Migraines
Migraine is a type of headache with a distinct periodic and recurrent nature that is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and sound. It is more common among women than men.
What is it?
A typical attack often starts with warning signs such as changes in mood and feelings or cravings for certain foods (e.g. restlessness, changing smell perception, increased urge to urinate, irritation, dizziness, depression, difficulty concentrating). This phase is usually followed by a 'aura' (visual field disorders, seeing flashes of light, zigzag lines, seeing circles, seeing “hot air”,...) then the actual headache starts. Most patients complain of throbbing and throbbing pain behind the eyes, on one or both sides of the head.
After the headache phase, people are severely tired, unable to concentrate and the head remains more sensitive to pain.
Migraine attacks can break out at any time of the day, but it is not uncommon that they begin in the first phase of relaxation (the weekend, start of the holidays). A migraine attack usually lasts 4 to 72 hours.
How does migraine occur?
Impulses from the cerebral cortex, the thalamus and the hypothalamus activate the so-called 'migraine centre, which is probably located in the brain stem (raphe nuclei - nuclei for the production of Serotonin - and the locus coeruleus). By activating this center in the brain stem, the blood flow and activity of the cerebral cortex decreases. This may explain the development of an aura.
Serotonin appears to play an important role in migraines (raphe nuclei). Serotonin receptors are located in the blood vessels of the brain and in the endings of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). On the one hand, this can explain why vasomotor function is impaired in migraine. During the first phase, the blood vessels of the brain are narrowed (vasoconstriction) while they are dilated (vasodilation) during the headache phase. On the other hand, it explains the throbbing and throbbing pain, because the trigeminal nerve or facial nerve is responsible for facial sensation.
When the trigeminal is overstimulated, it can trigger autonomic reactions such as nausea and vomiting.
How to treat
Migraines can usually be treated well with medication. The disadvantage of medications is that they can have unpleasant side effects. If medication does not suppress the migraine sufficiently, or causes too many side effects, neuromodulation can be used. This was scientifically demonstrated by colleagues in Liège.
The exact effect of neuromodulation in migraine is not yet clear, but it may have an influence on the functioning of brain stem nuclei, which may play a role in the development of migraine.
Other conditions that we treat
Auditory and vestibular disorders
These disorders are related to hearing and balance and can have a major impact on your daily life.
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Neurological and cognitive disorders
These disorders affect brain function, which can lead to problems with attention, memory, and motor skills.
Mental and emotional disorders
Mental illness can be deeply rooted in neurobiological dysfunctions.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue Syndromes
Chronic pain and fatigue are often difficult to treat with conventional methods, especially when there is no obvious physical cause.
Fatigue syndromes and sleep disorders
Sleep and energy management are essential for brain function. Problems in these areas can lead to severe tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
Headache and facial pain disorders
Headaches and facial pain can result from complex neurological processes.
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