Treatment with cannabinoids for migraines

Symptoms, diagnosis and causes

Migraine is a neurological disorder in which the brain does not function properly for a short period of time. The predominant symptom is severe headache attacks, which can often be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, sound and movement. There are different forms of migraine:

Migraine without aura (most common form of migraine)
Usually affects only one side of the head (forehead or side). It is described as throbbing or pulsating. Symptoms usually last 4-72 hours and often improve if normal activities are avoided.

Migraine with aura
In contrast, sufferers with similar symptoms have warning signs before the headache starts. The aura is seen as a kind of premonition of a migraine attack, which manifests itself in visual, verbal and motor problems, among other things. They usually begin 5 to 20 minutes before the headache and get worse over time.

Chronic migraine
Chronic migraine often develops as a result of previous episodic migraine attacks, but it can also start as a new daily chronic headache. Regular pain medication rarely works; instead, early intervention and monitoring of triggers or exacerbating circumstances is required.

The cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. According to current knowledge, migraine symptoms are caused by an excessive release of neurotransmitters in the brain. There are triggers and individual trigger factors in the environment, diet, medication and perception that can cause migraines.
These include: Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, loud noises and certain odours, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, depression, anxiety and stress as well as menstruation, lack of sleep and menopause.

Therapy

There is no cure for migraines, but they can be treated with a combination of medication and self-care. Lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers can help to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. A nutritious diet, regular endurance activities and stress reduction, e.g. through behavioural therapy or relaxation techniques such as meditation, are recommended to prevent migraine attacks in the first place. During an acute attack, it is beneficial to retreat to a quiet, darkened room and, if possible, to sleep. Chronic migraine attacks that recur regularly are treated with a range of medications and painkillers.

Therapy with cannabis

The endocannabinoid system can influence transmitter activity in the brain. In this respect, therapy with cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) as well as other cannabinoids and ingredients from the cannabis plant can be an alternative to conventional painkillers to reduce the pain intensity of the migraine attack. Medical cannabis can also be used here as a kind of profilaxis.
The considerable effects of a migraine attack can severely restrict daily activities. The aim of the therapy is to reduce the frequency of attacks and the pain and accompanying symptoms so that you can enjoy your life more again.