Silent Migraines—Seeking Help in Sioux Falls, SD

Migraines are number 3 on the list of the world’s most common illnesses. In the US, approximately 12% of people suffer from migraines, the great majority being female. However, it is also estimated that as much as half of migraine cases go undiagnosed. Some chalk that fact, and the disproportionate number of women with migraines, up to the theory that many men prefer to self-medicate with an over-the-counter painkiller as opposed to seeing a doctor. Silent migraines also lead to missed diagnoses.

What Are Silent Migraine?

The problem with getting a diagnosis for a silent migraine is that most people, and unfortunately some healthcare practitioners, just see migraines as a really bad headache. Since a silent migraine is a migraine that does not have a headache as a symptom, this leads to frequent cases of incorrect diagnosis.

If there is no headache, you may wonder what the symptoms of a silent migraine are. Here are a few possibilities:

• Vision issues including light sensitivity, temporary vision loss, blurred vision and seeing lines or spots.
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Speech problems
• Digestive issues including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling

As you can see, migraines are no less debilitating simply because there is no accompanying headache. So what can be done to get help?

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Migraines

When the C1 and C2 (atlas and axis vertebrae) are out of alignment, pressure may be put on the brainstem or spinal cord. Also, cerebrospinal fluid may cease to drain properly. Any of these factors can result in migraines.

If you have experience head or neck trauma in the past, you may have such a misalignment, even if the injury seemed minor at the time. An upper cervical examination can reveal if a realignment has the potential to help with your migraine problems.