Benefits of Cannabis Use for Migraine

Migraines, commonly identified by a pulsating pain that is usually only felt on one side of the head, are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light or sound. This condition tends to affect women more frequently than men and typically starts in the early stages of adulthood.

Although the most typical sort of migraine is one that strikes without warning, some people may get warning symptoms before an attack (known as a migraine with aura).

Chronic migraines

When a migraine episode happens for at least 15 days each month, it is considered chronic. A patient with chronic migraines finds it very difficult to function daily.

Causes of migraines

Although the exact cause is unknown, migraines are suspected to be caused by abnormal brain activity that affects nerve impulses, blood vessels in the brain, and neurotransmitters. Migraine symptoms vary due to the fleeting nature of brain activity. Some studies suggest that a person’s genetic make-up may play a role in migraine risk.

People who have migraines are frequently impacted by the triggers that cause their headaches and other related symptoms. The data is conflicting as to whether they are indeed migraine triggers, with some research raising the possibility that food cravings may actually constitute prodromal migraine symptoms.

A few potential causes include:

  • Hormones: Hormones are a typical issue for women during their menstrual cycle because of fluctuations in hormone levels. Some women get migraines after, during, or before their period. ‘Menstrual migraine’ is another name for this.
  • Emotions: Stress, worry, tension, shock, melancholy, and even excitement are examples of emotions.
  • Physical activity: insufficient sleep, odd work schedules like shift work, bad posture, stress in the neck or shoulders, low blood sugar levels, jet lag, and physical exertion (when not used to exercising) like starting a new gym routine are some examples of this.
  • Diet: This might include skipping meals or eating erratically, dehydration, drinking alcohol, taking caffeine, or consuming tyramine-containing foods.
  • Environmental causes: bright or strobe lighting, flashing from a computer or television screen, smoking, high noise levels, fluctuations in humidity levels or extremely cold weather, strong odours like cologne or perfume, and inadequate air circulation leading to stuffy rooms or buildings.
  • Medicinal factors: The combination oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and hormone replacement treatment (HRT) are examples of medicinal influences.

Keeping a migraine diary might help patients find any potential causes by revealing a pattern of migraine episodes.

Symptoms of a migraine

The major sign is a severe headache, which is typically characterised as a throbbing head ache on one side. In youngsters, however, the pain is typically felt on both sides. The discomfort, which can be mild to severe, gets worse as you move. In more extreme circumstances, the pain could be felt on both sides of the head, as well as in the neck or face.

Additional signs include:

  • Having the flu or feeling unwell
  • Heightened sensitivity to sound and light
  • A reduction in concentration

Less frequent signs include:

  • Changing temperatures that make you feel either too cold or too hot
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea

Migraine types

Migraine comes in a variety of forms.

  1. Migraine with aura: These migraines include warning signs like:
  • Seeing black patches, flashing lights, or zigzag patterns is one example of a visual disturbance.
  • Usually beginning in one hand and moving up the arm before affecting the face, lips, and tongue, numbness or a tingling feeling comparable to pins and needles
  • A loss of balance or dizziness
  • Impaired speech
  • A loss of consciousness can occur relatively rarely.
  1. aura-free migraines (or migraines with no early warning signs)
  2. Migraine aura without headache (silent migraine): This has migraine-related symptoms but no actual headache.
  3. Abdominal migraine: This condition is frequently identified in children and is characterised by episodes of nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort rather than headaches. Abdominal migraine sufferers frequently have a personal or familial history of migraines.

Diagnosis of migraines

There isn’t a particular test to identify migraine. A doctor will evaluate a patient to determine the pattern of their recurrent headaches.

A person who suffers from migraines may find it useful to keep track of their episodes in order to spot patterns and potential triggers. A migraine journal might contain details like:

  • Date
  • Day and time
  • Location
  • Any other noteworthy events: Such as being in a room that was extremely bright, adjacent to a strong fragrance, or subjected to excessive noise before the migraine started.

To help rule out further probable headache reasons, blood tests or imaging scans may be required.

Migraine therapy

There is currently no treatment for migraines. Migraine patients can control their condition using proactive and reactive therapy. What could be useful is:

  • Staying still and in the dark while avoiding potential triggers
  • Consider eating something light.
  • Several claim to feel better after being ill.

Pain relievers that you can find in most shops, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol, may assist. It is advised to take pain medication as soon as a migraine episode starts. Pills that are eaten whole are not as quickly absorbed by the body as soluble pain relievers.

