A woman suffering from headache, a common symptom of concussion

Severe TBIs vs. Concussions: What You Should Know

Severe TBIs vs. Concussions: What You Should Know

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) encompass a broad spectrum of head injuries, ranging from temporary concussions to permanent life-altering events. Understanding the differences between concussions and more severe types of TBIs is crucial when seeking treatment.

Here at Carolina Brain Center, we have years of experience dealing with TBIs, concussions, and other neurological conditions. We know how to recognize their respective signs and symptoms, and that allows us to identify the best possible paths to recovery for our patients.

To help you understand the difference between severe TBIs vs. concussions, we’ve put together the following guidelines. The more educated you are about your own condition, the better equipped you are to make the right choices during your recovery. For more information about TBIs and concussions, visit Carolina Brain Center today. 

Severe TBIs vs Concussions: What’s the Difference?

Concussions are considered mild traumatic brain injuries. They often result from a blow, jolt, or sudden movement to the head or body, causing the brain to shake within the skull. While concussions are generally not life-threatening, they can lead to a range of symptoms that affect cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.

Severe TBIs, on the other hand, involve more extensive damage to the brain and can have life-threatening implications. These injuries typically result from a forceful impact, penetration, or severe shaking of the head, leading to significant disruption of brain function.

Signs and Symptoms

Close-up of brain imaging scans

Concussions

  • Loss of Consciousness: Zero to 60 seconds. 
  • Headache: Often the most common symptom after a concussion.
  • Dizziness or Vertigo: Feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or experiencing a spinning sensation.
  • Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling queasy or actually vomiting post-injury.
  • Temporary Confusion or Disorientation: Momentary disorientation, trouble focusing, or memory problems.
  • Sensitivity to Light or Noise: Heightened sensitivity to light or sound.
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or having low energy levels.

Severe TBIs

  • Loss of Consciousness: Unconsciousness after the injury, ranging from minutes to hours.
  • Severe Headache: Intense and persistent headaches following the injury.
  • Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
  • Slurred Speech or Incoherence: Difficulty speaking or forming coherent sentences.
  • Numbness or Weakness: Loss of sensation or motor function in limbs.
  • Persistent Confusion or Agitation: Long-lasting disorientation or emotional disturbances.

Recovery Paths

A woman receiving an EEG scan after suffering a traumatic brain injury

Concussions

  • Rest and Observation: Adequate rest, both physical and cognitive, is crucial for concussion recovery.
  • Gradual Return to Activities: Slowly reintroducing activities as symptoms improve under medical guidance.
  • Monitoring Symptoms: Consistent monitoring of symptoms to ensure they don't worsen during recovery.
  • Functional Neurology: Receiving treatment for an experienced functional neurology professional can help exercise your brain and restore it to full health.

Severe TBIs

  • Hospitalization and Medical Intervention: Immediate medical attention and intensive care may be necessary.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Specialized therapies involving physical, occupational, and speech therapies to regain lost function. Functional neurology can also help relieve symptoms and enhance the healing process.
  • Long-Term Monitoring: Continual monitoring and follow-up care to manage ongoing symptoms and potential complications.

Carolina Brain Center Treats TBIs, Concussions, and More!

Knowing how to identify severe TBIs vs. concussions is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While concussions often resolve with rest and time, severe TBIs may require extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation. Recognizing the signs, promptly seeking medical attention, and following recommended recovery protocols is critical for optimizing outcomes and ensuring the best possible recovery for individuals affected by these injuries.

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, Carolina Brain Center can help guide you down the road to recovery. We believe in a holistic and patient-centered approach to care, which is why we tailor our treatment plants to the specific needs and capabilities of each individual patient.

Let’s work together to design the perfect treatment plan for you; contact us today!


A fuel dial switched from “glucose” to “ketone” energy

What Are Ketones? An Introduction to the Neurological Benefits of Ketone Therapy

Ketones have been gaining more and more attention in recent years, in part due to the popularity of ketogenic diet plans for weight management. However, many people still don’t know much about them. What are ketones? And, besides weight management, what potential health benefits do they offer? Can ketones be used to improve neurological function?

