Dr. Kerstin Luedtke

Dr. Kerstin Luedtke is a physiotherapist, manual therapist and professor at the university of Lübeck, Germany. She has published over 100 papers on a variety of topics and has done extensive research on migraines.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Kerstin Luedtke discusses the topic of migraine headaches, providing insights into the definition, classification, and pathophysiological theories behind migraines. She explains the criteria for diagnosing migraine headaches, including the presence of associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Dr. Luedtke delves into the role of the hypothalamus as a key structure in triggering migraine attacks and highlights the importance of understanding the central nervous system changes that occur in individuals with migraines. Moreover, she emphasizes the need for a holistic approach in managing migraines, incorporating physiotherapy interventions alongside pharmacological treatments. Dr. Luedtke suggests addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the neck, providing education on migraine triggers and symptoms, promoting relaxation techniques, and encouraging aerobic exercise. She also mentions ongoing research areas focused on patient perspectives, the effectiveness of physiotherapy in migraine treatment, and the importance of incorporating patient feedback into future studies to enhance the overall management of migraines.