Migraine headaches are devastating and debilitating, and they're often confused with other kinds of headaches. Recent studies suggest that, in addition to the common vascular system irregularities, migraines can also be caused by neurological and inflammatory conditions that affect the nerve roots in the neck.

Before the onset of a migraine sometimes up to twenty-four hours before a large area of neurological activity in the brain is depressed; this causes inflammation, which irritates the cranial nerves. Migraines, unlike ordinary headaches, include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, auras (light spots), sensitivity to light and sound, numbness, speech difficulty, and pain on one side of the head or in one eye. All of these symptoms are connected to the irritation of the cranial nerves.

Migraines can be caused by or accompanied by sinus problems, muscle tension, eye­strain, blood sugar imbalances, or hormonal imbalances, such as pre­menstrual syndrome (PMS).

Migraines tend to last for long periods of time-days or weeks. Researchers believe that there might be a genetic predisposition to migraines.

Migraines respond very well to acupuncture, and many clinical studies have confirmed acupuncture's clinical efficacy for pain management.