Resolving Chronic Migraine With Ocular Complications: Case Study

This article presents a compelling case study demonstrating that seemingly complex, treatment-resistant chronic migraines, particularly those involving ocular symptoms, can often be rooted in a simple musculoskeletal issue. Standard neurological approaches frequently overlook the cervical muscles, but the article focuses on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which has direct neurological relationships with the trigeminal system and upper cervical nerves. The case involved a 44-year-old woman suffering from a severe, one-sided headache (8/10 pain), constant eye redness, and noticeable eyelid drooping. Despite multiple previous consultations and dismissals of acupuncture, the working diagnosis focused on Chronic Migraine secondary to SCM trigger-point syndrome. The treatment strategy involved dry needling of trigger points in the right SCM, along with balancing treatment of contralateral muscles. The results were swift and dramatic: the patient experienced a 50% drop in pain and 80% improvement in eye redness within minutes of the first session, with the improvements holding four days later. After just three treatments, the patient’s migraines and eye symptoms fully resolved, confirming that the SCM was the main driver of her symptoms. This underscores the necessity of including cervical muscle assessment early in the treatment of chronic headaches.