The sternocleidomastoid muscle, which connects the head, neck and upper spine, has direct neurological relationships with both the trigeminal system and upper cervical nerves. When irritated or tight, this muscle can mimic or drive migraine symptoms – headache, eye redness, drooping eyelids, and restricted neck movement. This case demonstrates how important it is to assess and treat the musculoskeletal system in patients whose migraines don’t respond to conventional care.
Megan McDrew
Megan McDrew is an admissions recruiter and counselor at the American College of Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Along with counseling prospective students on Chinese medicine, she volunteers at San Quentin State Prison in support of prisoner advocacy and restorative justice.