Course Overview
This course is an in-depth, evidence-informed course designed to help acupuncturists confidently assess, understand, and treat migraine disorders using both modern neuroscience and acupuncture-based frameworks.
Migraines are not simply headaches—they are complex neurovascular and neuroinflammatory events with distinct phases, subtypes, and systemic implications. This course begins by clarifying migraine diagnosis and differentiating migraines from other headache disorders, then walks through the four phases of migraine, including the underlying mechanisms of cortical spreading depression and central sensitization.
Participants will explore the pathophysiology of migraine. Special attention is given to migraine subtypes such as hemiplegic, retinal, vestibular, and abdominal migraines, along with migraines as a risk factor for other conditions.
The course covers conventional migraine medications, and addresses the often-overlooked issue of medication overuse (rebound) headaches. The use of acupuncture in a severe case of medication overuse headache is reviewed.
Migraine assessment tools and neurological examination with examples are provided.
Finally, the course bridges theory into practice with a deep dive into acupuncture research, treatment protocols, supported by real-world case studies. By the end of this course, acupuncturists will have a modern, clinically relevant framework for treating migraines safely, effectively, and with greater confidence.
Objectives
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Understand the modern pathophysiology of migraine, including cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation, CGRP signalling, and hypothalamic involvement, in order to better differentiate migraine from other headache disorders.
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Learn how to accurately assess and classify migraine presentations, including the four phases of migraine and key subtypes such as hemiplegic, vestibular, ocular, and abdominal migraines.
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Become familiar with common migraine medications and recognize medication overuse (rebound) headaches, allowing for safer clinical decision-making and appropriate referral or co-management.
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Learn how to assess patients at the bedside and track clinical progress. Develop evidence-informed acupuncture treatment strategies for migraine supported by current research and real-world case studies.
Outline
0 hrs - 2 hrs
Diagnosis: covers diagnostic criteria and key clinical features, the 4 phases of migraine. We discuss migraine as an increased risk for other disorders.
2 hrs - 4 hrs
Migraine is not just a headache, but a fundamental shift in sensory processing. We cover acupuncture's role as a neuro-modulatory therapy, medications and medication overuse headaches with an acupuncture case study.
4 hrs - 4.5 hrs
This segment explores photophobia as a central sensitization of pain, and explores the effects of weather on migraines, and why TCM can explain such phenomena better than anyone else.
4.5 hrs - 6.5 hrs
We will cover migraine sub-types including vestibular migraine, abdominal migraine, and cyclical vomiting syndrome. Then we will discuss functional gastrointestinal disorders that often occur with chronic migraine.
6.5 hrs - 7.25 hrs
Assessment Tools: Patient-friendly migraine tracking tools and subjective in-office assessments will be covered, with copies of 3 assessment tools provided as part of the course.
7.25 hrs - 9.25 hrs
Objective functional neurological exam skills pertinent to migraine states are covered, with videos to illustrate. Cervical dystonia is included in this section.
9.25 hrs - 10 hrs
Treat approaches and strategies for migraines including acute abortive therapies, long-term prevention strategies and lifestyle factors. Acupuncture strategies will be emphasized.
Teacher
Ayla Wolf
Dr. Wolf is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specializing in neurological disorders, chronic pain, and concussion recovery. She is a faculty member of the Carrick Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation.
Disclaimers
Please read these important disclaimers before purchasing:
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CPDs:
Approved By: AACMA (10), ANTA (10), ATMS (10), Acupuncture NZ (10), NCCAOM (10), Standard Certificate (10)
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Language: English
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Course Type: Recorded Webinar
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Course Length: 10 h
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Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.
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Access Period: Lifetime
