24 Sep Migraine

What is a migraine?
A migraine is a headache that typically lasts from 4-72 hours and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blind spots, visual disturbances as well as sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines are a very common condition, yet many people remain undiagnosed or untreated. Migraines affect your ability to function in everyday life. This can lead to anxiety and depression due to your reduced ability to work or be involved in social activities.

What lifestyle changes can help migraine sufferers?

• Reduce your caffeine consumption. Check your brand of coffee or soft drink; some brands contain 3 times as much caffeine as others.
• Have six to eight hours of quality sleep per night.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, or yoga.
• Exercise regularly with an activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking.
• Seek treatment for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Medical Treatment for Migraines
If you are experiencing multiple headaches or your headaches are affecting your everyday activities, it is important to see your GP for a proper diagnosis. A GP may refer to a neurologist to explore preventative treatment options.

Treatment for chronic migraines is funded under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) for patients meeting specific criteria. Pain relieving, muscle relaxant injections (often used to smooth facial wrinkles) are indicated for a range of neurologic diseases, including spasmodic torticollis, dystonia, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, and chronic migraine.

Eligibility for PBS funded migraine injection therapy:
For chronic migraine patients to confirm eligibility, a questionnaire and headache diary (for at least one month) will need to be completed prior to their appointment.

Our neurologist at Brighton Spinal Group is Dr Lynette Kiers. Speak to your GP to discuss if you qualify for Medicare PBS benefits for migraine treatment.

Dr Lynette Kiers is a consultant neurologist and the Director of Clinical Neurophysiology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Lyn is one of two neurologists managing the botulinum toxin clinic at RMH for the treatment of neurologic disorders. In addition to expertise in nerve conduction studies for diagnosis of peripheral nerve pathology, she has over 10 years’ experience with injections for a range of neurologic diseases including hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, dystonic tremor, spasticity, axillary hyperhydrosis and chronic migraine.

Lyn consults at Brighton Spine and Sports Clinic on a Wednesday afternoon.
Referrals are also accepted for nerve conduction studies/EMG for diagnosis of peripheral nerve (ie CTS, neuropathy) and muscle disorders. For further information, please contact our reception team on 9596 7211.