Migraine Assessment Calgary
We assess how the brain and nervous system are contributing to migraines to guide individualized, non-invasive care.
Not sure about your symptoms? Book a 30-min Case Review Phone Consultation today!
What are Migraines?
Migraines are a complex neurological condition characterized by recurring episodes of head pain, often accompanied by sensory and neurological symptoms. Unlike typical headaches, migraines involve changes in how the brain processes sensory information, including light, sound, movement, and internal signals. This can affect multiple systems, including the vestibular system (balance), visual system, and autonomic nervous system. Migraines can vary in intensity, frequency, and presentation, and may occur with or without head pain.
Common Migraines Symptoms
Migraine symptoms can extend beyond head pain and may include moderate to severe head pain, often on one side, a throbbing or pulsating sensation, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, nausea or vomiting, visual disturbances such as aura, blurred vision, or flashing lights, dizziness or vertigo, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, and fatigue before or after episodes. Symptoms may occur in phases, including pre-migraine, active migraine, and post-migraine recovery.
Common Migraines Causes
Migraines are influenced by a combination of neurological, environmental, and physiological factors. Common triggers may include stress or changes in stress levels, poor sleep or changes in sleep patterns, hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, dietary factors such as certain foods or irregular eating patterns, sensory overload from light, sound, or motion, and changes in routine or environment. While triggers can contribute to migraines, the underlying issue often involves how the nervous system processes and regulates sensory input.
How Migraines Affect The Nervous System
Migraines involve changes in how the brain processes and regulates sensory information. This can include increased sensitivity to light, sound, and movement, altered communication between different regions of the brain, changes in how the brain integrates visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive input, and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. These changes can help explain why migraines often include symptoms beyond head pain, such as dizziness, nausea, and cognitive difficulty.
Types of Migraines We Commonly See
Migraines can present in different forms. At Anew Chiropractic Clinic, we commonly assess and manage:
Vestibular Migraine
Migraines associated with dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances.
Migraine with Aura
Migraines accompanied by visual or sensory disturbances before the headache phase.
Migraine without Aura
The most common form, characterized by headache and associated symptoms without warning signs.
Chronic Migraine
Frequent migraines occurring on 15 or more days per month.
Post-Traumatic Migraine
Migraines that develop following a concussion or head injury.
How We Assess Migraines
Our assessment focuses on identifying which systems are contributing to migraine symptoms. This may include a detailed symptom and trigger history, neurological and cognitive screening, eye movement and visual tracking tests, balance and coordination assessment, vestibular system evaluation, cervical spine assessment, and autonomic nervous system indicators. This approach helps identify patterns and guides individualized care.
Migraine Care Approach
Care is tailored to your specific presentation. Depending on your findings, our approach may include vestibular and balance exercises, eye movement and visual coordination training, neurological stimulation exercises, gradual exposure to sensory triggers, cervical spine therapy if neck involvement is present, and lifestyle or habit guidance related to sleep, hydration, and pacing. The goal is to improve how the brain processes sensory information and reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
When Should You Seek Help for Migraines?
You may benefit from an assessment if you experience frequent or recurring migraines, migraines that interfere with daily activities, dizziness or vertigo associated with migraines, visual disturbances or aura, migraines following a concussion or injury, or increasing severity or frequency of symptoms. Early evaluation can help identify contributing factors and guide care.
“The goal is to improve how your brain processes information and adapts to stressors not just to temporarily reduce pain.”
Related Conditions
Migraines often occur alongside other neurological or vestibular symptoms. These may include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraines
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The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to involve changes in brain signaling and nervous system regulation.
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Yes. Some individuals experience dizziness or balance disturbances, particularly with vestibular migraines.
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Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects the balance system, leading to dizziness, vertigo, or motion sensitivity.
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If migraines are frequent, worsening, or interfering with daily life, professional evaluation may help identify contributing factors and management strategies.
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Migraines are a neurological condition involving multiple symptoms, while headaches are typically limited to pain.
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An aura is a neurological symptom that can occur before a migraine, often involving visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots.
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Yes. Migraines involve how the brain and nervous system process sensory information.
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Many individuals see improvement with appropriate management and understanding of triggers and contributing factors.
Get Assessed for Migraines
If you are experiencing migraines, understanding how your nervous system is functioning is the first step toward improving your symptoms.
At Anew Chiropractic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to assessing and supporting neurological function.
Book a 30-minute Virtual or Phone Case Review consultation, we’ll listen to your symptoms, answer your questions, and help you determine the most appropriate next steps for care.