Believe it or not, they can. Ketone therapy, which involves the deliberate elevation of ketone levels in the body, has shown to be extremely beneficial in the field of functional neurology, especially when used in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. That’s why Carolina Brain Center is proud to partner with deltaG Ketones to offer our patients ketone therapy services.

A WADA, BSCG, & FDA GRAS-approved ketone supplement, deltaG Ketones were developed by scientists at the University of Oxford and the National Institutes of Health. Below, we’ll delve into how these ketones work and what benefits they offer functional neurology patients. To experience firsthand what deltaG Ketones can do for you, contact Carolina Brain Center today!

What Are Ketones?

Ketones are molecules produced when the body breaks down fats for energy in the absence of sufficient carbohydrates. They serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles when glucose availability is limited, such as during fasting, a low-carbohydrate diet (like the ketogenic diet), or prolonged physical exertion.

The three main types of ketones produced in the body are beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone. Of these, BHB is the most abundant. In fact, BHB can itself be divided into two subtypes: D-BHB (which supplies the body with efficient energy) and L-BHB (which is used less for energy and more to synthesize fatty acids).

High amounts of D-BHB can be found in deltaG Ketones, enabling patients to enjoy the benefits of ketone therapy without necessarily having to change their diet.

Benefits of Ketone Therapy

Ketone therapy involves intentionally elevating blood ketone levels through dietary modifications, supplementation with ketone salts or esters, or fasting regimens. This therapeutic approach has garnered attention for its potential in various health realms, including weight management, cognitive enhancement, epilepsy treatment, and neuroprotection.

By inducing a state of nutritional ketosis, ketone therapy offers several potential benefits:

Enhanced Cognitive Function

One of the most notable benefits of ketones is their capacity to enhance cognitive function. Research indicates that ketones serve as a more efficient and cleaner fuel for the brain compared to glucose, leading to improved mental clarity, focus, and concentration. Moreover, ketones have shown potential in mitigating the cognitive decline associated with aging and certain neurodegenerative conditions, offering hope for individuals seeking to preserve their cognitive abilities.

Neuroprotective Effects

Ketones exhibit neuroprotective properties that can safeguard the brain against various neurological disorders. Studies suggest that ketones possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—two significant contributors to neurodegeneration. Additionally, ketones may enhance the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal survival and growth, further promoting neuroprotection.

Management of Neurological Conditions

Ketone therapy has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment for various neurological conditions. Conditions such as epilepsy, where traditional treatments might be inadequate, have shown promising responses to ketogenic diets or exogenous ketone supplements. The anticonvulsant effects of ketones have provided relief to many individuals, especially those with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Moreover, research into the therapeutic applications of ketones in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and even traumatic brain injury suggests that ketones can help patients manage these conditions by slowing down disease progression and improving symptomatology.

Improved Energy Metabolism and Brain Health

Ketone bodies act as an efficient energy source for the brain, particularly during times of glucose scarcity. This metabolic flexibility not only sustains brain function but also promotes overall brain health. Ketones provide a more stable and consistent energy supply, reducing the fluctuations commonly associated with glucose metabolism. This stability contributes to sustained mental clarity and alertness, which can benefit individuals seeking peak cognitive performance.

Weight Management and Metabolic Health

As noted earlier, ketone therapy has proven effective for weight management and improving metabolic health. Ketogenic diets, which induce ketosis by significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, have been effective in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic markers like blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol profiles. These metabolic improvements can benefit brain health, as conditions like insulin resistance and diabetes are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Learn More About deltaG Ketones at Carolina Brain Center

While the benefits of ketones for functional neurology patients are impressive, we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. Now that you know how to answer the question “What are ketones,” the next important thing to ask is “What else can ketones do for us?”

As ketone research continues and more neurological benefits are uncovered, there’s one you can be certain about: Carolina Brain Center will be there every step of the way. We strive to provide our patients with the best and most up-to-date neurological health services. That’s why we’ve chosen deltaG Ketones to be our supplier of ketone supplements.

