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Migraine Increases Likelihood of Stroke
November 16, 2009
But risk is highest for women with aura, researchers find. People who suffer migraines have more than double the risk of ischemic stroke, and the risk is especially high in women, a new study has found.
Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off by plaque accumulation or a blood clot.
In this study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reviewed the findings of 21 studies that included a total of 622,381 men and women, aged 18 to 70, in Europe and North America.
Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off by plaque accumulation or a blood clot.
In this study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reviewed the findings of 21 studies that included a total of 622,381 men and women, aged 18 to 70, in Europe and North America.
Hangovers May Be Tougher for Migraine Sufferers
October 19, 2009
Rat study helps pinpoint cause of increased headache pain. As if migraine sufferers didn't already have enough pain, new research has found that they may also be more prone to hangover headaches.
U.S.
U.S.
Battered Women's Ills Go Beyond Bruises
October 12, 2009
Victims of abuse may get headaches, chest pain, infections and other health woes, study finds.
Women abused by their romantic partners are more likely to suffer from a long list of medical maladies than other women, a new study shows.
The diseases, many of which aren't traditionally connected with violence, include abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, acid reflux, urinary tract infections and menstrual disorders.
"Roughly half of the diagnoses we examined were more common in abused women than in other women," study author Amy Bonomi, an associate professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University, in a school news release.
Women abused by their romantic partners are more likely to suffer from a long list of medical maladies than other women, a new study shows.
The diseases, many of which aren't traditionally connected with violence, include abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, acid reflux, urinary tract infections and menstrual disorders.
"Roughly half of the diagnoses we examined were more common in abused women than in other women," study author Amy Bonomi, an associate professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University, in a school news release.
Health Tip
Help Prevent Childhood Migraines
October 02, 2009
Have the youngster learn to avoid triggers Adults aren't the only ones affected by the often disabling pain of a migraine. Many children and teens also are prone to the intense pounding, occasional nausea and "aura" that warns some migraine sufferers.
While there's no sure way to prevent a migraine, the American Academy of Family Physicians says there are certain things that your child can do that may help:
Eat regularly and don't skip any meals.
While there's no sure way to prevent a migraine, the American Academy of Family Physicians says there are certain things that your child can do that may help:
Eat regularly and don't skip any meals.
More Stroke Victims Get Clot-Busting Therapy
October 01, 2009
But many others get to hospital too late to benefit, study finds. More stroke victims are getting a brain-saving drug .
School Days Give Some Kids a Headache
September 03, 2009
Tension and stress are common causes, experts say. Returning to school may also mean a return of headaches in children who tend to get them, doctors say.
More than one-third of children experience recurrent headaches, involving pain that occurs more than once a month, according to pediatricians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Most children have tension headaches, the most common type of headache, often described as a dull or diffuse pain in the head, neck and scalp.
More than one-third of children experience recurrent headaches, involving pain that occurs more than once a month, according to pediatricians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Most children have tension headaches, the most common type of headache, often described as a dull or diffuse pain in the head, neck and scalp.
High-Octane Caffeine May Trigger Headaches
August 21, 2009
Heavy use linked to occasional headaches, small jolt tied to chronic head pain, study finds. Caffeine, known to help alleviate headaches, may cause them if consumed in large quantities.
That's the finding of a study of more than 50,483 people who were questioned about caffeine intake and headache frequency as part of the 1995-1997 Nord-Trondelag Health Survey (HUNT 2) in Norway.
The study was published recently in the Journal of Headache Pain.
That's the finding of a study of more than 50,483 people who were questioned about caffeine intake and headache frequency as part of the 1995-1997 Nord-Trondelag Health Survey (HUNT 2) in Norway.
The study was published recently in the Journal of Headache Pain.
New Migraine Drug Shows Promise
August 14, 2009
Orally inhaled therapy effective with few side effects, study finds. An experimental inhaled drug called Levadex is an effective treatment for migraines, according to a drug company-funded study.
The phase III trial, conducted at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, found that migraine patients who took the drug had greater relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea and light/sound sensitivity than those who took a placebo.
The drug provided pain relief within 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours in patients with moderate or severe migraines.
The phase III trial, conducted at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, found that migraine patients who took the drug had greater relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea and light/sound sensitivity than those who took a placebo.
