 92524322, visit our website or send us a message.
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Did you know:
Migraine is the 6th most disabling illness in the world? More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during a migraine episode.

A recommendation from Rob Wallis... #IAMUPRIGHT

ABDOMINAL MIGRAINES - they aren't headaches, they are belly aches! They often have the same triggers as migraines but present as nausea, severe cramps and sometimes vomiting.
Abdominal migraines are more common in children but adults are known to have them as well. Abdominal migraines in children will usually turn into the more conventional 'head pain' migraine when they reach puberty.
After ruling out all gastro-intestinal issues, brain stem sensitivity may be the cause of abdominal migraines. Treatment to reduce brainstem sensitivity may help alleviate or even eliminate these symptoms.

Exercise that gets your heart pumping can prevent migraines, but it can also be a headache trigger for some. Yoga, however, with its slower movements, is a safe alternative. Research shows that regular yoga sessions can reduce the number of attacks you get and make them less intense when they do happen. #yoga #migraine #headache #exercise #triggers

Recent research reported in Cephalalgia reported that we are very poor in using our memory work out migraine triggers - we are only correct 16% of the time!
A *study of 390 people shows that memory-based identification of personal triggers (suspected triggers) is unreliable compared to daily, prospective data collection, coupled with statistical analysis of potential trigger-attack associations. Overall, only 16% of suspected triggers were shown to be statistically associated... with attack occurrence.
If you are interested in being more systematic in determining your triggers try the N1-Headache website or Facebook page. They have a structured approach to determining your triggers which may help you to avoid some of your migraines, as well as being beneficial when seeking treatment with a headache practitioner.
*Donoghue S, Martin PR, Boucher G, Peris F, Mian A. Migraineurs suspected triggers vs associations statistically determined using a digital platform. Cephalalgia. 2016;Vol. 36(1S) 1–185.
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A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery has found an association between a history of migraine and risk for cochlear disorders, including tinnitus.

Can you predict a migraine?
Most people experience early warning signs of an impending attack. Forewarnings such as mood swings, uncontrollable yawning, unusual food cravings can occur up to 24 hours in advance.
One in five migraine sufferers will experience sensory symptoms, immediately before an attack, known as 'aura'. These present as flashing lights, blind spots or numbness.
... Take note of any unusual symptoms and when they occur. Being aware can help prepare you for an attack or even assist in preventing a migraine from fully developing!
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Poor posture, whilst working on a laptop, can trigger a headache or migraine.
The Travelling Ergonomist gives some great advice in this post.
https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activ ity:6433597511939739…

Weather is another trigger of migraine that can have a significant impact different due to the lack of control we have over it. Sudden and severe changes in weather are more likely to be reported as triggers - usually hot, windy or stormy weather are the most likely triggers.
Research in this area is very ‘vague’, probably because the impact of the weather may also depend upon whether a person is vulnerable to migraine at that particular time.
https://americanmigrainefoundati...on.org /…/weather-and-migra…/
Some recent research tells us we are generally pretty bad at picking our triggers. I’ll discuss this more next week!
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Following on from last week’s post, one of our Facebook followers noted that low-quality red wine was a definite migraine trigger for her.
Some red wines contain sulphites and/or amines which can cause an allergic reaction that triggers a migraine. If this is your experience, you will find that other foods and drinks containing these chemicals, may also have an impact on you.
Here is a link that you will find helpful if you want more information.... https://lifehacker.com/…/why-wine-cause s-headaches-and-how-…
Next week I will post some information on another surprising trigger which was noted on a different social media site survey - the weather!
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TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
This is a chronic pain condition that affects the head and face. Symptoms include: episodes of severe head or face pain usually affecting only one side of the face, altered sensation to the head or face and hypersensitivity to normal stimuli such as touching the face or chewing.
This condition can sometimes be triggered by a hypersensitive brain stem. The Watson Headache® Approach is designed to treat and reduce this hypersensitivity and may help people ...better manage this type of condition.
Comment below if you have any questions or tag someone you think would benefit.
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HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFER HEADACHE IN AUSTRALIA?
No major studies have been undertaken in Australia so we must rely on overseas studies, particularly those carried out in the United States. Headache Australia has summarised these studies in the link below. This information outlines the statistics on prevalence and cost of headache in Australia.
http://headacheaustralia.org.au/…/preva lence-and-cost-of-h…/

I was recently reading a #migraine blog where a question about TRIGGERS was asked. It was seeking people's "100% fool-proof trigger" for a migraine attack.
The results were very interesting!
Before I report on the results, I thought I would put it out to our Sydney Headache & Migraine Centre community....Do you have a "100% always" migraine trigger?
... Let us know and next week I will comment on the results and some important, recent research on triggers and their impact upon migraineurs.
Have a great weekend!
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Here is a link to music that may help you during a migraine episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IT2HNjcW BI
Although music will not cure a migraine, researchers have found that “music induces emotions and modulates the experience of pain”.*
... *Roy, Mathieu, Isabelle Peretz, and Pierre Rainville. “Emotional valence contributes to music-induced analgesia.” Pain 134.1 (2008): 140-147.
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Did you know 80% of headache/migraine sufferers have associated neck pain?
If that’s YOU, it maybe worthwhile getting a specialised assessment of your upper neck, by a qualified headache practitioner.