Do you think deltaG Ketones might be for you? Come into Carolina Brain Center today and let us develop a personalized treatment plan just for you!


A notebook labeled “Nutrition Plan” surrounded by healthy meals

Natural Migraine Treatment: The Role of Nutrition & Lifestyle Changes in Migraine Management

Migraines are often debilitating and disruptive, and they affect millions of people worldwide. The result? Many people are unsure where to turn for effective, natural migraine treatment.

That’s where Carolina Brain Center comes in. Here at Carolina Brain Center, we believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach that emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. When traditional medications aren’t enough, we’ve found that making small but fundamental changes to diet and lifestyle often helps patients reduce migraine frequency, severity, and overall impact on daily life.

In this post, we’ll look at some helpful migraine nutrition and lifestyle tips. By following these recommendations, you’ll be better equipped to manage your migraines in a healthy, non-invasive way. To learn more about holistic approaches to migraine management, schedule an appointment with Carolina Brain Center!

Understanding the Migraine-Diet Connection

Migraine nutrition plays a crucial role in symptom management. Certain foods and beverages are known triggers for migraines in susceptible individuals. Common culprits include:

Potential Trigger Foods

  • Tyramine-rich foods: Aged cheeses, processed meats, and certain fermented foods.
  • Histamine-containing foods: Wine, aged cheeses, and fermented foods.
  • Caffeine: Excessive intake or sudden withdrawal can trigger migraines in some individuals.
  • Artificial additives: MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrates, and aspartame may trigger migraines in sensitive individuals.
  • Tannins: Found in red wine, tea, and certain fruits.

Migraine Nutrition Recommendations

A healthcare provider explaining to a patient how their diet choices impact migraine frequency

Embrace Whole Foods

Prioritize a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach minimizes exposure to potential triggers and provides essential nutrients that support overall health.

Maintain Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is crucial for natural migraine treatment. Dehydration can trigger migraines in some individuals. Aim to drink adequate water throughout the day and limit caffeinated beverages, opting for herbal teas or water instead.

Identify and Eliminate Triggers

Keeping a food diary can help identify personal trigger foods. Eliminating or reducing these triggers from the diet may significantly reduce migraine occurrences.

Lifestyle Changes for Migraine Management

A patient exercising on the beach as a way of managing their migraine symptoms

Establish Consistent Sleep Patterns

Quality sleep is vital in migraine management. Irregular sleep patterns or inadequate sleep can trigger migraines. Aim for a regular sleep schedule, ensuring sufficient rest each night.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Adopt stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies to alleviate stress levels.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Aim for moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, which can also alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

Natural Supplements and Nutritional Support

A row of wooden spoons with dietary supplements for migraine management

Magnesium

Magnesium supplementation has shown promise in reducing migraine frequency and severity in some individuals. Consult a healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosages.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Studies suggest that riboflavin supplementation may help prevent migraines. Again, however, it's advisable to discuss supplementation with a healthcare provider before starting.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 supplementation has demonstrated potential in reducing migraine frequency, although further research is needed to conclusively quantify its efficacy as a natural migraine treatment.

Get Professional Migraine Nutrition Guidance Today!

While nutrition and lifestyle modifications offer significant potential in managing migraines, it's crucial to adopt changes gradually and with personalized guidance. The healthcare professionals at Carolina Brain Center can help you develop a natural migraine treatment plan based on your individual triggers, dietary needs, and overall health status.

That isn’t the only way we can help you with migraine management, of course. We’re proud to offer functional neurology for migraine treatment. We know that every patient is different, with their own specific goals and concerns. That’s why we make sure all our patients have their own personalized treatment plan that is unique to them. We can do the same for you. Call us today to set up an appointment!