The drug provided pain relief within 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours in patients with moderate or severe migraines.
Surgery for Neck Pain May Also Relieve Headaches
August 12, 2009
Operations had added benefit for majority of patients, survey found. Surgery can significantly improve headaches associated with neck problems, according to the results of a patient survey.
The study included 1,004 patients, aged 25 to 78, who had two types of cervical neck operations .
The study included 1,004 patients, aged 25 to 78, who had two types of cervical neck operations .
Plastic Surgery Technique Might Ease Migraines
July 31, 2009
It targets facial muscles, nerves linked to headache, researchers explain. Thanks to a procedure borrowed from cosmetic surgery, Michelle Cramer has now lost most of her frequent and debilitating migraine headaches, as well as her frown lines.
Cramer, a graphics illustrator in Williamsburg, Va., suffered about 15 migraines a month for close to a decade until she had surgery to "disarm" various nerves that were apparently controlling her headaches.
Cramer, a graphics illustrator in Williamsburg, Va., suffered about 15 migraines a month for close to a decade until she had surgery to "disarm" various nerves that were apparently controlling her headaches.
Recession Takes Toll on Children's Health
July 17, 2009
National poll finds kids in poorest families feel effects most. The recession is taking a toll on many U.S. children, especially the poor and uninsured, according to a survey of 1,471 parents and their children.
Many Kids Outgrow Chronic Headaches
July 15, 2009
Those with migraines more likely to struggle in adulthood, study finds. For most children who suffer from chronic daily headaches in their early teens, a new study has good news .
Migraines Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer Risk
July 09, 2009
Researchers suspect estrogen levels play a part in the connection. For women who suffer from migraines, here's a bit of good news: New research shows that your risk of breast cancer may be reduced by as much as 26 percent.
And, no matter what a woman's age or what migraine triggers a woman might be avoiding, the risk of breast cancer is still reduced, according to the study, which appears in the July issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
"In this study, we evaluated the relationship between migraine and breast cancer risk and found that women who have migraine have a 26 percent lower risk of breast cancer than women without a history of migraine," said study author Dr.
And, no matter what a woman's age or what migraine triggers a woman might be avoiding, the risk of breast cancer is still reduced, according to the study, which appears in the July issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
"In this study, we evaluated the relationship between migraine and breast cancer risk and found that women who have migraine have a 26 percent lower risk of breast cancer than women without a history of migraine," said study author Dr.
FDA Panel Urges Ban on Vicodin, Percocet
July 01, 2009
Also recommends dosing limits for OTC painkillers that contain acetaminophen, like Tylenol or Excedrin, because of link to liver damage. The popular prescription painkillers Vicodin and Percocet, which combine acetaminophen with an opiate narcotic, should be banned, and the maximum dose of over-the-counter painkillers with acetaminophen, like Tylenol or Excedrin, should be lowered, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel urged Tuesday.
Health Tip
Things That Trigger Migraines
June 25, 2009
Common causes among women While migraines and their causes vary from person to person, researchers have identified some common triggers.
The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list:
Too much sleep, or not enough shut-eye.
Missing meals.
The National Women's Health Information Center offers this list:
Too much sleep, or not enough shut-eye.
Missing meals.
Migraine Frequency Tied to Stroke, Heart Attack Risk
June 24, 2009
But the link with cardiovascular disease is complex and not a cause for alarm, doctor says. The research team that found an increased risk of stroke in women who had a certain kind of migraine now reports a relationship between migraine frequency and heart attacks.
"Our earlier study showed an increased risk of ischemic strokes in women with a higher frequency of migraine headaches with aura," said Dr. Tobias Kurth, lead author of a report in the June 24 issue of Neurology.
"Our earlier study showed an increased risk of ischemic strokes in women with a higher frequency of migraine headaches with aura," said Dr. Tobias Kurth, lead author of a report in the June 24 issue of Neurology.
Health Tip
Log Headaches in a Diary
June 24, 2009
It may help identify triggers If you have frequent or chronic headaches, it's important to figure out what's behind them. That's where a headache diary can be helpful for you and your doctor.
The National Headache Foundation offers these suggestions about what to include in a headache diary:
When your headache started, and where it hurts.
The National Headache Foundation offers these suggestions about what to include in a headache diary:
When your headache started, and where it hurts.
