Migraines

Naturopathic Doctors offer patients suffering with migraines acute symptom relief.  The Naturopaths at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary also provide a wider health overview for patients to eliminate systemic risk factors that promote the onset of migraines.

Migraines are characterized by severe recurring headache.  The troubling pain is usually located on one side of the head.  Symptoms can last several hours to several days.  Some migraines are preceded by warning signs called an aura.  Aura symptoms range from disturbed vision to numbness and tingling in the arms and even speech problems.  Migraines are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, blurring vision and feeling faint.  Once the migraine has dissipated one may feel drained.

A diagnosis is made from symptoms the patient describes to the doctor.  Migraine is a clinical diagnosis.  There are no blood or radiology test to diagnose a migraine.  Your doctor may recommend tests to rule out other disorders.

There are many underlying mechanisms initiating chronic migraines.  Hormonal alterations in women during menstrual cycles, influenced by the drop in estrogen before their periods can cause a migraine.  Some women can develop migraines during pregnancy and peri-menopause.  Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives can increase or decrease the occurence and intensity of migraines in some women.  Most women find their migraines improve in menopause.

Other causes of migraines include dietary triggers.  Certain foods or food additives such as chocolate, coffee, alcohol, aspartame and MSG are commonly associated migraine triggers.  However, as each body is different, it is important to identify one’s specific food allergies that may contribute to triggering a migraine attack.

Migraines are a very complex painful condition that may compromise a patient’s lifestyle.  It is important to understand the underlying triggers as well as treat the acute attack.