Treating Migraines with PEMF
BY JONATHAN BOWEN
Astrocytes, brain glial cells connect neuronal cells to blood vessels
Migraines - a nerve issue
Migraines are much more than a headache. According to the author of “Migraines,” Dr Elizabeth Leroux, migraines are now viewed as a disorder of the central nervous system and of the neurons themselves. Migraines are commonplace. One in ten people suffers from migraines. In 2012, the medical journal ‘The Lancet’, classified migraine as the third most common disease in the world in all categories.
Migraine attacks involve several different brain structures and neurotransmitters. Migraine symptoms include a pounding or throbbing sensation and sensitivities to light, sound, vibration, and sometimes touch. Migraines also cause nausea.
According to Doctor Elizabeth Leroux, author of Migraines More than a Headache:
“A migraine attack involves several different brain structures and neurotransmitters… a migraine attack is caused by inflammatory electrical mechanisms that occur on a microscopic scale…
A migraine may occur in response to an imbalance in the brain that triggers an aura in the cortex (an electrical wave) or prodrome in the hypothalamus.” (p52, 63) (1)
Phases of Migraines:
Migraines usually develop over phases. During the warning phase (prodrome or early symptoms), the victim will experience irritability, depression, tiredness and yawning, and possibly loss of appetite. Following this, the aura phase develops (in about 1 out of 4 people). Its symptoms include vision loss or the appearance of flashing or shimmering lights, hallucinations are possible, along with feelings of numbness or muscle weakness. After this, the migraine strikes in full force during the headache phase. Severe migraine pain is usually felt on one side of the head (the temples) or the front (forehead). However, it can be felt elsewhere as well. Often there is severe pain behind the eyes. The pain can last up to 72 hours. Next, the victim may experience dizziness, irritability and extreme sensitivity to light, smell and sound. Usually, they will retreat to a cool, dark, quiet place away from all external stimuli. Finally, there is the resolution phase (postdrome or after effects), where the symptoms wind down, and the patient has trouble concentrating, is exhausted and possibly depressed.
When breaking down the stages of migraines and the biology of each phase, Dr Leroux observes the Aura:
“Aura’s can now be explained by the discovery of cortic