HomeBlogAcupuncture treatments effective for migraines
Acupuncture treatments effective for migraines
Migraines are different from tension or sinus headaches. Migraine headaches are a neurological disease that cause moderate to light. Though manageable, these headaches are a chronic and incurable condition that can have a profoundly debilitating effect on a person’s life.
Symptoms of a migraine:
pulsating pain in one or both sides of the head
visual/sensual auras
nausea and/or vomiting
sensitivity to light, noise and/or smells
pain caused or made worse by physical activity
double vision and/or dizziness
What causes migraine?
Although treatable, what it is exactly that causes these headaches is not well known. Researches have determined some possible causes, but cannot say definitively what underlying factors trigger chronic migraine. Some potential theories include:
a underlying central nervous system disorder
irregularities in the blood vessel system of the brain
genetic link
abnormalities in certain types of brain chemicals and nerve pathways
Types of migraine treatment
Migraines are often treated preemptively with preventive medications and with pain medications for when the headaches become severe. Nausea medications and antidepressant medications are often prescribed to work.
Benefits of acupuncture treatments
Topamax is a prescription drug manufactured by Johnson & Johnson that was approved by the FDA for treating migraines in 2004. It has since been linked topiramate at treating these headaches.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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