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Examining the Migraine Patient. The Lost Art of the Physical Examination
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Summary
Migraine is a profoundly complex neurological disorder, yet a staggering number of cases remain undiagnosed or undertreated. For the functional practitioner, the path to long-term relief lies in becoming a "medical detective"—one who can move beyond the patient's symptoms to uncover the unique, interconnected dysfunctions at the core of their condition.
This webinar is a masterclass in the art and science of examining the migraine patient from a metabolic and neurological perspective. It presents an evidence-based, systems-oriented framework that empowers clinicians to transform a patient’s subjective complaints into objective, actionable findings. You will learn to perform a comprehensive examination that seamlessly integrates a focused physical assessment with a detailed neurological exam, providing the foundational data needed to build a truly personalized treatment plan.
We will explore how to identify and interpret the subtle physical indicators that point to specific areas of metabolic and neurological dysfunction, from signs of insulin resistance and gut inflammation to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.Â
This is an essential lecture for any clinician committed to providing effective, root-cause-based care for the migraine patient.
Learning Objectives
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Conduct a Targeted Metabolic Examination: Perform a comprehensive bedside examination to identify physical indicators and subtle signs of dysfunction in key metabolic areas, such as insulin resistance, gut health, and hormonal imbalance.
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Perform a Focused Neurological Exam: Objectively assess and localize dysfunction in key brain regions, including the Trigeminal Cervical Nucleus (TCN), lower medulla, pons, and cerebellum through specific bedside tests.
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Correlate Findings with Pathophysiology: Interpret a patient's vital signs and physical indicators (e.g., gait, pupillary reflexes) to confirm your clinical hypothesis and identify the specific neurological and metabolic pathways contributing to their migraines.
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Synthesize an Integrative Assessment: Connect the findings from both the metabolic and neurological examinations to create a holistic picture of the patient's condition, moving from a diagnosis of "migraine" to an understanding of its unique, underlying "why."
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Establish a Clinical Hypothesis: Synthesize a patient's history and key indicators to form a targeted clinical hypothesis about the primary neurological and metabolic drivers of their migraines.
What you'll get
- Core Examination Techniques: Re-discover the crucial role of physical examination in migraine assessment.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Revive essential skills and knowledge for a thorough patient evaluation.
- Pre-Seminar Notes: Access to seminar notes provided ahead of time for preparation.
- On Demand Access: Download the full seminar recording to watch at your leisure.
- 3 CPD Points: Earn professional development credits for your participation.
- Certificate of CompletionÂ