Migraine Treatment
Alive Health+Wellness
A New Migraine Treatment in Wildwood, MO, Shows Promising Results in Patients
Are you tired of living with the constant pain and discomfort of migraines? You are not alone. Roughly 23% of households in America have at least one individual that suffers from migraines.
Imagine being able to live your life without the fear of debilitating migraines interrupting your daily activities. Recent studies have shown that ketamine, a widely used anesthetic, may provide significant relief for individuals suffering from migraines.
Learn more about how Alive Health + Wellness in Wildwood, MO, utilizes ketamine therapy for the treatment of migraines and take the first step towards a life free of headaches and pain.
The Science of Ketamine Treatment For Migraines
Recent evidence points to ketamine’s inhibitory effects on the NMDA receptor in the lateral habenula. The lateral habenula is a brain region primarily responsible for encoding negative rewards or anti-reward cause-and-effect relationships. As a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, ketamine prevents glutamate from activating the NMDA receptor, blocking pain.
The inhibition of the NMDA receptor may cause a build-up of free glutamate, which then activates the AMPA receptors. When surplus glutamate activates the AMPA receptor, it releases a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) chemical. BDNF, in interaction with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), promotes new neural growth. This new growth may reroute the brain from hyperactive areas associated with negative reward signals, providing long-term relief from migraines.
In short, ketamine blocks the neural excitation pathways likely responsible for migraine pain
What are Migraines?
A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe and recurring pain. Migraines can cause various symptoms, including throbbing or pulsing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. Migraines are often accompanied by visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots, and can last for several hours or even days.
Migraines are a common condition, and it is estimated that about 12% of people in the United States experience migraines. Migraines are more common in women than men, and they tend to run in families, suggesting that genetics may play a role in developing the condition.
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to changes in the brain and the blood vessels in the head. Factors that can trigger migraines include stress, changes in sleep patterns, certain foods and drinks, and hormonal changes.
What Are the Symptoms of Migraines?
Migraines are a debilitating form of chronic pain. People that suffer from migraines recognize the onset immediately. The lifespan of this intense pain can be broken into four phases:
Prodrome
Sometimes, warning signs of a migraine attack will appear a day or two ahead. These signs can be:
- Cravings
- Stiffness in the neck
- Challenging bowel movements
- Significant mood changes like depression or euphoria
- Increased thirst or feeling like you need to urinate
- Repeated yawning
Aura
Auras are also known as revocable indicators of the nervous system. They are primarily visual but may include other disruptions. The symptoms start gradually, build for several minutes, and persist for 20 minutes to an hour. Here are some examples of migraine auras:
- Visual cues – seeing bright spots, shapes, or flashes of light
- Temporary loss of vision
- Tingling sensations in the leg or arm
- Weakness or numbness in one side of the body or the face
- Trouble speaking either words or whole sentences
- Hearing music or noises
- Unruly jerking or wild movements
Attack
Migraine attacks last anywhere from four hours to three days if untreated, but the duration varies based on each person. Migraines happen rarely or occur many times a month. With a migraine, you may experience the following:
- Excruciating pain on one or both sides of your head
- Ache that pulses or throbs
- Sensitivity to sound, light, and sometimes touch and smell
- Sickness and vomiting
Post-drome
People often report feeling exhausted, bewildered, and wiped out for a whole day following a migraine attack. Abrupt head movement can cause the pain to resurface.
When To Get Treatment for Migraines
Migraines can be severe and debilitating and can interfere with a person’s ability to function at work or school and their relationships with others. In addition, migraines can also affect a person’s physical health. For example, migraines can cause dehydration, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping, affecting a person’s overall health and well-being.
Seeking treatment for migraines can also prevent the condition from becoming more severe or chronic. Left untreated, migraines can become more frequent and severe, significantly impacting a person’s life.
Take the first step in Living Migraine Free
Don’t let migraines control your life any longer. At our clinic, we offer ketamine therapy as a treatment option for reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Our team of medical professionals is experienced in administering ketamine therapy and can work with you to determine if it may be the right treatment for you.
With the fast acting and long-lasting effects of ketamine, you may experience significant improvement in your migraines and an overall improvement in your quality of life. Don’t wait, take the first step towards relief by reaching out to us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about ketamine therapy for migraines at our clinic.
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