solution-for-athletes-with-trauma-triggered-migrainesAthletes have an active lifestyle. They are modern-day warriors who face obstacles and overcome them daily, both physically and mentally. As a result, migraines, concussion, and headaches often affect athletes like a package deal! 

Many years ago, people thought that headaches and migraines were due to a concussion. However, a recent study shows that these may be the result of a disorder called trauma-triggered migraines (TTMs). Migraines and headaches are regularly being dealt with by reputable upper cervical chiropractors in Calgary.

A Study About Trauma-Triggered Migraines

The study involved a 16-year-old high school student who regularly played football. He had regular recurrent headaches that had plagued him over the last two seasons. The athlete noticed that the problems started after he had experienced a head trauma while he was playing football.

The headaches did not appear during any other activities. His latest encounter with migraines began after he made head-to-head contact when he attempted to tackle a teammate. His head pain got worse, and then suddenly went away. The boy did not have any other signs of a concussion. His head pain was consistent, but non-throbbing with an added sensitivity to light.

He admitted that migraines ran in his family. His sister and father both had migraines. Doctors first though his regular headaches were due to his sports-related injury. As a result, he got a concussion diagnosis and was restricted from doing any sports activities until his symptoms disappeared.

Later on, the initial diagnosis was reconsidered. Then doctors told him that he had trauma-triggered migraines instead. What are these exactly?

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

What are Trauma-Triggered Migraines?

TTMs are challenging to diagnose. They are often mistaken for hematoma or concussions. Here are some symptoms associated with trauma-triggered migraines:

  • Neurological problems that may last for a couple of hours or days
  • Blindness or paralysis affecting one side of the body
  • TTMs symptoms that overlap with a concussion
  • Often a classic migraine with aura (head pain begins after having a type of warning sign about an hour before. Signs include: numbness, visual disturbances, food cravings, tingling, or speech and language problems.)

TTMs are common among children and teens with a family history of migraines (70 percent higher chance when a parent or sibling also has migraines.)

There are no separate symptoms to distinguish a TTM from a concussion because head pain is the most common complaint in both cases. If an athlete has recurring headaches that appear after trauma with symptoms that are consistent with migraine and a family history of migraines, only then are they most likely considered to have a trauma-triggered migraine.

Care for Trauma Triggered Migraines

When this condition is diagnosed, your family physician may start to recommend the following ways to care for your situation. However, please take note, the listed side effects that may come along with some of these medications. Then make an informed decision.

Read further and you will find a natural and safer way to care for your migraines or TTMs.

  • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and triptans
  • Beta-blockers (metoprolol and propanol) – these should not be given to patients with asthma
  • Antiepileptics (valproic acid and topiramate)
    • Side effects of topiramate:
      • Cognitive problems
      • Hypohyrosis – excessive sweating which may lead to hyperthermia (high body temperature) and fatigue which may cause head injuries in an active athlete
      • Paresthesia – the feeling of prickling pins and needles  or like a limb that is falling asleep
      • Renal stones
      • Weight loss
    • Side effects of valproic acid:
      • Drowsiness
      • Nausea
      • Weight gain
      • Tremors
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
    • Anti-migraine medication with no side effects which could impact athletic performance
    • Side effects:
      • Cardiac arrhythmia — An EKG is essential before starting this medication to rule out a rare congenital heart disease called Long QT Syndrome
      • Dry mouth
      • Sedation
      • Weight gain

A Natural Solution for People with Trauma-Triggered Migraines

After digesting the information above, many parents are more guarded about giving their child any kind of medication. On the other hand, they also do not want the child in their lives to continue to suffer through severe TTMs. 

Are you in this same situation as a parent? There is a safe and gentle way to care for migraines. Would you like to discover a more reliable way to care for TTMs?

Help Provided by Upper Cervical Chiropractors in Calgary

Upper cervical practitioners yield positive results when caring for their patients suffering from various kinds of migraines and headaches. Why is this important?

The neck is an important factor here. The two top bones of the neck are the C1 and C2 vertebrae. They are responsible for acting as a protection layer to the delicate brainstem. The brainstem is the communication pathway of the body. Signals travel continuously to and from the brain and body through the brainstem.

When the bones of the upper neck move out of alignment even by just a little, they can subject the brainstem to stress or pressure and cause it to malfunction. A misalignment in this crucial area can also block the proper flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid from leaving and entering the brain. This misalignment is the perfect scenario for migraines and other problems to develop.

Hence, realignment of the C1 and C2 is something that may give lasting relief from migraines, headaches, and TTMs. Upper cervical chiropractors in Calgary, such as here at Solara Health, find the misalignments in the bones of the upper neck.

We use a gentle technique that brings them back into proper alignment. Many athletes, parents, and children see a vast improvement in their migraines in only one or two adjustments. 

 

To schedule a consultation with Vibe Health & Spine, call our Calgary office at (403) 266-2283. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.