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Migraine: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options including: Acupuncture & medication Relief Clevedon, Iron Acton & Bristol

  • Writer: Daniel Taylor
    Daniel Taylor
  • May 21
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, often resulting in significant time off work and reduced quality of life. Migraines are typically characterised by a severe, pulsating pain on one side of the head, although some people may experience pain on both sides.

In many cases, migraines are associated with symptoms known as an “aura” before the headache begins. Common aura symptoms can include:

  • Changes to vision such as flashing lights or blurred vision

  • Slurred speech

  • Weakness or altered sensation in the arms or face

Some individuals may also experience a type of migraine known as a basilar migraine, sometimes referred to as a brainstem migraine. These migraines can cause additional symptoms including:

  • Dizziness

  • Vertigo

  • Tinnitus

  • Balance disturbances

These symptoms can understandably feel concerning before a formal diagnosis has been made.

The Causes of Migraine?

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are thought to involve changes in blood vessel activity and nerve signalling within the brain. One theory suggests that dilation of blood vessels near the trigeminal nerve can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals, leading to severe head pain and neurological symptoms.

Migraine treatment is therefore often aimed at:

  • Regulating blood vessel activity

  • Reducing pain signalling within the nervous system

  • Identifying and managing triggers

Identifying Migraine Triggers

At Elite Joint Solutions, we always recommend keeping a headache diary for at least four weeks. This helps both you and your clinician better understand:

  • The frequency of your migraines

  • The severity of attacks

  • Potential lifestyle or environmental triggers

Common migraine triggers include:

  • Caffeine

  • Energy drinks

  • Smoking

  • Poor hydration

  • Hormonal changes

  • Stress

  • Poor sleep

Migraine Treatment at Elite Joint Solutions : Acupuncture & Medication Relief

At Elite Joint Solutions, we take a combined holistic and medical approach to migraine management.

One of the main holistic treatments we offer is acupuncture. Acupuncture can be beneficial both during an acute migraine attack and as a preventative treatment.

The aim of acupuncture is to:

  • Reduce muscular tension that may contribute to migraines

  • Stimulate specific points around the head, ears and face associated with migraine relief

  • Promote relaxation and help regulate nervous system activity

Many patients find acupuncture helpful in reducing migraine frequency and improving overall wellbeing.

We also offer medical management for migraine prevention. Preventative medications are taken daily to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Common medications used include:

  • Amitriptyline

  • Nortriptyline

  • Bisoprolol

  • Propranolol

  • Candesartan

  • Topiramate

Acute Migraine Medication

We also prescribe medication designed to reduce the severity and duration of migraine attacks once they begin. These are commonly prescribed as triptans.

Newer medications such as Rimegepant may also be suitable for some patients and can work differently to traditional triptans.

Get Help for Your Migraines

If you would like to discuss your migraines in more detail or explore treatment options available at Elite Joint Solutions, please contact us here:

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