A 3D illustration of the human brain, highlighting the parts affected during a stroke

Exploring GyroStrim’s Potential in Treating Post-Stroke Symptoms

If you or someone you love has survived a stroke, you know that the effects can linger for a long time. Post-stroke symptoms can present significant challenges, impacting an individual's motor function, balance, and overall quality of life. Rehabilitation is often a slow process, and it’s not always easy. Fortunately, ongoing GyroStim research may be able to help change that.

GyroStim is an innovative therapeutic device that has been gaining attention for its potential in post-stroke rehabilitation.  Utilizing rotational movements in a controlled environment, GyroStim offers a unique approach to address and potentially alleviate post-stroke symptoms, aiding in recovery and improving functional outcomes.

Carolina Brain Center is proud to offer GyroStim therapy to those struggling with post-stroke symptoms and other neurological issues. If you’re curious about what GyroStim can do for you, don’t hesitate; reach out to us today!

Understanding Post-Stroke Symptoms

Stroke, a leading cause of disability worldwide, can result in a variety of physical and cognitive impairments. Common post-stroke symptoms include muscle weakness, paralysis, impaired coordination, balance issues, and difficulties with speech or cognitive functions. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain lost functions and improve their independence following a stroke.

Potential Benefits of GyroStim for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

GyroStim is a specialized rotational chair system designed to provide controlled multi-axis movement experiences. Patients sit within the GyroStim capsule-like structure, which moves along various axes and can be adjusted to different speeds and patterns. This controlled rotation creates precise vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation, engaging the brain in adaptive responses to the changing environment.

A patient engaging in post-stroke rehabilitation to improve their motor functions

Vestibular Rehabilitation

The vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, often suffers damage during a stroke. GyroStim's rotational movements target and stimulate the vestibular system, aiding in its rehabilitation. The controlled motions within the device can thus help retrain and recalibrate the vestibular system, potentially improving balance and reducing dizziness or vertigo associated with post-stroke symptoms.

Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery

GyroStim's unique rotational patterns offer sensory input that can induce neuroplastic changes in the brain. By engaging various neural pathways, it can promote neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections. This stimulation facilitates motor learning and recovery, aiding in regaining motor functions affected by the stroke.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

While primarily targeting motor and vestibular functions, GyroStim's complex movements can also contribute to cognitive rehabilitation. The multi-sensory stimulation provided by GyroStim's rotations can help improve cognitive processes, such as attention, spatial awareness, and executive functions, aiding in overall cognitive recovery post-stroke.

Research and Clinical Applications

Studies exploring GyroStim's efficacy in post-stroke rehabilitation are ongoing, showcasing promising preliminary results. Clinical applications of GyroStim in stroke recovery typically involve personalized protocols tailored to individual needs. Therapists can adjust the speed, duration, and direction of rotations to address specific deficits and gradually progress as the patient's abilities improve.

Experience the Benefits of GyroStim at Carolina Brain Center

As GyroStim research progresses and the understanding of GyroStim’s effects on post-stroke symptoms deepens, it holds the potential to revolutionize stroke rehabilitation, providing new avenues for improving functional outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals on their journey toward recovery after a stroke.

Here at Carolina Brain Center, we’re committed to providing our patients with the most innovative and cutting-edge treatment options currently available. GyroStim is just one of the many services we offer. No two patients are ever the same, which is why we always create personalized treatment plans to meet our patient’s unique needs. Schedule an appointment now and let us do the same for you!


An empty hyperbaric oxygen therapy unit

Cognitive Benefits of HBOT

One of the most exciting and versatile treatments we offer here at Carolina Brain Center is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This non-invasive treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, resulting in increased oxygen levels in the body's tissues.

Beyond its primary use in treating various medical conditions, one of the many benefits of HBOT is its ability to enhance a patient’s cognitive abilities. HBOT has the potential to positively influence brain function and to help individuals with various neurological conditions and cognitive impairments. 

To learn more about HBOT’s benefits for cognitive function, schedule an appointment with Carolina Brain Center today!

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT involves exposure to oxygen levels higher than atmospheric pressure while inside a hyperbaric chamber. The increased pressure enables the body to absorb more oxygen, which gets dissolved in the bloodstream and reaches tissues and organs at higher concentrations. This heightened oxygen availability stimulates healing processes, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair.