Migraine With Aura May Lead to Brain Lesions
June 23, 2009
Whether damage affects function remains unclear, researchers say. Women who've had migraines with auras have an increased risk of developing brain lesions, a new study has found.
Whether these small areas of damaged brain tissue affect function or cognition, however, remains unknown, the researchers added.
"Migraine used to be thought of as episodic, with no trace they'd occurred, but these data suggest that there may be tissue damage associated with migraine," said study author Lenore Launer, chief of neuroepidemiology at the U.
Whether these small areas of damaged brain tissue affect function or cognition, however, remains unknown, the researchers added.
"Migraine used to be thought of as episodic, with no trace they'd occurred, but these data suggest that there may be tissue damage associated with migraine," said study author Lenore Launer, chief of neuroepidemiology at the U.
What May Be Causing Your Child's Headaches
April 23, 2009
Some potential triggers Kids get headaches for a lot of different reasons, just as adults do.
The Nemours Foundation offers this list of common reasons for headaches in children:
Not getting enough sleep, or a change in sleep habits.
Not eating frequently enough.
The Nemours Foundation offers this list of common reasons for headaches in children:
Not getting enough sleep, or a change in sleep habits.
Not eating frequently enough.
Collaborative Care Helps Ease Chronic Pain
March 24, 2009
Successful intervention included doctor training, patient education and feedback. A team effort may be a better approach to helping people battle chronic pain, new research suggests.
In a study including more than 400 U.S.
In a study including more than 400 U.S.
Clues Found to Brain Mechanism Behind Migraines
March 11, 2009
Study in mice pinpoints role of gene mutation in triggering certain headaches. Scientists believe they may have found the biological trigger to a particular type of migraine headache.
In the March 12 issue of Neuron, an Italian university study on mice found that increased levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain appear to kick off a cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon that causes migraine sufferers to experience a visual disturbance known as migraine aura. The mice in the study had a gene mutation that has been shown to make people more susceptible to familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), a subtype of severe migraine accompanied by the aura.
In the March 12 issue of Neuron, an Italian university study on mice found that increased levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain appear to kick off a cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon that causes migraine sufferers to experience a visual disturbance known as migraine aura. The mice in the study had a gene mutation that has been shown to make people more susceptible to familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), a subtype of severe migraine accompanied by the aura.
Migraines in Pregnancy Boost Vascular Risks
March 11, 2009
Headaches should be seen as indicator of other problems, expert says. Women who have migraines during pregnancy are 15 times more likely than other women to suffer a stroke, twice as likely to have heart disease and three times more likely to have blood clots and other vascular problems during pregnancy, says a U.S. study.
Warmer-Than-Average Temperatures Raise Migraine Risk
March 09, 2009
Barometric pressure can also trigger debilitating headaches, researchers say. If you think changes in the weather bring on migraines, it might not be all in your head.
Harvard researchers report in a new study that people are more likely to visit emergency rooms with migraines if the outside temperature is above normal. Barometric pressure has an effect, too, although it is not as significant.
Harvard researchers report in a new study that people are more likely to visit emergency rooms with migraines if the outside temperature is above normal. Barometric pressure has an effect, too, although it is not as significant.
Many Combat Vets Suffer Severe Headaches Upon Return
February 23, 2009
Almost all of those who had mild brain injury, blast exposure are affected, study says. Headaches have become a common complaint among soldiers who suffered mild head trauma while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
These headaches tend to be debilitating, mirroring migraines in intensity, according to research released Monday that is to be presented next month at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in Seattle.
About 15 percent of soldiers deployed to Iraq experience mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to background information from the researchers, who are based at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash.
These headaches tend to be debilitating, mirroring migraines in intensity, according to research released Monday that is to be presented next month at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in Seattle.
About 15 percent of soldiers deployed to Iraq experience mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to background information from the researchers, who are based at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash.
Exploring Genetic Link Between Migraines, Cardiovascular Trouble
February 17, 2009
Suspected variant is not a player, but two genotypes might be, study finds. In a finding that speaks to the complicated connection between having migraines with aura and an increased risk of cardiovascular trouble, Harvard researchers report that a gene variant that was suspected to be a link between the conditions is not but that two genotypes could well be.
