Dr. Stephen Rodrigues

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Migraine Headaches March 30. 2008 Dear Dr. Rodrigues, As you know, I have suffered from migraine headaches for over 40 years. During this time they have changed in frequency and severity. Over the years I have gone to several neurologist for help. I've tried meditation, yoga, massage, keeping journals and anything else I'd read about that might help. When Imitrex first came out on the market I immediately began using the injections to alleviate the pain. It was an answer to my prayers. Once Imitrex was introduced in tablet form I switched to tablets and used the Injections for the really severe forms of migraines. Even though the pamphlet stated: "The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established." I would treat an average of 3 migraines a week with Imitrex tablets. I always worried about this. My husband suggested I visit you. He has been going to you for back pain. Since the first day I met you, you told me that you felt that you would be able to help my migraines thru acupuncture. I was more than willing to try since I had tried everything else up to this point.

But only for one out of a hundred needles do some people say that it gave them a zap or zing. Why are there is zingers? My interpretation of zingers is that the needle activates a super sensitive receptor. These receptors are on high alert for sharp sensation. Once activated they send out a very loud alarm signal…OUCH! Other receptors are on low sensitivity levels. Some receptors may not even fire. Because these receptors are “protectors,” they will alert all the danger or warning symptoms of flight or fight. The pulse rate may increase, hands may get a little clammy, and you may feel dizzy. The patient’s anxiety and fear could prompt me to pause until the patient can relax again. Is there any relief from this pain of the needle stick and associated anxiety? Yes I have multiple layers of pain relief. First, I have little yellow butterfly distractors. These little flat yellow pieces of plastic have low spikes that, when pressed into the skin, give you a sense of pressure which takes away the sting of the needle. The second layer of comfort comes in the form of a dermal jet, which is an air-fluid injector which injects lidocaine into the skin.

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