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I Suffer From Migraine Headaches

Migraine Headache Treatment

“Migraine is ranked the top three most prevalent disorders in the world, and the top seventh-highest causes of disability worldwide.“ [1]

According to the International Headache Society, migraine attacks usually occur on one side of the head, although the side may change from episode to episode. Migraine pain intensity can range from moderate to severe with a pulsating and throbbing-like pain. Aside from severe headaches, migraines can cause nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light, smell and sound during an attack. Migraine headache pain can last anywhere between 4 hours to 3 days and can leave those disabled and bedridden during an attack.

Read more below about how our migraine headache treatments are effective in alleviating or dramatically reducing migraines in 85-90% of sufferers.

Understanding Your Migraine

The types of Migraine Headache

There are many different types of migraines with which sufferers are often incorrectly diagnosed. It is important that your symptoms are thoroughly assessed in order to obtain a correct diagnosis. From thereon, it becomes much easier to focus on migraine management and accurately treating migraines. Click below to read about the common types of migraines and their common symptoms.

Headache treatment in Brisbane

Understanding Your Headache

What is the cause of Migraine Headaches?

The traditional (though outdated) theory of migraines and how migraines occur was originally thought to be dilatation of the blood vessels (relaxation and expansion of the blood vessels that allows for increased blood flow) inside the head to cause an increase in blood flow to the head. This old theory was thought to be interpreted as damaging, and therefore pain, in the form of a migraine-like pain. This theory, however, has been debunked in more recent research, as the changes in blood flow are insignificant and minimal, and is considered unrealistic to apply the symptoms of Migraine with such a small change in blood flow. Hence, the old theory of migraines being a vascular issue has been proven false.

Discoveries within recent research have found the primary contributing factor to be related to the neck, predominantly a fault in the upper cervical spine resulting in a SENSITISED BRAINSTEM. A sensitised brainstem and more importantly, a sensitised trigeminal cervical nucleus, has been shown to be the cause in pain reproduction to the head. This indicates migraines are due to a neurological disorder rather than a vascular disorder. 

As clinical knowledge updates, treatment for migraines has also evolved. Clinicians around the world are now pointing to the neck as the cause of migraines and are now treating the cervical spine. This method allows clinicians to avoid solely relying on acute migraine medication, pain relief, or other preventive medications to treat migraine attacks. Limiting medication as a preventive treatment for migraines ensures that patients don’t also suffer from medication overuse headache episodes.

About The Assessment Stage

What To Expect During The Assessment


1. Comprehensive and in-depth examination

We instigate an in-depth assessment to identify all possible related factors that could be causing your headaches or migraines. The upper cervical spine, in particular, is thoroughly examined to identify possible issues.



2. Ligamental stability and vertebral arterial tests

We undertake careful examination of neck ligaments and vertebral arteries, ensuring only the highest standards of patient safety and comfort.


3. Temporarily reproduce your headache and migraine symptoms

As a part of the treatment process, we apply gentle and selective stress to the upper cervical spine in order to reproduce headache symptoms, which subside after 20-30 seconds. This helps to identify and treat the cause of your headaches.

More about Migraine Headaches

The Four Phases of a Migraine: A Clinical Overview

Migraines are intricate neurological events that unfold in a sequence of stages, each characterized by specific symptoms and physiological changes. Understanding these phases can empower individuals to recognize early warning signs, implement timely interventions, and manage migraines more effectively.


1. Prodrome: The Prelude to Pain

Onset: Several hours to days before the headache phase
The prodrome phase serves as the body’s initial alert system, indicating that a migraine may be imminent. Symptoms are often subtle and can include:

  • Unusual food cravings
  • Mood fluctuations, such as irritability or sudden euphoria
  • Neck stiffness or discomfort
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Frequent yawning
Recognizing these early signs allows for proactive measures, such as rest, hydration, or preemptive medication, potentially mitigating the severity of the impending migraine.


2. Aura: The Neurological Interlude

Duration: Typically 20–60 minutes; may occur before or during the headache
Approximately one in four individuals with migraines experience an aura, characterized by transient neurological disturbances that are usually reversible and develop gradually. These may include:

  • Visual anomalies (e.g., flashing lights, shimmering lines, blind spots)
  • Sensory changes (e.g., tingling or numbness, typically in the face or upper limbs)
  • Speech or language difficulties
  • Auditory changes or ringing in the ears (less common)
  • Muscle weakness (in rare subtypes such as hemiplegic migraine)
While aura can be unsettling, it often serves as a critical window for early therapeutic intervention.