Cognitive Benefits of HBOT

Close-up of the pressure gauge on an HBOT unit

Enhanced Brain Function

Research suggests that HBOT may enhance cognitive function by improving oxygen delivery to the brain. Increased oxygenation supports neuronal activity, aiding in neurotransmission and promoting neural plasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections.

Neuroprotective Effects

HBOT's oxygen-rich environment has shown neuroprotective properties, potentially shielding the brain from damage caused by injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases. It may help reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and promote the survival of brain cells.

Improved Cerebral Blood Flow

HBOT has been associated with enhanced cerebral blood flow, which is vital for optimal brain function. By increasing blood flow to areas affected by injury or reduced circulation, HBOT may support the brain's healing processes and mitigate cognitive impairments.

Applications in Neurological Conditions

Interior view of an empty HBOT unit

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

HBOT has shown promise in aiding recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Studies suggest that it may help reduce cognitive deficits, improve cognitive processing, and enhance functional outcomes for individuals with TBIs.

Stroke

Following a stroke, HBOT's ability to increase oxygen availability to affected brain regions may promote recovery by supporting damaged tissue and potentially restoring lost function.

Discover HBOT’s Benefits at Carolina Brain Center

HBOT’s benefits in terms of cognitive function offer a mere glimpse into its broader applications beyond traditional medical uses. By enhancing oxygen delivery to the brain, HBOT shows promise in supporting brain function, aiding in neurorehabilitation, and potentially benefiting individuals with various neurological conditions.

Carolina Brain Center is committed to offering patients the very best holistic neurological care. That’s why we always stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in HBOT, GyroStim, and other innovative forms of non-invasive neurological medicine. Let us help you discover the benefits of HBOT therapy. Contact us today!


A father and his two children staring at their smartphone screens

Cybersickness: How Screen Time Impacts the Visual-Vestibular System

In an era dominated by digital screens, the phenomenon of cybersickness has emerged as an ongoing concern, affecting individuals who spend significant time engaged with virtual environments. Whether you’re young or old, spending your days hunched over a computer screen at work or swiping right on a smartphone in your bedroom, cybersickness can strike anyone, any time.

Similar to motion sickness, symptoms of cybersickness include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and more. But what causes this condition? More importantly, how can we mitigate the effects of excess screen time in time when so much of our daily lives depend on interacting with screens?

Nothing is more important to us here at Carolina Brain Center than empowering people to maintain their neurological health. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what cybersickness is, the root causes of it, and what you can do to safeguard your brain from its effects.

If you are concerned about your neurological health, don’t hesitate to contact Carolina Brain Center today. Your well-being is our top priority.

What is Cybersickness?

Cybersickness refers to a collection of symptoms experienced when interacting with digital displays, virtual reality (VR) environments, or video games. Symptoms can range from nausea, dizziness, headaches, eyestrain, disorientation, and fatigue to, in severe cases, vomiting.

These discomforts occur due to visual-vestibular conflict. In short, this is a discrepancy between what the eyes perceive and what the vestibular system (responsible for balance and spatial orientation) senses.

A child using a mobile tablet while his mother uses a smartphone in the background

What is Visual-Vestibular Conflict?

The human body comprises the visual system, interpreting information from our eyes, and the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Normally, these systems work in harmony to maintain equilibrium. However, when conflicting signals reach the brain from these systems, it triggers the sensation of motion sickness.

Visual-vestibular conflict occurs when the visual system perceives motion from digital screens (such as scrolling, rapid movements, or perspective changes in video games or virtual reality), while the vestibular system senses a lack of corresponding physical movement. This discordance between visual cues and physical sensations confuses the brain, leading to cybersickness symptoms.

