Migraine Specialist

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a neurological condition that presents with a variety of symptoms including:

• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• A sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells.

Each patient has a unique experience of migraines, but almost everyone suffers from debilitating pain that prevents them from going to work, school, or other normal daily activities. Migraines are caused by a wide variety of factors including:

• Subluxations in the spine
• Impingement of nerves in the neck and jaw
• Nutritional sensitivities
• Hormonal changes
• Environmental triggers 

For example, a subluxation in the cervical spine can cause radiant pain and nerve issues that lead to a migraine. Migraines also have a hereditary link, so a patient’s risk factor for experiencing migraines is increased if another family member also suffers from these conditions.

How are migraines diagnosed?

Dr. Billauer diagnoses migraines with an examination, which includes:

• A range of motion test
• Orthopedic tests
• Muscle tests
• Neurological tests

He will also ask patients detailed questions about their experiences and symptoms. He will perform a manual exam of the head, neck, and spine and order x-rays if necessary to diagnose the cause of the migraines. Dr. Billauer approaches health and wellbeing holistically and will ask questions about the patient’s diet, exercise, and sleep habits. If he believes that nutritional deficiencies could be the root cause of the migraines, he may order saliva or blood work to fully identify those deficiencies.

How are migraines treated?

Dr. Billauer treats the root cause of a patient’s migraines. His holistic approach to supporting health and wellbeing means that treatment will be fully customized to meet the overarching needs of the patient to ensure his or her physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This could involve spinal adjustments to release subluxations that are causing neurological symptoms due to a misalignment in the spine putting pressure on the nerves and resulting in a migraine. If the migraines are triggered by nutritional deficiencies or sensitivities, he will provide nutritional counseling and support to heal the body and remove any triggers from the patient’s diet. Dr. Billauer provides pain relief to his patients in Venice and Marina Del Rey, and welcomes new patients throughout Los Angeles.