3. Headache: The Apex of Discomfort

Duration: 4 to 72 hours if untreated
The headache phase is the most recognizable stage of a migraine attack, often described as throbbing or pulsating pain that commonly affects one side of the head, though it may occur bilaterally. Accompanying symptoms frequently include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and sometimes smell
  • Worsening of pain with routine physical activity
  • Visual blurring or dizziness
Effective treatment at this stage typically involves targeted medication, sensory modulation, and environmental adjustments to reduce exposure to triggers.


4. Postdrome: The Aftermath

Duration: Up to 48 hours after headache resolution
Following the acute pain phase, many individuals enter a recovery state known as the postdrome. Although the head pain subsides, patients may continue to experience residual effects as the brain returns to baseline function. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lightheadedness or sensitivity to stimuli
  • Mild residual head pressure
  • Emotional fluctuations
This phase is often referred to as the “migraine hangover,” and supportive care—including hydration, rest, and avoidance of further triggers—is recommended.


Clinical Considerations

Migraine phases vary significantly between individuals. Some may not experience all four phases, and the duration or severity of symptoms can differ from one episode to another. Accurate recognition of each phase supports more effective treatment planning and improved outcomes.

At the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, our team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating migraine-related conditions, including chronic and complex presentations. If you suspect your symptoms may be related to migraine, we encourage you to seek a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Migraine with Aura

In many sufferers, migraines can also be accompanied by migraine aura’. Aura is the term used to describe the gradual development of neurological symptoms, which precedes a migraine attack. It lasts from 20-30 minutes, followed by the main attack.

Symptoms may include:

– Altered vision with flickering lights, dark or white spots, lines, waves, or in some cases temporary loss of vision
– Sensory symptoms such as a burning or prickling sensation, or loss of sensation
– Speech disturbances
– Nausea and or vomiting
– Sensitive to light, sound and smell
– Abnormal sensation, weakness or numbness down one side of the face or body
– Confusion

Migraine without Aura

Migraine without aura occurs in approximately 70-90% of people with migraines. This refers to a migraine attack without visual disturbances such as flickering lights, colourful lines, dark or white spots, or temporary vision loss. These attacks will usually occur without warning and pain is usually felt on one side of the head.

Symptoms may include:

– Nausea and or vomiting
– Confusion
– Mood changes
– Fatigue
– Sensitivity to light, sound or smell
– Diarrhoea

Migraine without Headache (Silent Migraine)

Migraine attacks without headache, as the title suggests, are for those who suffer with the associated migraine symptoms, however without any typical head pain or headache. This indicates that the actual pain in the head is completely absent. Although the headache pain is absent, a migraine without headache can still be debilitating due to the other side effects it comes with.

Symptoms may include:

– Altered vision with flickering lights, dark or white spots, lines, waves, or in some cases temporary loss of vision
– Speech disturbances
– Nausea and or vomiting
– Sensitive to light, sound and smell
– Abnormal sensation, weakness or numbness down one side of the face or body
– Confusion
– Mood changes
– Fatigue
– Diarrhoea

Chronic Migraine

Chronic migraine is classified by having frequent migraine attacks more than 15 days per month, for more than 3 months in a row. Of these attacks, at least 8 out of the 15 attacks need to be true migraines. The remaining 7 out of the 15 attacks for people with chronic migraine can be other types of headaches, such as tension-type headaches. These migraines can be with or without aura, and are usually disabling due to the frequency of attacks per month.

Episodic Migraine

Episodic Migraine is classified by having migraines and headache attacks less than 15 days per month. These migraines can be with or without aura, and are usually disabling due to the frequency of attacks per month. Including both episodic and chronic migraines, it affects approximately 14% of the world’s population and up to 18% of women.

