Migraines may come with warning signs referred to as “aura,” which can include blind spots, tingling, and flashes of light, and can sometimes mimic symptoms of stroke or seizure. Sometimes, sufferers of migraines might not even have a headache as the primary symptom, which is sometimes called “Late Life Migrainous Accompaniment” but can affect people as young as 40. Migraines with brainstem aura can cause vertigo, ringing in the ears, staggering gait, slurred speech, double vision, and even loss of consciousness. At Sharlin Health and Neurology, our neurologists understand the complexities of migraine presentation.

Genetics & Environmental Factors Play Role In Migraine

Migraine is thought to be caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, including changes in the brainstem and the trigeminal nerve. These changes can trigger the release of neuropeptides, which can cause migraine pain. Other neurotransmitters, such as CGRP, are also involved in the pain of migraine. Additionally, brain chemical imbalance, such as serotonin, which aids in pain regulation in the nervous system, may also be involved. During a migraine attack, serotonin levels drop, which can exacerbate symptoms.

What Factors Trigger Your Migraine?

​​Migraine is associated with stress, imbalances in hormones, chemicals, food sensitivities, alcohol, physical factors, changes in the wake-sleep pattern, and changes in weather or barometric pressure, among other environmental factors. Our functional neurology approach recognizes the role of the gut in migraine. People who suffer from migraines have a specific mixture of bacteria in the gut that can make them more sensitive to some foods, which activates the immune system related to the gut and changes gut permeability. Low levels of serotonin in the gut, the area in which the majority of serotonin is produced in the body by gut bacteria, seems to be associated with migraine.

We Discover The Root Cases For Your Migraine

At our neurology clinic, we believe that functional medicine is an effective approach to addressing migraine at the root, as it evaluates the causes of chronic illness with a scientific framework known as “systems biology.” It uses a system called the Functional Medicine operating system to sort out why the disease occurred in the first place. This system consists of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Factors, the Functional Medicine Matrix, and the Functional Medicine Timeline. The Matrix helps practitioners assess imbalances at a cellular level and empowers migraine sufferers to make changes to resolve imbalances. It consists of seven nodes: Assimilation, Structural Integrity, Energy, Defense & Repair, Biotransformation & Elimination, Communication, and Transport.

If you are seeking relief from migraines, cluster, or tension headaches in the Nixa area, reach out to Sharlin Health for assistance.