Suppository painkillers put into the rectum may be a preferable alternative in severe migraine instances where nausea or vomiting limits the consumption of pills or fluids.

Migraines and Medical Cannabis

If you suffer from persistent migraines and want to test medical cannabis treatments for headaches, you may schedule a marijuana consultation with MARUCANNA. Our professional experts will determine your eligibility and whether medical cannabis is a viable therapeutic option for your migraines.

Fast-track your private cannabis prescription consultation

With MARUCANNA’s private cannabis consultation, the process is quick and easy. Complete a free eligibility check, fill out a simple questionnaire, and receive an instant decision. Qualified patients will have a virtual consultation with our medical team.

Frequently asked questions about Migraine

What distinguishes a tension-type headache from a migraine?

Instead of being felt on one side of the head, tension-type headaches are often felt as a band of pain across the forehead. Although this isn’t always the case, migraine discomfort is often more intense than a tension-type headache. A further set of signs that distinguish a migraine from a regular headache include feeling or being ill, being more sensitive to light and sound, and losing focus.

What is a migraine aura?

Before a migraine episode, warning signs called migraine auras are present. They might happen with or without the ensuing migraine headache discomfort. These may consist of:

  • Visual disturbances such as seeing zigzag patterns, black areas, or flashing lights
  • Pins-and-needles-like tingling or numbness that typically begins in one hand, travels up the arm, and then spreads to the face, lips, and tongue.
  • The inability to stand or balance
  • Impediment of speech
  • A loss of consciousness does, on occasion, occur.

How long do migraines last?

Each person’s migraine will be different in length. An untreated migraine might last anywhere from four to seventy-two hours. To lessen the symptoms and intensity of an attack, painkillers are advised at the very first indications of a migraine.

What causes migraines?

Every migraine sufferer has a unique set of potential triggers, and there are many of them. These range from physical activity to hormonal changes, too much light or noise, to a sharp temperature drop. Keeping a migraine diary of each recurrence is the most effective technique to determine the root cause of a person’s migraine episodes. Once a pattern is established, the person will be able to avoid migraine triggers.

How to stop having migraines?

  • Ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol should be used as quickly as possible to relieve pain.
  • Avoid all potential stimulation and lie down in a calm, dark space.
  • Attempt a light meal if you think it may help.

Avoid fighting the need to vomit; some individuals say they feel better after doing so.

Can Medical Cannabis work for Migraines?

At present, there’s no remedy for migraine. Treatments for migraine sufferers might be reactive or preventive. Things that could be useful include: lying still in a dark, quiet environment; avoiding any potential stimulation; and considering eating something light. Some people claim that after getting sick, they feel better. It is best to start taking painkillers as soon as a migraine attack appears. Dissolvable pain relievers are a viable substitute since they dissolve more quickly in the body.

Book an appointment or complete the eligibility evaluation for pain management with medical cannabis. One of our physicians will examine your application and let you know if you may move forward with an appointment.

Does medicinal CBD help migraines?

Medicinal CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines for some people. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties can offer relief. However, results can vary, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

How much CBD should you take for migraines?

Start with a low dose of CBD, such as 10-20 mg, for migraines. Gradually increase the dose if necessary, based on how your body responds. Individual needs can vary, so it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most effective dosage for your specific condition.

Can cannabis help with migraines?

Yes, cannabis has been reported to help with migraines by reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in some individuals. Its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects might help ease symptoms, though results vary from person to person. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to explore its use for migraine management, as evidence is still evolving.

How Much CBD Does It Take to Get Rid of a Migraine?

The amount of CBD needed to alleviate a migraine can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, many individuals start with a dose of 10–20 mg of CBD and adjust as needed based on their response. For those experiencing more severe migraines, a higher dose between 25 and 50 mg may be more effective. It’s important to start low and gradually increase the dose, paying attention to how your body reacts. Finding the right amount can take some trial and error, so keep track of your doses and effects for the best results.

Do CBD Gummies Help with Migraines?

Yes, CBD gummies can help with migraines, thanks to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Many people find that gummies provide a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD. However, keep in mind that gummies typically take longer to work, usually around 30 minutes to 2 hours, because they need to be digested. For those looking for a sustained release of CBD, gummies are a great option. However, if you need more immediate relief from a migraine, faster-acting forms like oils or tinctures might be more effective. Regardless of the form, consistency is essential for managing migraines effectively with CBD.