Excessive screen time exacerbates these issues, especially in children whose brains are still developing. With the proliferation of smartphones, computers, gaming consoles, and virtual reality devices, people spend more hours engaged with screens than ever before. Prolonged exposure intensifies the mismatch between visual and vestibular cues, increasing the likelihood of experiencing cybersickness symptoms

Mitigating the Effects of Excess Screen Time

Here are some practical tips to mitigate the effects of excessive screen time and reduce the risk of cybersickness:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your gaze on something at least 20 feet away. This practice helps alleviate eye strain and reduces the chances of cybersickness.
  • Adjust screen settings: Optimize your screen's brightness, contrast, and color temperature to reduce eye strain. Use blue light filters or apps that adjust the screen's color temperature for a more comfortable viewing experience, especially before bedtime.
  • Take regular breaks: Incorporate short breaks into screen-intensive activities. Stand up, stretch, or take a brief walk to refresh both your mind and body.
  • Maintain proper posture: Sit in an ergonomic position while using screens. Ensure your screen is at eye level, and your chair provides adequate back support to prevent neck and back strain.
  • Limit screen time: Establish boundaries and allocate specific periods for screen use. Set aside time for outdoor activities, hobbies, or social interactions that don't involve screens.
  • Use distance viewing: When possible, switch to distance viewing by taking breaks outside or looking at distant objects. This practice helps relax the eyes and reduces the strain caused by continuous screen use.
  • Stay hydrated and well-rested: Proper hydration and quality sleep play a significant role in reducing the impact of excessive screen time on overall well-being.

Step Away from the Screen and Contact Us Now!

Visual-vestibular conflict is just one of many common neurological issues plaguing people all across the country. Carolina Brain Center was founded to help patients from all walks of life get the treatment they need for a wide range of neurological conditions.

From concussions and traumatic brain injuries to neurodegenerative disorders, our goal is to provide patients with the most effective holistic treatment options available. Whatever your problem, we can help. Don’t wait; get the care you need from the experts who know best. Schedule an appointment with Carolina Brain Center today!


A graphic depicting the brain of a patient suffering from chronic migraines

What Causes Migraines? Understanding the Migraine-Brain Connection

Characterized by intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by sensory disturbances, migraines are complex neurological events that impact millions of individuals worldwide. But what causes migraines exactly? And what can be done to relieve the pain of those who suffer from them?

Carolina Brain Center is committed to a holistic approach to healthcare. This means that our focus is on treating not just your symptoms, but you as a whole person. Doing that requires understanding the neurological causes behind a variety of conditions, including migraines. 

What’s more, we believe that by helping you understand what causes migraines, we can empower you to make the best choices for your health, quality of life, and peace of mind. To learn more about what Carolina Brain Center can do for you, don’t hesitate; call us today!

Are Migraines a Neurological Disorder?

Yes, migraines are classified as a neurological disorder due to their specific involvement of the nervous system. They are not (as some people mistakenly believe) merely severe headaches. Instead, they are complex events rooted in abnormal neurological processes. The brain's intricate network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and vascular components contributes to the initiation, progression, and resolution of migraines.

The classification of migraines as a neurological disorder is supported by extensive scientific research that has elucidated the intricate neurological pathways and mechanisms involved in migraine pathophysiology. Advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) have provided valuable insights into the brain activity alterations during migraine attacks, further cementing their neurological basis.

Migraines' neurological nature is evident not only in the headache phase but also in the premonitory symptoms, aura, and postdrome experienced by many individuals. These phases often involve various neurological manifestations, such as sensory disturbances, visual changes, and alterations in mood and cognition, further emphasizing the condition's neurological underpinnings.

A molecular model of serotonin, imbalances of which can cause migraines

Neurological Pathways Involved in Migraines

Migraines are widely recognized as a neurological disorder due to their intricate involvement of the nervous system. These headaches often stem from abnormal brain activity that affects various areas, including the trigeminal nerve, brainstem, and cortical regions.

Neuro-Physiologic Imbalances

Neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, also play a role in migraine pathophysiology. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been associated with migraines. Serotonin levels, for instance, can impact blood vessel constriction and dilation, potentially influencing migraine onset.

