Migraines can be crippling for sufferers. The head pain is more severe than a typical headache and often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Many also due with nausea, cramps and other pain issues. Unfortunately, chronic migraines are not that rare. Millions suffer from attacks multiple times a month. A survey in the US showed that 10% of sufferers there were children. There are many questions over the best way to manage the condition and reduce symptoms. Pain management has its flaws. Hypnosis, on the other hand, could prove to be a useful tool in alternative therapy.

THE INCREASE OF MIGRAINE CASES IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN HAS A NUMBER OF UNDERLYING CAUSES

There are a number of potential reasons for these debilitating cases of migraines. Many people suffer because of mental health issues. Stress, anxiety and depression can increase the severity of migraines. This helps to explain increased cases in teens because adolescents can suffer acute cases of all three. Neither are helped if sufferers also deal with poor sleep patterns or insomnia. Again, this can be acute in teenagers as they develop their biological clocks. Other risk factors include allergies to foods – such as artificial sweeteners, caffeine and other additives – as well as hypersensitivity to light and sound.

WHY IS HYPNOSIS A POSSIBLE TOOL FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS?
There are many triggers mentioned above that can be induced, or at least exacerbated, by stress and anxiety. Hypnosis is a proven aid for these mental health issues. Hypnosis sessions can help sufferers get to the root of the problem, identify key triggers and work to lessen their impact. This reduction in stress and anxiety could help to lessen the severity of the migraines. This is an interesting alternative therapy in a medical landscape that focuses so heavily on pain medication. An alternative here is the use of amitriptyline – an anti-anxiety medication. So, if there is potential in this medicated approach, there is also potential in alternative anxiety therapies.