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Behandlerverket

Migraine

Did you know that almost 20% of Norway's population experience one or more migraine attacks during their lives? Migraine is defined as a neurological disease consisting of severe headache that comes in attacks. Almost 15% of all women and 7% of men are affected by the disease.

About migraine

It is common to have a first attack in the teenage years, but occurrence is most common between the ages of 20 and 50. People who suffer from migraine typically experience 1–3 attacks per month. Some, however, have almost daily attacks and others experience only 1–2 attacks in their lifetime.

Migraine can be divided into two main types:

Migraine with aura

  • Visual disturbances, often flickering in front of the eyes or blurred vision
  • One-sided sensory disturbances or paralysis in the face, arm or leg
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Paralysis of the eye muscles
  • Double vision

Aura is a warning symptom that comes before the headache itself starts and consists of temporary neurological symptoms. It develops over 5 to 10 minutes and is usually over within 60 minutes.

Migraine without aura (the most common type)

  • Most often one-sided headache lasting 5–72 hours
  • Moderate to severe intensity
  • The pain is throbbing
  • The aura symptoms can persist throughout the whole attack
  • Sensitivity to light or sound (photophobia or phonophobia)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Worse with physical activity
  • Neck pain occurs in 75%

The cause of migraine is still unknown despite much research into the disease. Complex neurovascular mechanisms are involved, influenced by stress, hormonal changes and certain foods and stimulants. It is probably changes in the stimulation of nerve cells that cause changes in blood flow in the brain. Other external factors such as lack of sleep, psychological strain and menstruation can be so-called triggers that set off a migraine attack.

Common to both migraine with and without aura is a phase called the prodromal phase. This is a period of 1–2 days before the attack begins when the patient may experience vague, unclear symptoms that vary from person to person. For example, increased or reduced appetite and mood swings. Energy and the need for sleep can also change in either direction, with a need for more or less. Not all patients notice this prodromal phase. There is also commonly an after-phase called the postdromal phase, where after an attack you can feel unwell, tired and in need of rest.

A thorough history and clinical examination are important when you come to us at Behandlerverket so that we can find out which treatment you are most likely to respond best to. Migraine is often treated in close cooperation with your GP, since medication is often needed. Research has shown that manual treatment can reduce migraine attacks and reduce neck pain. Furthermore, increasing your awareness of your triggers, including guidance on diet and exercise, will be central to your treatment. A headache diary can also be useful for assessing the effect of both manual and medication treatment.

The treatment plan you receive from us aims to reduce the pain intensity, duration and frequency of migraine attacks so that you can return to the activities you usually want to do. Both manual treatment and exercise have been shown to have a good effect in migraine patients, and our concept is based on easy access to both.