Trigeminal Nerve Sensitization

One significant aspect of migraines involves the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. During a migraine attack, this nerve becomes sensitized, leading to the release of neuropeptides and inflammatory substances. This process results in the dilation of blood vessels and triggers the characteristic pain associated with migraines.

Cortical Spreading Depression

Another key neurological phenomenon implicated in migraines is cortical spreading depression (CSD). CSD involves a wave of neuronal hyperactivity followed by a temporary suppression of neural activity that propagates across the brain's cortex. This wave is believed to trigger visual disturbances (aura) experienced by some migraine sufferers before the onset of the headache phase.

Carolina Brain Center Offers Holistic Migraine Treatment

It’s important to recognize that the answer to the question “Are migraines a neurological disorder?” is a resounding “yes.” This classification of migraines underscores the need for specialized neurological approaches in their management and treatment. Only by treating migraines as a serious and complex condition can patients truly get the care they need.

Here at Carolina Brain Center, we believe that the best way to combat the effects of chronic migraines is through the creation of personalized, patient-centered treatment plans. We know that no two brains are exactly alike, and that’s why no two treatment plans should be exactly alike.

Let’s work together to build a specialized and (most importantly) effective treatment plan just for you. Schedule an appointment with Carolina Brain Center now!


A woman rubbing her temples while experiencing a painful migraine

How Functional Neurology Can Help with Migraines

Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they can be incredibly debilitating, affecting one's quality of life and productivity. Individuals who suffer from chronic migraines depend on their migraine treatments to help them get through the day. If you’re still searching for a migraine treatment option that works for you, functional neurology might just be the key.

Functional neurology operates on the principle that the brain and nervous system's functionality significantly impacts an individual's overall health. It is a holistic approach to health that focuses on identifying and addressing neurological dysfunctions by assessing how the brain and nervous system communicate and function together.

Here at Carolina Brain Center we believe that understanding the underlying neurological factors behind a patient’s migraine is crucial for both managing and preventing their occurrence. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of Carolina functional neurology services. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more!

The Neuroscience of Migraines

Migraines involve complex neurological processes. They result from a combination of alterations in blood flow, neurotransmitter imbalances, and changes in brain activity. Factors such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, environmental triggers, and stress can all contribute to the onset and frequency of migraines.

Functional neurology aims to delve deeper into these factors. Through comprehensive neurological examinations, including assessments of eye movements, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions, practitioners aim to identify irregularities or dysfunctions in the nervous system. These assessments help form personalized treatment plans to address the root causes triggering migraines.

Approaches to Migraine Treatment in Functional Neurology

Functional neurology doesn't rely solely on medications or invasive procedures. Instead, it emphasizes a holistic approach that may include various non-invasive techniques and lifestyle modifications to support neurological health and reduce migraine occurrences.

1. Neurological Rehabilitation

Functional neurology employs neurological rehabilitation exercises tailored to the individual's specific needs. These exercises aim to improve brain function and connectivity. For instance, eye movement exercises or vestibular rehabilitation can help address sensory integration issues, potentially reducing migraine triggers associated with these dysfunctions.

2. Nutritional and Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications also play a pivotal role. Identifying trigger foods and making dietary changes can significantly impact migraine frequency and severity. Additionally, stress management techniques, adequate sleep patterns, and regular exercise contribute to overall neurological health and may reduce migraine occurrences.

Try Functional Therapy Migraine Treatment Today!

One of the key strengths of functional neurology in managing migraines lies in personalized treatment plans. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, practitioners tailor interventions based on the individual's specific neurological profile. By identifying and addressing unique neurological dysfunctions, functional neurology offers a more targeted, effective, and patient-centered approach to migraine treatment.

This holistic and personalized form of care is a veritable beacon of hope for migraine sufferers seeking alternative or adjunctive therapies beyond conventional treatments. For that reason, Carolina Brain Center is proud to offer a variety of Carolina functional therapy options. Don’t let chronic migraine negatively impact your quality of life; visit Carolina Brain Center to get the help you need!