"Migraine with aura, in women in particular, is associated with about a doubling of the risk of stroke and heart attack," said Dr. Richard Lipton, director of the Montefiore Headache Center in New York City.
"Migraine with aura, in women in particular, is associated with about a doubling of the risk of stroke and heart attack," said Dr. Richard Lipton, director of the Montefiore Headache Center in New York City.
Using Sleep to Manage Headaches May Cause Insomnia
February 16, 2009
And that may lead to more headaches, new study suggests. Headache sufferers often treat their pain by taking naps to sleep it off, but they run the risk of developing insomnia by disrupting their normal sleep patterns and perpetuating the cycle of headaches, a new study shows.
"Going to sleep was one of the main things people tried to treat their headaches, and they rated it a very effective treatment," said study author Jason C. Ong, an assistant professor of behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
"Going to sleep was one of the main things people tried to treat their headaches, and they rated it a very effective treatment," said study author Jason C. Ong, an assistant professor of behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Belly Fat May Make Migraines More Likely
February 12, 2009
Age and gender also affect chances of having debilitating headaches. Being overweight may increase the risk of migraine headaches in young and middle-aged adults, suggests a U.S. study that included 22,211 people.
Health Tip
Log Your Headache Pain
January 19, 2009
It may help reveal triggers, remedies If you frequently suffer from significant headache pain, it may help to document the circumstances during which it occurs and any potential triggers.
Logging the details of your headaches could become an invaluable tool for you and your doctor.
The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center suggests what to document:
The duration of each headache.
Logging the details of your headaches could become an invaluable tool for you and your doctor.
The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center suggests what to document:
The duration of each headache.
War Vets With Headaches Could Have Brain Problems
January 05, 2009
Reduced sense of smell might also signal need for testing, expert says. Headache frequency and severity caused by traumatic brain injury might signal cognitive deficits, suggests a new study of Iraq war veterans.
Traumatic brain injuries, also called concussions, are common among veterans who served in Iraq. And as deployment times have become longer, military personnel have more chances to be exposed to explosions that can cause injury.
Traumatic brain injuries, also called concussions, are common among veterans who served in Iraq. And as deployment times have become longer, military personnel have more chances to be exposed to explosions that can cause injury.
Health Tip
Prevent Headaches During Pregnancy
December 26, 2008
Suggestions to ward off the pain Headaches among pregnant women are a common complaint, but in many cases they can be prevented, the American Pregnancy Association says.
The association offers these suggestions:
Make sure you're getting enough sleep, and take some time to relax.
Eat regular, healthy meals and snacks.
The association offers these suggestions:
Make sure you're getting enough sleep, and take some time to relax.
Eat regular, healthy meals and snacks.
Hormones Boost Frequency of Women's Migraine With Aura
December 22, 2008
Mouse study finds 2 genes likely behind spread of depression with these headaches. In women, hormones increase the frequency of an inherited form of severe migraine accompanied by visual disturbances called auras, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study.
Like other types of migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine affects women more than men. Most cases of familial hemiplegic migraine are caused by mutations in the CACNA1A gene.
Like other types of migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine affects women more than men. Most cases of familial hemiplegic migraine are caused by mutations in the CACNA1A gene.
Health Tip
Managing Headaches During Pregnancy
December 22, 2008
Suggestions to help relieve the pain If you're pregnant and you've got a headache, it may not be wise to turn to medication to control your pain.
The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions for additional ways to manage a headache while you're pregnant:
Soothe sinus headaches with a warm cloth or compress across your nose and eyes.
Manage tension headache pain with a cold wrap around the bottom of your neck.
The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions for additional ways to manage a headache while you're pregnant:
Soothe sinus headaches with a warm cloth or compress across your nose and eyes.
Manage tension headache pain with a cold wrap around the bottom of your neck.
New Migraine Drug Shows Promise
November 24, 2008
Telcagepant works differently than standard triptans, researchers say. A drug called telcagepant proved safe and effective in treating migraines and caused fewer side effects than the widely-used migraine drug zolmitriptan (Zomig), according to a study conducted by drug maker Merck & Co. Zolmitriptan and other triptans are effective but can cause a number of side effects, including dizziness, tingling and numbness of the skin, chest discomfort, and throat tightness.