Migraine with Brainstem Aura (Basilar-Type Migraine)

Migraine with Brainstem aura occurs more commonly in children and adolescents. It most often occurs in teenage girls and can be associated with the commencement of their menstruation. This migraine includes ‘Migraine with Aura’ symptoms, and usually originates from the brainstem, without the symptoms of motor weakness (muscle weakness). Due to the origin of this disorder, it can affect the balance of that person with vestibular symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

– Dizziness
– Imbalance issues
– Vertigo
– Poor muscle coordination
– Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
– Fainting
– Temporary partial or total vision loss or double vision
– Throbbing pain on either side of the head

Hemiplegic Migraine

Hemiplegic migraine is a form of migraine that causes temporary paralysis to one side of the body. This usually occurs prior to or during a migraine attack, which can last from one hour to several days. During an attack the person will experience temporary weakness which can involve the face, arm or leg, and is usually accompanied by pins & needles or numbness. The attack can be terrifying as symptoms mimic and are similar to a person suffering from a stroke. The severe headache can be similar to a typical migraine with aura, or at times be absent.

Symptoms may include:

– Vertigo
– Pricking or stabbing sensation
– Swallowing difficulties
– Speaking difficulties
– Confusion
– Weakness on one side of the body
– Temporary partial or total vision loss

Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraines, sometimes referred to as retinal migraines, are a rare type of migraine that can cause temporary vision loss or visual disturbances in one eye. These episodes are usually brief, lasting from a few minutes to an hour, and often accompany or precede a migraine headache. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that changes in blood flow or nerve signals within the eye or brain may play a role.

Symptoms may include:

  • Temporary vision loss in one eye
  • Flickering or flashing lights
  • Blurry vision
  • Blind spots
  • Headache following visual disturbances

Abdominal Migraines

Abdominal migraines primarily affect children, though they can occasionally occur in adults. These migraines are characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe abdominal pain, without headache pain typically associated with other migraine types. Each episode may last from one hour to several days. While the exact cause isn’t completely understood, abdominal migraines may share the same neurological roots as traditional migraines, involving a sensitised brainstem

Symptoms may include:

  • Moderate to severe abdominal pain, usually centred around the belly button
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pale skin or flushing
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Fatigue or lethargy during episodes

Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraines, sometimes referred to as hormonal migraines, are migraines that occur in relation to the menstrual cycle. While hormonal fluctuations were once thought to be the sole cause, recent research suggests that menstrual migraines do not stem from hormonal abnormalities alone. Instead, they are believed to result from a sensitised brainstem, which reacts to the natural changes in hormone levels.

Symptoms may include:

  • Throbbing or pulsating headache pain
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots
  • Increased severity compared to other migraine types

Lifestyle Strategies for Migraine Management

While targeted treatment and having your migraine diagnosed professionally are essential for effectively addressing migraines, adopting supportive lifestyle strategies can also significantly enhance your overall migraine management. Many patients find relief by identifying and actively avoiding migraine triggers, such as certain foods (e.g., caffeine, chocolate, processed meats), stress, irregular sleep patterns, and strong sensory stimuli.

Incorporating daily relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, or controlled breathing exercises can help reduce stress (known to trigger migraines) and minimise the frequency of attacks. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, and engaging in consistent, moderate exercise can also contribute to preventing migraine episodes. 

For a fully comprehensive education on migraine management strategies, get in touch with our team today to organise your initial assessment.

I’ve already tried everything. What else can be done to treat my Migraine?

Migraine Headache Treatments

Here at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic™, our focus is on providing tailored care for migraine headaches. Our team stays informed with the latest research and delivers proven preventive treatments to support long-term relief for our patients.

We have seen many patients with chronic migraines and use world-class techniques in assessing and treating the neck as a form of chronic migraine treatment. A thorough examination of the upper cervical spine is initiated to determine the severity of your sensitised brainstem. Our unique assessment procedure will determine the cause of your migraines, and identify whether your migraines are due to a sensitised brainstem. In our sessions, we will also educate you on common migraine triggers and what to avoid on a daily basis in order to prevent migraine attacks.

If deemed appropriate and treatment commences, we expect a significant improvement to occur rapidly in 90% of our patients with migraines, within the first 5 treatment consultations. Unlike traditional acute treatment approaches that only offer short-term relief, our method focuses on addressing the root cause.

We’re not in the business of giving false hope. If we don’t think our treatment can help you, we will let you know after the initial consultation. Our treatment is effective in alleviating or dramatically reducing chronic and acute migraine attacks in 85-90% of sufferers, without the long-term reliance on pain-relieving medications.

Learn More About Our Treatment Approach

Tools for managing migraines.