Managing Migraine Symptoms with Medical Cannabis
Migraine is a relatively common condition – affecting around 6 million people in the UK – that is usually characterised by a moderate to severe headache in one side of the head. Migraine is estimated to affect around 1 in 5 women and around 1 in 15 men.
What are the symptoms?
Migraines can present themselves in a number of forms, the most common being:
- Migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs before a headache begins (e.g., flashing lights, blurred vision)
- Migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the warning signs
- Migraine aura without headache (also known as a silent migraine) – where aura or other Migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop
Other migraine symptoms can include:
- Nausea and sickness
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Poor concentration
The frequency of Migraines can vary massively. Some people can experience migraines up to several times a week while, for others, years can pass between occurrences.
Cause and treatment
The exact cause of treatment is not known; however, many experts believe they are the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves, and blood vessels in the brain. The condition may also be linked to genetics as figures show that around half of people who experience Migraines also have a close relative with the condition.
Migraine attacks may also be associated with triggers such as:
- Starting your period
- Stress
- Tiredness
- Consuming certain food or drinks
There is no cure for Migraines, but there are a number of treatments available that can often reduce the associated symptoms. These include taking painkillers (including paracetamol and ibuprofen), triptans (medicines that can reverse the changes in the brain associated with Migraines), and anti-emetics (medicines used to reduce feelings of sickness and nausea).
Avoiding potential triggers, such as stress or a certain type of food, can also be effective for preventing future Migraine attacks. In more severe cases, where treatments and prevention measures have failed to control symptoms, other medications, including anti-seizure medications, may also be considered.
Medical Cannabis and Migraines
In some cases, medical cannabis can be considered for the treatment of Migraines when traditional first-line treatments and prevention strategies have been ineffective. Some evidence suggests that medical cannabis use could be associated with a decrease in migraine frequency. In addition, medical cannabis may also help to stop Migraine attacks when they are already underway.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help relieve migraines?
Yes. Medical cannabis may help reduce thefrequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks, especially for patientswho haven’t found relief with standard medications. At Cantourage Clinic, wepersonalise cannabis-based treatments to support migraine sufferers dealingwith chronic or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Is medical cannabis a legal option for migraine treatment in the UK?
Yes. In the UK,medical cannabis can legally be prescribed by a specialist doctor for chronicconditions like migraines when conventional treatments have failed. CantourageClinic offers fully regulated access to medical cannabis, ensuring safe andcompliant care.
What types of cannabis-based medicines are used to manage migraines?
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and triggers,we may recommend fast-acting vaporised products for acute relief, or oral oilsand capsules for prevention and long-term management. Our doctors often useCBD-led or balanced THC:CBD products to support pain control and reducemigraine-related anxiety or nausea.
How can I start medical cannabis treatment for migraines at Cantourage Clinic?
Simply book aconsultation with our clinical team. We’ll assess your migraine history,current treatments, and overall health. If eligible, you’ll receive a tailoredtreatment plan with expert guidance from prescription through to ongoing careand follow-up.