Migraine Might Lower Breast Cancer Risk
November 06, 2008
Lower estrogen levels among sufferers may be the reason why, researchers say. Women who experience migraines may actually have a 30 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, say researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
Brain Pressure More Likely to Cause Vision Loss in Men
October 15, 2008
Though women have condition more often, men suffer side effects twice as much, study says. Men are more likely than women to suffer vision loss as a result of a condition that causes increased pressure in the brain, a U.S. study finds.
Migraines More Frequent, Intense in Overweight Kids
September 26, 2008
But weight loss can ease the pain, study shows. The more overweight children and teens are, the more numerous and severe their headaches, according to a U.S. study.
Migraine Sufferers Face Greater Blood Clot Risk
September 15, 2008
But condition doesn't hasten hardening of arteries, researchers say. Migraine patients face a higher risk for developing a blood clot in their veins, a team of Austrian and Italian researchers reports.
Health Tip
Managing Your Child's Migraines
August 07, 2008
Suggestions to help prevent them. If your child gets migraine headaches, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent them.
Novel Treatments Ease Migraine Pain
June 26, 2008
Both call for stimulation of nerve centers related to pain.
Migraine Medications May Cause 'Serotonin Syndrome'
May 14, 2008
Rare disorder can lead to muscle spasms, fever, sweating and nausea, study finds.
Botox Works on Muscle Disorders But Not Migraines
May 05, 2008
New guidelines OK its use for involuntary contractions, headache findings were surprise.
Skin Pain, Sensitivity Rises With Migraine
April 23, 2008
Almost two-thirds of people with these headaches suffer from skin discomfort, study finds.
Deep Brain Stimulation Aids Those With Rare Headache Condition
April 17, 2008
Though it didn't stop attacks, therapy eased frequency of episodes for SUNCT sufferers.
Children With Migraines at Higher Risk for Sleep Disorders
April 17, 2008
They're twice as likely to have apnea, repeated arousals from slumber study finds.
Migraines' Frequency Influences Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
April 17, 2008
But the absolute risk to patients remains very low, expert says.
Overuse of Opioids, Barbiturates Boosts Chronic Migraine Risk
April 17, 2008
Self-treating headaches with these drugs doubles chance of having chronic episodes.
High Blood Pressure May Be Buffer Against Headaches
April 14, 2008
But experts stress that hypertension should still be treated.
Epilepsy Drug Doesn't Prevent Migraines
February 11, 2008
Unlike other epilepsy meds, Trileptal was no better than placebo, study finds
Migraine Tied to Thickening in Brain Area
November 19, 2007
But scientists aren't sure which comes first.
Caffeine Plus Acetaminophen Toxic for Some
September 26, 2007
Rat study suggests liver danger, but doses must be very high.
New Treatment Explored for Cluster Headaches
August 30, 2007
Migraine nasal spray showed promising results in small study.
Cluster Headache Treatment Poses Cardiac Dangers
August 13, 2007
Off-label use of verapamil linked to heart rhythm abnormalities, study finds.
Women With Migraines at Higher Risk of Stroke
August 09, 2007
And smoking and oral contraceptives heighten that risk, study finds.
Gene Could Boost Stroke Risk for Migraine Sufferers
July 31, 2008
Scientists say they've spotted a gene that may lessen the risk of migraines with aura. However, the risk is still there, and if the person goes on to develop migraines with aura, this migraine-protective gene actually boosts their risk for stroke.
First Generic Versions of Depakote Approved
July 29, 2008
The first generic versions of Depakote (divalproex sodium) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat epileptic seizures, migraine headaches and bipolar disorder, the agency said Tuesday. Eight firms were granted license to produce generic versions of the brand-name drug made by Abbott Laboratories.
Health Tip
Help Prevent Headaches
July 02, 2008
Headaches have a variety of causes and triggers, but stress is a common factor in many types of headache. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to lessen stress and reduce your chances of a headache.
Migraine Medications May Cause 'Serotonin Syndrome'
Rare disorder can lead to muscle spasms, fever, sweating and nausea, study finds
May 30, 2008
A commonly used migraine medication may cause so-called serotonin syndrome in rare cases, new research suggests. Reporting in the May 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from Georgetown University and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detail 11 cases of serotonin syndrome associated with the use of triptans alone.
