Chronic migraines: causes, symptoms, experiences & medicinal cannabis

Chronic migraines affect millions of people worldwide. Many patients suffer from severe headaches several times a month, which are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and visual disturbances. While traditional painkillers do not always work or have side effects, many sufferers are looking for alternatives – including medicinal cannabis with THC. Back to overview: medical cannabis for illnesses.

What chronic migraine is and what causes it

Migraine is more than just a headache. It is a neurological disorder that causes recurring, often one-sided headaches. A migraine is considered chronic if the attacks occur at least 15 days a month.

57.5% of women and 44.4% of men in Germany report being affected by headaches at least once within a year, according to the RKI.

The exact causes are not yet fully understood. Researchers assume that a dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (a messenger substance that controls the blood vessels in the brain) and dopamine (important for pain processing) plays a role. Stress, lack of sleep and certain foods can also trigger migraines.

• Severe, throbbing headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances or sensitivity to light
• Noise sensitivity
• Tiredness and concentration problems

Chronic migraine:

• German Migraine and Headache Society – Research & Therapies
• Schmerzklinik Kiel – Specialist clinic for headache disorders

How THC works in the brain and why it can help

THC influences the so-called endocannabinoid system (a part of the nervous system that regulates pain signals). Researchers suspect that THC can help to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory substances and thus mitigate or prevent migraine attacks.

• Can block pain stimuli
• Can reduce inflammation in the nervous system
• Can relieve nausea during attacks

Experience report: Migraine, so Regina (24) can finally live

Regina has suffered from chronic migraines since childhood. For years, she was confined to bed and dependent on the care of her family. Only the combination of a pacemaker and medicinal cannabis gave her a new lease of life. Here she tells her impressive story.

• Experience report: Migraine & cannabis

What studies on THC and migraines show

Several scientific studies have investigated whether THC can alleviate migraine attacks. Initial results show that cannabis can not only alleviate acute attacks, but also reduce the frequency of attacks. Techniker Krankenkasse provides information on the medical use of cannabis.

• Can reduce the frequency of seizures
• Can relieve headaches during a seizure
• Can reduce accompanying symptoms such as nausea

Pain patient: use of cannabis

The video is about Daniela Joachim, a pain patient who uses medicinal cannabis flowers for her migraines. THC has a stronger and more tolerable effect on her than traditional painkillers such as ibuprofen, which have even caused her additional headaches in the long term.

She has been prescribed cannabis by her GP for two years and consumes it both by inhalation and in foods such as yogurt. The treatment leads to significantly fewer migraine attacks for her, even if higher doses can cause fatigue during the day. Statistically, cannabis is mainly used for pain patients, but also for ADHD, spasticity and depression.

Why is it possible?

• THC as an effective alternative to painkillers
• Fewer migraine attacks since regular use
• Application via inhalation and food
• 2 years medical prescription
• Areas of application: Pain, ADHD, spasticity, depression

Experiences: How THC can help in everyday life

Many people with chronic migraines report positive experiences with THC. Here are two case studies:

Laura L. from Wiesbaden, 37:

“I had migraines almost every day and nothing helped. Since I’ve been taking THC, my attacks are less frequent and less intense.”

Jana K. from Freising im Breisgau, 41:

“My migraines were so bad that I often lay flat for days. THC helps me to get headaches under control more quickly.”

What THC products are available

THC can be consumed in various forms. Some products work faster, others longer. The choice of the right method depends on individual needs.

• Flowers for inhalation (quick effect)
• Oil for targeted dosing
• Capsules for a uniform effect
• Sprays for easy application

You can find out more about the different options in the article about cannabis doctors online.

What advantages and disadvantages there are

THC can help to alleviate the symptoms of migraines. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.

• Can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks
• Can relieve headaches during an attack
• May cause drowsiness in high doses
• Short-term memory problems possible

Are there other methods of treating migraines? Yes, there are many other ways to reduce migraines besides THC. These methods can help:

• Stress management and relaxation techniques
• Keep to regular bedtimes
• Avoid triggers such as certain foods or alcohol

Frequently asked questions about THC and migraines

Here are the 3 most frequently asked questions from patients:

Does THC help immediately against migraines?

THC can help relieve headaches during an attack, but is not a long-term cure.

Is THC addictive?

In controlled medical doses there is no high risk of dependence.

Can I get THC for migraines without a prescription?

In Germany, medicinal cannabis is only available on prescription. However, THC can also be consumed in social clubs under certain conditions.

Five tips for dealing better with migraines

Migraines can have a major impact on everyday life. In addition to THC, there are simple things that can help.

1. Keep to regular sleeping times
2. Avoid triggers such as stress and certain foods
3. Drink enough water and reduce caffeine
4. Incorporating exercise into everyday life
5. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation

Anyone who suffers from chronic migraines should speak to a doctor about the best treatment. Even small changes can often help to improve quality of life.

Medical cannabis as a treatment

Are you interested in the practical application of medicinal cannabis? Studies on cannabis show how THC is being used more and more. Learn more here, here you come back to the overview:

• Medical cannabis for diseases