Migraines are more than just bad headaches — they are a neurological condition that can disrupt daily life for hours or even days. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines affect over 39 million Americans and are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
While medications can help manage migraine symptoms, they often bring side effects and do not always prevent future attacks. This is why many patients seek safe, non-drug approaches. One promising option is BrainCore Therapy, a form of neurofeedback that retrains brainwave patterns linked with migraines.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are not fully understood, but research suggests they involve abnormal brain activity, nerve excitability, and blood vessel changes. Common triggers include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Certain foods (like caffeine, alcohol, or processed items)
- Lack of sleep
- Bright lights or strong smells
Symptoms go beyond head pain, often including nausea, visual disturbances (auras), dizziness, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last from a few hours to several days, significantly impacting work, relationships, and quality of life.
The Brainwave Connection
Brainwave patterns play a central role in migraine activity. Research has found that:
- People with migraines often display hyperarousal in brain regions, producing excessive high beta activity (linked with stress and overactivation).
- They may also show alpha and theta imbalances, contributing to poor regulation of sensory input and pain perception.
- Dysregulation in brainwave rhythms makes the brain more sensitive to triggers.
By helping normalize these patterns, BrainCore Therapy can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes.
What Is BrainCore Therapy?
BrainCore Therapy is a type of neurofeedback, a safe, non-invasive technique that uses real-time feedback to train the brain to self-regulate.
- Sensors are placed on the scalp to measure brainwave activity (EEG).
- Patients watch a movie, play a game, or listen to sounds that respond instantly to their brainwaves.
- When the brain produces healthier patterns, the feedback rewards it.
- Over time, the brain “learns” to function more smoothly and efficiently.
This process is based on neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize and create new, healthier pathways.
What the Research Says
Studies on neurofeedback and migraines are encouraging:
- A study in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (2010) found that patients receiving neurofeedback reported a significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity.
- Research in the Journal of Headache and Pain showed neurofeedback improved quality of life and decreased reliance on medications in migraine sufferers.
- A 2018 review in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience concluded that neurofeedback is a promising non-pharmacological option for migraine management, especially for patients seeking long-term relief.
While more large-scale trials are needed, evidence suggests that neurofeedback can be an effective tool for migraine prevention and management.
Myths vs Truths About BrainCore and Migraines
Myth #1: BrainCore Therapy is like shock therapy.
Truth: BrainCore is entirely non-invasive. No electricity is sent into the brain; sensors only measure activity.
Myth #2: Neurofeedback only helps with ADHD.
Truth: While neurofeedback is well known for ADHD, it is also used for anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep problems, and migraines.
Myth #3: Results are temporary.
Truth: Because BrainCore leverages neuroplasticity, results often last long after sessions end. Many patients experience lasting reductions in migraine frequency.
Myth #4: Migraines are only caused by stress.
Truth: Stress is one trigger, but brainwave dysregulation, hormones, and environment also play roles. BrainCore addresses underlying brain patterns that increase sensitivity.
Patient Case Examples
A 35-year-old woman came to Balance Atlanta with weekly migraines that left her bedridden. Her brain map (qEEG) showed excessively high beta activity in the frontal lobe. After 25 BrainCore sessions, her migraines decreased to once a month and were less severe, allowing her to work and enjoy time with her family.
A 17-year-old high school student suffered migraines triggered by screen time and exam stress. BrainCore training helped balance her alpha and beta waves. Within three months, she reported fewer migraines and improved focus at school.
A 48-year-old man had chronic migraines for over a decade. Medication provided temporary relief but caused fatigue. With BrainCore therapy targeting brainwave asymmetry, his migraine frequency dropped by half, and his energy improved significantly.
Practical Tips for Migraine Management
Even outside BrainCore sessions, lifestyle changes can help reduce migraine triggers:
- Prioritize sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of consistent rest each night.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common migraine trigger.
- Manage stress. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises calm brain hyperactivity.
- Identify food triggers. Keep a food diary to track possible culprits.
- Limit screen time. Use blue-light filters and take breaks to reduce strain.
- Maintain routine. Regular meals, exercise, and a consistent sleep schedule support stability.
How Balance Atlanta Helps Migraine Patients
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we take an integrative approach to migraine care. Our process includes:
- qEEG Brain Mapping to identify dysregulated brainwave patterns linked to migraines.
- BrainCore Therapy protocols are tailored to normalize brain activity and reduce triggers.
- Chiropractic care to relieve tension in the spine and nervous system that may contribute to headaches.
- Functional medicine testing to uncover nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or gut health issues related to migraines.
- Lifestyle guidance for stress management, sleep, and nutrition.
This whole-body approach empowers patients to not just manage migraines, but reduce their frequency and severity for long-term relief.
FAQs
- How many BrainCore sessions are needed for migraines?
Most patients complete 20 to 40 sessions. Many notice improvement within the first 10 sessions, with lasting results after complete training. - Is BrainCore safe for migraine sufferers?
Yes. BrainCore is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe for adults and children. - Does BrainCore replace migraine medication?
Some patients reduce or eliminate medications over time, while others use it alongside their doctor-prescribed care. - Will results last?
Yes. Because BrainCore retrains the brain through neuroplasticity, improvements often persist long after sessions end. - Can BrainCore help if my migraines are hormonal?
Yes. While it doesn’t change hormones directly, retraining brainwave activity improves stress resilience and pain perception, reducing migraine severity.