Have you been having frequent migraines? If so, have you considered seeing an ENT specialist? Many people never assume an ear, nose and throat specialist can help you combat your migraines but they can. Many people who suffer from migraines are actually suffering from bone spurs in the neck and spine or from a deviated septum. ENT Specialists will share how your migraines may actually be a side effect of bone spurs or nasal septum deviation.
Many people suffer from migraines and often don’t realize it is a migraine and not just a headache. Headaches do feel similar. However, migraines are far more severe and last must longer. Migraines are headaches that are accompanied with major throbbing and constant discomfort and pain. Migraines affect the entire head or both sides of the brain. Migraines can have other neurological symptoms lasting as long as three days. Researchers originally thought that migraines were the result of the blood vessels constricting and dilating within a person’s head. As a result, doctors often prescribed medication that helped treat blood vessels. However, more recent studies show that migraines can be caused by neurological disorders involving chemicals from the brain and the nerve pathways. Migraines can be genetic and each person may have a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms of migraines can include:
• Intense pain that throbs or pulsates from the head
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Vomiting and nausea
• Blurred vision or bright flashes that affect eyesight (auras)
Deviated septum has been connected to those who have been experiencing migraines. This is when a person has suffered from multiple sinus infections typically caused by mucus that blocks the nasal cavity. When the nasal cavity becomes blocked, the infection can result in a migraine. Most people don’t even know they have a deviated septum or a blocked infected nasal cavity. About 69% of all deviated septum cases are discovered due to patients suffering from major or constant nosebleeds. Some other symptoms of deviated septum are migraines, runny nose, loud snoring and regular sinus infections. A surgical procedure known as septoplasty is used to treat deviated septum. Many patients claim that their migraines improved after the surgery.
Another study associated with migraines is the biomechanical imbalances from a person’s musculoskeletal system. In other words, a bone growth or bone spur that develop along the neck and spine. Bone spurs along the neck and spine mostly occur in people of 60 years or older. Most bone spurs are discovered after x-rays, which can determine how severe the bone spurs are. To help treat bone spurs and ease the symptoms of the migraine, anti-inflammatory medications are used. Injections of Kenalog can help cushion the contact points of the bone spurs.
To help determine the source of your migraine, consider seeing a doctor for deviated septum or for bone spurs. If you are having symptoms of either deviated septum or bone spurs and need relief from your migraines, contact ENT Specialists and schedule an appointment today.
