Migraine headaches are quite common, and impact over 2.7 million Canadians, with women making up over 80% of chronic migraine sufferers. These types of headaches are more debilitating than other types of headaches. Individuals experience moderate to severe pain, which is often on one side of the head. The pain is frequently described as throbbing, pounding or pulsating. In addition to pain, migraines are associated with nausea and vomiting as well as sensitivity to light, sound and smell. The duration of a migraine typically ranges from 4 hours to 3 days. Individuals who suffer from migraines are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, due to the nature of the condition.

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Individuals who suffer from frequent severe headaches often experience a reduced ability to perform the functions of daily living. There is no cure for chronic migraines, however symptoms can be managed with available therapies. Migraines can be treated with prescription or over-the-counter medication, counselling, stress management, biofeedback, botulinum toxin type A injections, nerve blocks as well as IV Ketamine infusions. The latter has been shown to successfully reduce the severity of migraines in individuals who have not had success in reducing migraine symptoms with other available treatments.

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