Migraine

Migraine Relief Through Root-Cause Medicine

A Functional, Personalized Approach by Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Migraines are more than just bad headaches—they’re often debilitating, unpredictable, and resistant to conventional treatments. Dr. Brenda Marshall’s integrative approach goes deeper, identifying and addressing the hidden factors that trigger and sustain migraine cycles.

With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Marshall doesn’t rely on quick pharmaceutical fixes. Instead, she investigates the root causes unique to your physiology, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially during perimenopause or menstrual cycles)
• Food sensitivities or gut-brain axis imbalances
• Histamine intolerance or mast cell activation
• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., magnesium, B2, CoQ10)
• Environmental toxins or mold exposure
• Blood sugar instability or adrenal fatigue
• Cervical spine or structural alignment issues
• Sleep disruption and chronic stress

A Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Each patient receives a tailored plan that may include:

• Hormone evaluation and balancing
• Elimination diet and gut healing protocols
• Targeted supplementation
• Detoxification support
• Neurological and cranial alignment therapies
• Lifestyle coaching for sleep, hydration, and nervous system regulation

Dr. Marshall works collaboratively with her patients to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraines—while also improving overall energy, focus, and emotional resilience.

“Migraine sufferers are often dismissed or offered only temporary relief. My goal is to help you uncover what your body is trying to tell you—and correct it at the source.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

Understanding the Migraine Cycle

Migraines are more than just severe headaches—they’re a neurological condition that unfolds in stages, often disrupting a person's ability to function for days at a time. They typically follow a four-phase progression, although not everyone experiences every phase:

1. Prodrome
This early phase can begin hours or even days before the actual migraine. Subtle warning signs like mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, or fatigue alert some individuals that an episode is coming.

2. Aura
Experienced by about 25% of migraine sufferers, this phase includes visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Auras are believed to be caused by electrochemical shifts in the brain.

3. Migraine Attack
The hallmark of the condition—intense, often throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, sometimes both. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity, and blurred vision, this phase can last from 4 to 72 hours.

4. Postdrome (Migraine Hangover)
Even after the pain subsides, many experience lingering effects: brain fog, fatigue, mood changes, and trouble concentrating. This recovery period can last up to several days.

Why Root-Cause Treatment Matters

Medications can offer necessary relief—especially when migraines strike frequently or with severe intensity. However, most only mask the pain rather than resolve the imbalances that cause it.

At Dr. Brenda Marshall’s practice, migraines are treated as a complex stress response to personal triggers—ranging from hormonal shifts and gut inflammation to environmental toxins and nutrient deficiencies. Identifying and treating these underlying causes not only reduces the frequency of migraines but can, in some cases, stop them altogether.

‍

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes Dr. Marshall’s approach to migraine treatment unique?
A: Dr. Marshall employs a functional medicine approach, focusing on identifying and treating the root causes of migraines. This includes evaluating hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, and environmental factors, rather than solely addressing symptoms.

Q: What types of tests are conducted to determine migraine triggers?
A: Dr. Marshall utilizes a range of diagnostic tests, such as:

• Comprehensive Blood Panels: To assess overall health and identify deficiencies.
• Hormonal Testing: Including saliva tests for adrenal and sex hormones.
• Food Sensitivity Tests: To detect intolerances that may trigger migraines.
• Gut Health Assessments: Evaluating for issues like SIBO or dysbiosis.
• Genetic Testing: To understand individual predispositions affecting treatment.

Q: How long does it take to see improvements in migraine symptoms?
A: While individual experiences vary, many patients report noticeable improvements within 4 to 8 weeks of initiating a personalized treatment plan.

Q: Are there lifestyle changes recommended alongside medical treatments?
A: Yes, Dr. Marshall emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, including:

• Dietary Adjustments: Tailored to individual sensitivities and nutritional needs.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
• Sleep Optimization: Establishing healthy sleep patterns to support healing.
• Physical Activity: Incorporating appropriate exercises to enhance overall well-being.

Q: Is this treatment approach suitable for all types of migraines?
A: Dr. Marshall's comprehensive approach is designed to address various types of migraines, including chronic, hormonal, and stress-related migraines. A thorough evaluation will determine the most effective treatment strategy for each individual.

‍