Migraines
Treatment Plans for Massage Therapists

Migraine  

    Definition- A paroxysmal (occurring repeatedly and without warning) neurological disorder with many signs and symptoms.

         - Trigeminovascular may involve serotonin

Causes - Unknown; possible central nervous system disorder that produces secondary intracranial vasoconstriciton followed by vasodilation. 

     - triggers: stress, food, allergies, medication weather changes, auditory or olfactory stimuli, hormones, postural dysfunction or abberrations

Signs/Symptoms - Family history -(70%)

   - Moderate to intense pain 4-72 hours
   - early morning onset common
   - hypersensitivity to sound, light and smell
   - nausea, vomiting
   - cold extremities and sweating
   - withdraw to dark, quiet room
   - fatigued and drained afterwards
   - with or without an aura (visual disturbance) found more in women

Special Tests/Contraindications

  Differential Diagnosis

During Migraine, massage may be contraindicated depending on symptoms.   Do not cause vasodilation (no heat or deep work)  Avoid music, bright lights and fragrance

Treatment Plan - Increase Relaxation, decrease pain.  Prone may be poorly tolerated.  Cold hydrotherapy to head and neck.  Hand and foot massage may be tolerated.  Manual lymph drainage. Release sub-occipitals.  Triggerpoint therapy.  

Between attacks decrease sympathetic nervous system firing, hot hydrotherapy, essential oils (peppermint and lavender)

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