Articles tagged with Headaches
A clinical decision rule, known as the Ottawa SAH Rule, has been developed to identify neurologically intact patients with headache in the emergency department who have subarachnoid hemorrhage. The rule uses five variables from a patient's history and examination to predict diagnosis, showing 100% sensitivity but only 15.3% specificity.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide found that codeine provides less pain relief than morphine but increases sensitivity to pain equally. This could be a problem for individuals with chronic pain who need ongoing medication, highlighting the need for further research and potential alternatives.
A Swedish study of 112 adolescent girls found that regular dance training significantly improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and fatigue. The results persisted at follow-ups four and eight months after the dance training ended.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a CMS quality measure assessing CT scans in emergency departments is unreliable, affecting up to 83% of patients. The measure may lead to inaccurate comparisons of imaging performance among hospitals.
A new study from the University of Haifa found that emotional and instrumental support from a supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism and increase productivity. The study also highlights the importance of co-worker support in mitigating the effects of stress at work, leading to improved overall well-being.
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that over 70% of patients with traumatic brain injury reported headaches during the first year after their injury. Females and individuals with a pre-injury history of headache were significantly more likely to experience post-injury headaches.
A recent study of NHL concussions over seven seasons found that rates have declined, but the time lag between injury and return to play has increased. The study identified clinical signs and symptoms that predict longer game time losses, emphasizing the need for education and caution in managing concussions.
A University of Iowa study suggests that people who feel depressed report experiencing a higher number of past symptoms, while those who feel anxious report more symptoms in the present moment. The study highlights the importance of considering mood when making diagnosis and treatment decisions.
A new study reports a significant increase in CT scans performed in emergency departments, with the percentage of ED visits involving CT imaging rising from 2.8% to 13.9% between 1995 and 2007. The study found a remarkable growth rate of 16% per year, driven by increased awareness of cost and radiation concerns.
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
A 30-minute massage on cervical trigger points improves autonomic nervous system regulation in patients with chronic tension headaches. This leads to a better psychological state and reduced stress and anxiety. Patients also report relief from symptoms within 24 hours after the massage.
A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.
The International Headache Society has published new research guidelines to stimulate more research into headache treatment and reduce health risks associated with treatment. The guidelines focus on episodic and chronic tension-type headaches, aiming to identify more effective treatments and improve clinical trial safety for patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-flow oxygen was more effective in treating cluster headache pain than a placebo, with 78% of patients reporting pain-free relief within 15 minutes. The treatment was also superior for other outcomes up to 60 minutes, with no serious adverse events reported.
The Optical Soil Dipstick (OSD) measures soil health through a small hole in the surface of the earth, providing information on pollution, water needs and crop condition. The device could help solve the mystery of global warming's effects on farming and water resources.
Researchers studied brain electrical activity and blood flow during caffeine withdrawal, finding increased brain blood flow and changes in EEG that relate to common withdrawal symptoms. The study also showed no net beneficial effects of chronic caffeine administration.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that nearly 98% of soldiers who experienced a concussion or head injury while deployed in Iraq had headaches during their last deployment. The headaches often started within one week of the traumatic brain injury, with 60% experiencing migraine-like headaches.
Ascent to high altitudes causes a range of effects on the brain, including headaches, eye hemorrhages, and sleep disruptions. Research suggests that genetic predisposition, factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor, and venous system play a role in susceptibility to altitude-related illnesses.
A Mayo Clinic study found that most stroke patients do not identify their symptoms correctly, leading to delayed medical attention. The delay can result in further damage and reduced recovery outcomes.
A new nasal spray treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in rapidly treating cluster headaches, considered the most painful type of headache. The study involved 52 people with cluster headaches who used zolmitriptan nasal spray or placebo to treat 151 separate attacks.
A study found that 21% of patients taking verapamil for cluster headaches experienced irregular heartbeats, while 37% had slower than normal heart rates. Close monitoring with electrocardiograms is recommended to mitigate potential heart problems.
A new study examines patterns of care for whiplash patients and finds that increasing the intensity of care is associated with slower recovery. The researchers suggest that early aggressive treatment may delay recovery by encouraging passive coping strategies, rather than improving outcomes.
