62. Deconstructing Head Pain with Rudrani Banik, MD

In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Rudrani Banik, a neuro-ophthalmologist certified in functional medicine, discusses the intricacies of chronic head pain, particularly in patients with hypermobility disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Dr. Banik distinguishes between migraines and other types of headaches, highlighting diagnostic criteria and the importance of proper evaluation. She identifies common causes and triggers for various headaches and suggests holistic management strategies, including nutrition, lifestyle changes, and pharmacologic treatments. Emphasizing the hypersensitivity of migraine-prone brains, Dr. Banik covers triggers such as environmental changes and dietary factors, and the role of supplements like magnesium and riboflavin. The discussion also mentions conventional and emerging treatments, including CGRP inhibitors and Botox, as well as nonpharmacological methods like physical therapy, acupuncture, and essential oils. Dr. Banik advocates for comprehensive care under a knowledgeable provider and shares resources for patients exploring headache solutions.