Hemiplegic Migraines: More Than Just a Headache in Redwood City

When a hemiplegic migraine strikes, it's far more terrifying than a "bad headache". The weakness that washes over one side of your body, the vision changes, the numbness – it can feel like your world is crumbling. The fear that it might be something even worse, like a stroke, adds overwhelming anxiety to the physical pain. If you live with this debilitating condition, you might long for a way to lessen the severity of attacks or even to prevent them altogether. Are you tired of feeling helpless? There might be a solution you haven't yet explored - NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City.

What are Hemiplegic Migraines?

Hemiplegic migraines (HM) are a rare but severe type of migraine headache. They're characterized by a distinct set of symptoms known as an "aura," which usually precedes or accompanies the headache pain. Here's what makes them particularly frightening:

• Motor weakness: One-sided weakness or temporary paralysis is the hallmark of HM. This can make moving parts of your body during the attack difficult or impossible.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, flashing lights, blind spots, or other visual disturbances are common.
• Sensory symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or strange sensations can occur on one side of the body.
• Speech or language difficulties: Some people experience trouble speaking or finding the right words.

Hemiplegic migraines can be either familial (running in families) or sporadic (occurring without a known genetic link).

The Connection to NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City

If you suffer from hemiplegic migraines, there might be a hidden factor contributing to your attacks – a misalignment in your upper neck. The top two vertebrae in your spine, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), have a crucial job: protecting your brainstem. This vital structure acts like a control center, regulating  blood flow, pain processing, and many other essential functions.

Past injuries, such as whiplash, sports concussions, or falls, can cause slight misalignments in these delicate bones. Even if the initial injury healed long ago, these misalignments can put pressure on your brainstem, potentially disrupting its normal function. This disruption might be a trigger for hemiplegic migraines in some individuals.

How NUCCA Care Can Help

NUCCA chiropractors like Dr. Pete Tsiglieris focus in identifying and correcting misalignments in the upper neck. Through gentle and precise adjustments, they aim to:

• Restore proper alignment: This can reduce pressure on the brainstem and improve its overall function.
• Decrease nerve irritation: Misalignments can irritate sensitive nerves, potentially contributing to migraine attacks.
• Improve overall health: By addressing a potential underlying cause, upper cervical care may lead to reduced migraine frequency and intensity, along with other health benefits.

What to Expect When You Try NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City

If you're considering exploring upper cervical care for your hemiplegic migraines, here's what you can generally expect during your appointments with Dr. Pete Tsiglieris:

• Consultation: The first step is a thorough discussion of your health history, with a focus on your migraine symptoms, past injuries, and overall well-being.
• Imaging: Specialized techniques, like X-rays provide a detailed picture of your upper cervical spine, pinpointing misalignments.
• Personalized approach: Based on the findings, Dr. Tsiglieris will develop an individualized treatment plan using gentle, non-invasive adjustments to restore proper alignment.

If you're ready to explore this potential solution, please reach out. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Pete Tsiglieris and discover if NUCCA Chiropractic in Redwood City could be the key to a brighter future for you.