Researchers found that a 15-week Tai Chi program significantly improved headache pain and overall quality of life for adults suffering from tension headaches. The exercise's emphasis on relaxation and breathing may address the underlying cause of tension headaches.
Researchers have discovered that aspirin forms crystals containing both long-known and predicted structures, upending fundamental principles. The two 'polymorphic' forms exist in one single crystal, raising questions about the definition of polymorphism and its implications for patent law.
Researchers at University of Michigan confirm fibromyalgia as a real condition characterized by lower pain threshold and associated with genetic factors. Studies using neuroimaging techniques reveal abnormalities in central brain structures and increased neural activity in patients.
Chronic daily headaches are more prevalent in obese and morbidly obese people than those with normal body weight, the study found. Obese individuals reported severe pain and missed more work days due to headaches.
A study by Dr. Shrawan Kumar helps clarify the definition of whiplash by measuring neck muscle responses to low-velocity impacts. Turning the head reduces the risk of soft tissue injury, according to the research.
Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects a significant percentage of the population, with substantial disability and quality-of-life impact. Physicians and patients need to be educated on medication-overuse headaches, which can be prevented by carefully examining medical history.
A study of 8,250 US adolescent girls found that 29.1% experience headaches, 20.7% stomachaches, and 30.6% morning fatigue more than once a week. Social and environmental factors such as alcohol use, caffeine intake, and parent support are strongly associated with the symptoms.
A study of 18,980 adults found that morning headaches were associated with depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions, including sleep-related breathing disorders and musculoskeletal diseases.
Recent studies demonstrate the accuracy of epilepsy diagnosis by doctors (96%), shedding light on dementia risk factors among adults with Down syndrome. Additionally, gabapentin shows significant effectiveness in treating chronic daily headaches, according to a study by The Australian Gabapentin Chronic Daily Headache Group.
Research confirms a direct link between small jaws, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of bed-wetting and ear infections in children. Orthodontic treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating these issues, offering an alternative to traditional medication or ear tubes.
A study conducted at Mt. Everest found that acetaminophen was as effective as ibuprofen in treating high-altitude headaches, with both medications providing similar levels of pain relief and reduced nausea. The results suggest that acetaminophen could be a safer alternative for patients suffering from high-altitude headache.
A recent study found no new information on the relationship between chiropractic neck treatment and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare type of stroke. However, experts believe it's physically impossible for a competently performed neck adjustment to cause VAD unless the artery already has a significant pre-existing weakness.
Researchers identified enlarged pituitary glands in patients with intracranial hypotension syndrome, a condition characterized by headaches that worsen when sitting up. The condition can be diagnosed through low spinal cord fluid pressure readings and treated with conventional therapies such as bed rest, hydration, and corticosteroids.
Researchers report a case where cluster headache symptoms appeared without head pain, suggesting primary symptoms. The study follows a 22-year-old man who experienced nasal stuffiness and pupil contraction in his left eye daily for weeks, without pain.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that 80% of people with cluster headaches also have signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can trigger the attacks. Treatment of sleep apnea may reduce or eliminate headaches and other related problems.
A new report describes four patients who experienced bruxism, including jaw clenching, headaches, tooth grinding, and broken teeth, after taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety. The symptoms resolved with the addition of another anti-anxiety drug, Buspar.
A new study found that nearly half of chronic tension headache sufferers also meet criteria for a mood or anxiety disorder. These disorders often go overlooked in treatment, and patients may not openly discuss them due to stigma. The study highlights the importance of considering mental health when prescribing treatment for chronic pain.
A recent study found that people with advanced degrees are more likely to experience tension headaches, particularly women with graduate school educations. The study surveyed over 13,000 people in Baltimore County, Md., and found that 38.3% met criteria for episodic tension-type headaches (ETTH) in the last year, with rates declining a...
A water-based pillow significantly improved quality of sleep and modestly reduced morning pain intensity compared to standard and roll pillows. The pillow contained a pouch of water, adjustable for firmness, and supported neck muscles and structures damaged by injury or disease.