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Cluster Headache and Migraine Are Just Different Expressions of the Same Condition

October 9, 2009 by dean · Leave a Comment 

After examining six clinical trials in which cluster headache sufferers were treated with various ‘triptan’ medications it was concluded that the ‘triptans’ were effective in preventing the debilitating pain of cluster headache – just further evidence to support that cluster headache and migraine share a common underlying disorder.

This disorder has been demonstrated to be a sensitised brainstem and of course the ‘triptans’ de-sensitise the brainstem.

Furthermore there is a significant body of research which suggests that influencing (anaesthetising/blocking) information from structures of the upper neck prevents migraine and cluster headache. This suggests that abnormal information from disorders of these structures can sensitise the brainstem and that therefore a skilled examination of the upper neck should be included in assessment of migraine and cluster headache sufferers.

Cheers

Dean

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About dean
Consultant Headache & Migraine Physiotherapist; International Teacher; Director, The Headache Clinic & Watson Headache Institute; PhD Candidate Murdoch University, Western Australia; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, Physiotherapy School, University of South Australia; MAppSc(Res) GradDipAdvManipTher Experienced health practitioners trained in the Watson Headache Approach perform the examination and treatment techniques developed by Dean Watson. These techniques are based on his extensive experience of 7000 headache patients (21,000 hours) over 21 years and are now taught internationally. For your nearest practitioner who has completed training in the ‘Watson Headache Approach’ please refer to the ‘Practitioner Directory’.

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