MIGRAINE HEADACHES 

Migraine headaches are recurring headaches characterized by unilateral onset, severe throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and autonomic disturbances such as dizziness and faintness. The disorder occurs more frequently in women than men and a predisposition to migraine may be inherited.

Migraine causes severe pain and is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. About 3 million people in the United States suffer from chronic migraine, affecting their work performance, relationships, mental health, and financial security.

How We Help

Our integrated approach to healing migraine headaches combines ketamine infusion therapy, medication management, lifestyle coaching, nutritional counseling, and talk-therapy into one treatment plan to address your whole system.

Ketamine infusion therapy works in a variety of ways to decrease pain. It decreases inflammation, regulates glutamate (an important brain fuel source), and increases synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity. Its NMDA receptor antagonism inhibits cortical spreading depression, decreasing the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches.

Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the body. High levels of inflammatory hormones lead to significant reductions in the size and function of neurons. This can result in nerve cell death. Repeated doses of ketamine protect, repair, and rebuild the damage caused by chronic stress (Ng, Huang, Chang, Chan, & Lai, 2018).

“Ketamine acts both centrally and peripherally. Its action is mediated by multiple receptor subtypes including opioid, NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate, kainite, and gamma-amino butyric acid A receptors. In chronic pain, ketamine appears to interact with the NMDA receptor. When stimulated, primarily by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, the NMDA receptor leads to central sensitization via an upregulating feedback mechanism, a potential pathway for chronic pain. Reversal of central sensitization by NMDA-receptor antagonists such as ketamine is believed to reduce pain and may reduce the amount of opioid analgesics patients need as well” (Patil & Antiescu, 2012).

Central sensitization is a state in which the nervous system is always in a state of high reactivity. This results in heightened feelings of pain to non-pain provoking stimuli. The nerves affected by central sensitization have a much lower activation threshold than ‘healthy’ nerves. Central sensitization is thought to occur as a result of decreased pain thresholds, previous injury, and the stress-response. Chronic stress is a known causative factor in lowered pain thresholds which may lead to chronic pain conditions.3-4 Allodynia and hyperalgesia are the result of central sensitization.

Allodynia is a disorder in which pain is felt by things that are not painful. Example – if you have central sensitization in your leg, you may be extremely sensitive to bed sheets, light touch, or hot or cold temperatures. These normally non-painful stimuli can evoke massive amounts of pain.

Hyperalgesia is a heightened response to a mildly painful event resulting in an excessive and exaggerated response to pain. Example – bumping your leg on a table may be mildly painful, but with hyperalgesia may feel as though your leg is being amputated.

Frequently, people with chronic pain conditions experience depression and anxiety. It becomes a vicious self-perpetuating cycle. We address the body to help you overcome your pain while addressing your mind and spirt to help you regain your sense of self and purpose. Our integrated approach to offers a variety of therapeutic interventions such as medications, lifestyle coaching, and talk-therapy to help you stabilize and regain your health and inner peace.

“The treatments have exceeded my highest expectations! I have not experienced any migraines since my treatments. I also have had almost no fibromyalgia pain, and I’ve been able to relax without feeling anxious or depressed about missing out on family time due to having to stay behind during family activities. I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a long, long time. This has been a miraculous improvement, and I intend to recommend it to others!”

– Melisa S. | Patient of Alleviant Health Centers & Depression Sufferer

Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Ketamine works in the nervous system to help break cycles caused by nerve damage and faulty communication. Ketamine also has potent anti-inflammatory properties and increases circulation in the body, easing the pain. We administer low controlled doses of ketamine through an IV infusion, and many patients find immediate relief during their first infusion.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Care 

Comprehensive psychiatric care includes psychiatric evaluations, individual and group counseling, medication management, lifestyle coaching and talk therapy. We recognize that each patient requires individualized attention and we’re committed to helping you maintain the right treatment regimen for your particular diagnosis. Our team of supportive psychiatric professionals and counselors enjoy walking alongside our patients during their healing journey.

TIFFANY’S STORY

Tiffany started to experience 12-18 debilitating migraines a month after she gave birth to her first child. She stopped traveling and was unable to enjoy her relationships and work. With the help of her neurologist, she searched for effective relief for years. Tiffany made routine visits to the ER when her headaches were severe. One day, she decided to begin ketamine infusion therapy at Alleviant. “After the first treatment, for the first time in eight years, I went three weeks without a headache,” says Tiffany. “It’s been about six months and I haven’t been to the ER once. My life is completely changed. I’m able to enjoy my family, my pets, my house, everything.”

Symptoms

Migraines usually progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache and post-drome, although not everyone experiences all four stages.

Prodrome is the first stage that warns a person of an approaching migraine one to two days in advance with the following symptoms:

  • Constipation

  • Mood changes, from depression to euphoria

  • Food cravings

  • Neck stiffness

  • Increased thirst and urination

  • Frequent yawning

Aura is the second stage with the following symptoms that can be experienced before or during the headaches:

  • Visual phenomena, such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light

  • Vision loss

  • Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg

  • Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Hearing noises or music

  • Uncontrollable jerking or other movements

Attack is the headache itself that lasts from 4 to 72 hours with the following symptoms:

  • Pain on one side or both sides of your head

  • Pain that feels throbbing or pulsing

  • Sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells and touch

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Blurred vision

  • Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting

Post-drome is the phase that lasts for about 24 hours after the attack and is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Confusion

  • Moodiness

  • Dizziness

  • Weakness

  • Sensitivity to light and sound

We are here to help you

Reach out to us by calling 866-951-HEAL, stopping by a clinic close to you, or filling out the form. One of our intake coordinators will be in contact with you within 24 to 48 hours.