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What is a migraine?

Migraines are a type of headache disorder characterised by recurrent, often severe headaches.

Headache disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, including tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and cervicogenic headaches, each with distinct underlying mechanisms.

Migraines are a disabling form of headache disorder often cause throbbing pain—typically on one side of the head—accompanied by nausea, light or sound sensitivity, and sometimes visual disturbances (known as aura).


neck pain

What causes migraine?

When abnormal brain activity disrupts nerve signalling, blood flow, and pain pathways.

Migraine is a complex neurological condition influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental triggers. Unlike a typical headache, migraines are caused by abnormal activation and sensitisation of pain pathways in the brain, involving both vascular and neurological changes.

Overactivation of the trigeminal nerve and brainstem alters blood vessel tone and releases inflammatory neuropeptides, producing pain and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Stress, sleep disruption, hormonal changes, certain foods or sensory overstimulation can further trigger or intensify attacks.

sitting on the bed late afternoon with one hand of the head in discomfort

Common features of migraines

Migraines can vary in intensity, duration, and pattern, but they often share common features.

Migraine have symptoms that distinguish it from other headache types, including:

  • Throbbing or pulsating head pain, often on one side
  • Pain that worsens with activity
  • Nausea or vomiting during attacks
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
  • Visual changes such as flashing lights (aura)
  • Neck or facial pain and stiffness
  • Dizziness or difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue or mood changes before or after the headache phase
lady sitting at a cafe with back and neck pain

Types of headache disorders

Headache disorders are broadly categorised based on their underlying causes and patterns.

How can we help

Standard medications and preventive strategies help some people, but others continue to experience frequent and severe symptoms.

Our advanced treatments—including ketamine therapy, stellate ganglion blocks, and targeted interventional pain procedures—help stabilise overactive neural pathways, reduce migraine frequency and intensity, and restore daily function and quality of life.

Ketamine therapy

Ketamine therapy can reduce central sensitisation in the brain, providing relief from persistent migraine pain and lowering attack frequency, severity and duration.

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Stellate Ganglion Block

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may help selected patients whose migraines or headache disorders are driven by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.

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Our unique approach

Migraines and headaches are complex, often involving neurological, vascular, and stress-related factors.

At Anodyne, we can help people living with migraine and chronic headache disorders by delivering evidence-based therapies when other treatments have failed.

Personalised treatment plans for complex and resistant cases

1.
consultation with a man on a couch in discussion with medical support

Integration with neurologists, GPs, and allied health for coordinated care

2.
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Use of advanced therapies supported by clinical research

3.
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Focus on restoring daily function and preventing unnecessary hospitalisations

4.
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Why choose anodyne?

We understand how debilitating chronic headaches and migraines can be.

At Anodyne, you’ll be treated in a supportive environment by an experienced team that listens, explains clearly, and delivers safe, evidence-based care for complex headache disorders.

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Want to know more?

Take the next step

If you’re living with frequent migraines or chronic headaches that haven’t improved with standard care, advanced options may help. Book an appointment or make an enquiry today to explore treatment at Anodyne.