Migraine / Headache

 

Overview

 

There are many types of headaches, such as migraine, cluster headache and tension-type headache. From the treatment point of view, the headaches are divided into two major groups, primary and secondary. Primary headaches mean that there is not any significant underlying illness, and secondary headaches are the presentation of severe diseases such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Fortunately, the majority of headaches during pregnancy are primary headaches and benign in nature.

 

Treatment options

 

Many patients would like to seek a non-pharmacological solution for chronic frequent attacks. The acupuncture could be used for migriane. 

 

Treatment objective

 

 The aim after the course of treatment is to make the headaches manageable with occasional pain killers. 

 

Treatment protocol

 

Patients normally require 6 sessions to achieve maximum effects, which are 2 weeks of twice per week treatments and 2 weeks of weekly treatments. Another 2 treatments may be needed in a small percentage of patients. The protocol is subject to change according to patient conditions, especially the stage of pregnancy.

 

Safety

 

Acupuncture is a well-tolerated safe treatment. Patients experience pain less than intra-muscular injection and blood tests. However, patients may experience acupuncture-specific sensation, De Qi, which might feel like vague tingling and lasts seconds. Bleeding and bruising rarely happen. Temporary nerve irritation or damage are theoretical risks, which haven’t been encountered in this treatment.

 

http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN1Jan2020