Migraine Treatment

We believe that a migraine is the end result of hypersensitisation of the central nervous system. In essence, it is the brain purging from excess stimulation in order to reset in a similar fashion to the way that the digestive system purges by vomiting bad food. Migraines involve multiple body systems and multiple triggers which vary between individuals, and therefore require a personalised approach.

The current medical treatment protocols for migraine involve a heavy focus on medication and include narcotics, antidepressants, triptans, anti seizure/epileptic medication, beta blockers, non-steroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDS), pain killers and nerve blocks. While these are somewhat effective in the short term, they only treat the signs and symptoms and do not get to the cause of the migraines.

At Flexa Clinic we use a combination of multiple treatment modalities to address the involved body systems in a holistic manner. Effective and lasting migraine treatment requires a carefully constructed and in depth assessment and treatment plan.

The seven systems that are involved are:

1. Cognitive/Emotive – Psychological and social factors
2. Musculoskeletal – The joints, ligaments, muscles, and fascia
3. Neurological – Central and peripheral nervous systems
4. Endocrine – Hormone and neurotransmitter balance
5. Respiratory – Breathing patterns and habits
6. Gastrointestinal – Diet and nutrient absorption
7. Circulatory – Heart and blood vessels

Treatment Protocols:

• A holistic overview assessment looking at all seven systems as mentioned above; establishing which systems have been compromised.
• We look to find the multiple triggers which have hyper-sensitised the nervous systems. Triggers include hormonal changes, diet, breathing, posture, neural sensitivity and inflexibility, sleep patterns, adrenal fatigue and more.
• The cervical spine and in particular C2 with its close relationship to the Cervical Trigeminal Nucleus (CTN)
• Botox®, better known for its cosmetic use, has been used therapeutically to treat migraine since 1992. There is evidence of a direct effect on neurotransmitters within the central nervous system, with a resulting reduction in neural hypersensitivity which in turn gives a decrease in migraine frequency and intensity. Botox is injected into the V1, V2 and V3 pathways of the trigeminal nerve to specifically desensitise these neural pathways. Botox® also creates a three to six month window of opportunity which allows migraine-causing triggers such as poor posture and severe muscle tension to be accessed, treated, corrected and balanced so that the migraine frequency and intensity can be diminished and finally resolved.
• Ketones (Beta Hydroxybutyrate). A substance produced by the liver from fat which promotes the usage of fat as fuel for the body and brain. Consumption of exogenous ketones promotes ketosis, a natural metabolic state enabling healing of the body which also has significant medicinal benefits. The method of action includes decreasing inflammatory markers across all body systems, which results in less pain, fewer migraines and reduced migraine intensity intensity over time. These ketone supplements need to be taken in conjunction with a LCHF (Low Carbohydrate High Fat) eating regime. The reported benefits also include increased cognitive clarity, decreased “brain fog”, increased energy levels, weight loss (through fat burning), and decreased fatigue indicating improved performance of all body systems.
• Physiotherapy, involving a comprehensive muscle balance assessment (MBA), followed by an exercise program to stretch and strengthen the structures in the neck and spine to promote muscle balance of the neck and spinal complex. This strength and flexibility program will need to be implemented and continued for an extended period of time until the structural issues are resolved.

This migraine treatment is the first to combine Botox®, Ketones and Physiotherapy, and addresses the seven systems mentioned above holistically and effectively to target migraine pathology.

An initial 90-120 minute consultation and assessment will determine whether the treatment is suitable. This consultation includes a full muscle balance assessment and medical history and will cost $490.00 with Murray Hing or $350 with a senior physiotherapist.