neurOasis

As I write this blog, I am in Boston for the meeting of the Headache Cooperative of New England.  After the morning session is now complete, I am sorry to report that there are no magic pills on the horizon - no simple cure for migraine just around the corner.  In fact, one drug that has shown promise in clinical trials is now delayed for its approval for use, by at least two years. 

Most of the speakers simply outlined the types of headaches that we treat, how to diagnose them and the standard pharmacological treatments.  Very little new or exciting information was forthcoming.  I am, however, happy to report that one speaker spent time addressing the behavioural component of migraine and how to approach the patient from that angle.  I remain firmly convinced, based on my own experience with patients and the medical literature, that the only effective way to treat patients with chronic or frequent headaches is to use an integrative approach.  This is what we do at neurOasis:  we evaluate the patient as a unique individual with unique headache triggers requiring a unique treatment plan.  Everyone has a different migraine "puzzle" to solve, and that often involves using prescription medications AND complimentary techniques such as naturopathic and nutritional treatments, acupuncture, meditation and Reiki, and even chiropractic care and physical therapy.  So, until that magic pill is announced, look for a practitioner near you who understands all of the above and treats you as the unique and special person that you are.