Migraines — a type of recurring headache that can cause severe pain and other debilitating symptoms, such as increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and pain when sneezing or coughing — can make it difficult to manage daily responsibilities. While there are several known treatments for migraines, including medications, injections, supplements, and acupuncture, researchers are taking a closer look at cannabidiol, and more specifically, CBD oil, as an alternative treatment option.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, recurring headaches. These headaches are often described as throbbing or pounding on one side of the head, but can affect both sides. The duration of a migraine varies from a few hours to 2-3 days. Symptoms associated with migraines include sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and sometimes smells or movement; nausea and vomiting; and an aura, which is a series of visual, sensory, motor, or speech symptoms that usually precede the headache. About a quarter of people with migraine experience an aura.
The causes of migraines are diverse and may include genetic factors, environmental factors, hormonal changes, stress, certain foods or drinks, and changes in sleep patterns. Although the exact mechanism of migraines is not fully understood, it is believed to involve temporary changes in brain chemistry, including inflammation in the nerves and blood vessels in the brain.
Migraine treatment can range from preventative measures, such as avoiding triggers and lifestyle changes, to drug treatments. Medications used to treat migraines include medications to relieve acute symptoms, such as painkillers, and preventative medications, which are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. In some cases, complementary therapies or behavioral changes may also help manage migraines.
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Why can CBD oil relieve migraines?
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the compound in cannabis that produces the euphoric effect.
Therefore, CBD oil does not have psychoactive effects, but offers numerous benefits such as pain relief and inflammation reduction. It reduces pain levels by influencing certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the larger endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation throughout the body.
Research [1] has linked medicinal cannabis, and by extension CBD oil, to the following effects, which are relevant to the treatment of migraines:
- pain relief;
- alleviating nausea;
- reducing inflammation;
- anticonvulsant effects.
Furthermore, clinical studies show that people with chronic migraines (at least 15 headache days per month) have lower levels of endocannabinoids – neurotransmitters that exist naturally in the body and bind to cannabinoid receptors – which may help explain how CBD oil may be beneficial for people with migraines [2].
