Migraine and Headaches
Migraine is a debilitating, chronic disorder that is under-recognized, under-diagnosed and untreated condition. Of those who receive an accurate diagnosis, most do not receive effective therapy. While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, it's thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.
Migraines typically occur on one side of the head. The pain, throbbing, and/or pounding in migraine headaches is severe and progresses in intensity and interferes with routine activities. You might also have symptoms of photophobia (sensitivity to light) or phonosensitivity (intolerance to noise), as well as nausea and/or vomiting. These symptoms are unfortunately all commonly associated with migraines and often leads to the inability to perform daily tasks. According to the American Academy of Neurology, 44% of migraines suffer with a vestibular disorder.
​
Vestibular migraines may occur in people with a diagnosis of migraine headaches. Spells of vertigo (room spinning sensation), imbalance, and nausea are common. These symptoms do not have to be associated with a headaches (yes, you can have a migraine and not have a headache!). These symptoms can last seconds, minutes, or hours and may take days to return to your “normal”.
What We Treat
At Piton PT we can help improve quality of life and symptoms through vestibular therapy (therapy to help strengthen your balance and visual systems). We work to treat underlying or residual issues such as:
-
impaired eye and inner ear (vestibular) coordination
-
imbalance and posture training (coordinating how your joints communicate to your brain and vestibular system where you are in space).
-
addressing and treating any potential issues in the cervical spine (neck).
​
Medications may be prescribed to prevent migraines or to stop a migraine that has already started. To ensure you are being properly medically managed, Piton PT will communicate with your physician to discuss your symptoms so that you can have an informed discussion of options with your physician.
How We Treat It
At Piton PT we help improve your quality of life and symptoms through vestibular therapy. We take a one-on-one treatment approach to understand your symptoms and their impact on you, your family, work, and friends.
We treat underlying or residual issues by strengthening the components of our balance and visual systems that often weaken over time. This approach allows for better integration of your balance systems to get you back to enjoying your family, friends, and hobbies without dizziness and imbalance!
To see more about our approach to vestibular therapy click here.
​