Migraines and chronic headaches

Migraine is a disabling neurological condition characterised by episodic attacks of usually unilateral headache, with pulsating character and sound and light intolerance, associated with nausea and vomiting. The tendency to suffer with migraines has a genetic component. Migraines are caused by differences in brain function that create a high stress state in the brain. This state caused an increase in sympathetic response and a decrease in parasympathetic response, leads to severe imbalances in brainwave function. Migraines feel different from person to person however the most common symptoms of migraines include headache with localised pain, pulsing or throbbing, vomiting or nausea, blurred vision, prickling feelings, pins and needles, speech problems, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance, pain or discomfort to light or sounds, exhaustion etc. The treatment for migraines usually includes medication however, in addition to medication, preventative procedures include life changing practices in sleep hygiene, regular meals, exercise and avoiding known triggers that for reducing the frequency of migraines.

Neurofeedback training protocols address the underlying arousal problem and help create new, more efficient patterns in the brain that help improve brain function and responses to stressors. Studies show that neurofeedback is highly efficient in the management of migraines and chronic headaches with nearly all subjects reporting a significant decrease in frequency and intensity of migraines and some reporting complete relief.