MIGRAINE LED ME TO MEDICINE…
In my teenage years, I suffered from migraines very often. Sometimes the attacks lasted for several days and I had to go to hospital. The toughest period was around ages 13–15, when I was hospitalised almost every three months. At first, doctors didn’t realise it was migraine, and more than once I was treated with strong antibiotics—as if it were bacterial meningitis.
Over time, my migraines became “more interesting.” Before the headache, my vision would worsen—especially in my right eye—and I would occasionally see colourful flashes. During an attack I experienced nausea and vomiting. And very rarely, I had striking symptoms: an “Alice in Wonderland” aura, where even with my eyes closed I felt my limbs or parts of my body grow larger and then shrink again. For example, I would vividly sense my tongue becoming enormous—as big as the world—while my teeth felt tiny, like grains of sand. During these episodes, I would also feel dizzy.
…AS WELL AS FORCED ME TO PAUSE AND “RESET THE GOALS I’D SET FOR MYSELF”…
That’s how I became a pediatric neurologist. Since my student years, I’ve always been deeply interested in medical diets—approaches used to treat epilepsy and various metabolic conditions. During residency, I did a placement in the Netherlands to learn more. After that, I moved to the Netherlands, reached an academic level of Dutch within eight months, and started working at one of Europe’s most prestigious clinics.
Even though my capacity for work is genuinely impressive, my migraines returned—and forced me to hit the brakes. Over the years, migraines can become more complex: the symptoms can turn “strange,” and sometimes it’s even hard to recognise that it’s my migraine—and not, for example, a stroke. Under very high stress, my migraines began to present with stroke-like symptoms.
Because of severe burnout and complicated migraines, I decided to take a one-year break from hospital work. I rebuilt myself from the ground up—studying everything that was already known, what was new, and what was considered alternative in migraine treatment. Along the way, I began working with volunteer migraine clients, developing a step-by-step strategy that includes lifestyle, nutrition, and sleep habit changes—helping people “take control back into their own hands.”
…AND SET NEW ONES!
I continue to consult as a pediatric neurologist online (www.medon.lv). I recently completed Nutrition studies in the Netherlands, and I’m also continuing my training in functional (lifestyle) medicine. Today, I help improve quality of life for people who struggle with low energy, brain fog, concentration difficulties, excess weight, and headaches.
My professional foundation includes 15 years in neurology and pediatric neurology, work with thousands of patients in both Latvia and the Netherlands, formal studies in nutrition, and—alongside clinical work—continuous learning through internationally recognised courses and conferences.
