Migraines
Articles tagged with Migraines
Brain imaging reveals migraine headache subtypes, Stanford Medicine researchers find
Certain migraine prevention drugs associated with reduced risk of glaucoma
Researchers found that people taking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor drugs had a 25% lower risk of developing glaucoma than those taking other migraine medications. The reduced risk was only evident in CGRP inhibitors using monoclonal antibodies, not receptor antagonists or gepants.
TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
Air pollution associated with increased migraine activity
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between air pollution and increased migraine activity, suggesting that environmental factors may trigger attacks. Researchers found that high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide were linked to more frequent visits to the hospital or clinic for migraine.
University of Calgary-led study shows link between migraine genetics and post-concussion headaches in kids
A University of Calgary-led study found that children with genes predisposing to migraine are at higher risk of developing more severe headaches after a concussion. The research identified specific genetic mutations and family history of migraine as associated risks.
GLP-1 drugs associated with reduced need for emergency care for migraine
A study found that people with chronic migraine who took glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) for other conditions had fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. GLP-1 drugs were also associated with lower need for medications used to stop and prevent migraine attacks.
Study suggests migraine may be overlooked in women with enlarged breast tissue
A small observational study found that most women with macromastia who experienced frequent headaches screened positive for migraine rather than tension-type headache. After surgery, participants reported fewer and less severe headaches, with improvements lasting over a year.
Acupuncture for migraine without aura and connection-based efficacy prediction
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that acupuncture is effective in reducing migraine without aura pain and improving functionality. The research identified specific brain network connections that predict treatment outcomes, enabling a personalized approach to pain management.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome triggers migraines in majority of patients
A new study from Murdoch University found that 66% of participants with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) experienced migraines that started or worsened after CRPS onset. This research highlights the connection between CRPS and migraine, suggesting a possible common cause for both conditions.
NUS Medicine takes on global, publicly accessible platform to strengthen data and insights for women’s health
The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health has partnered with NUS Medicine to host the Women’s Health Impact Tracking (WHIT) platform, which measures progress on closing the women’s health gap across a set of conditions and countries. The platform provides clear, comparative insights to support decision-making and inform policies.
Machine learning drives drug repurposing for neuroblastoma
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
Combined oral contraceptive use among people with migraine with aura persists, despite cautions
A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.
Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Calgary study urges “major change” to migraine treatment in Emergency Departments
A new study by Barrow Neurological Institute and the University of Calgary recommends greater occipital nerve blocks and elevating intravenous prochlorperazine to offer effective and safe treatment for migraine attacks. The guidelines aim to reduce opioid reliance and improve patient outcomes in Emergency Departments.
US burden of disorders affecting the nervous system
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
Headache disorders affect 3 billion people worldwide—nearly one in every three people, ranking sixth for health loss in 2023
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
New study links teen migraines to hypertension: Why early blood pressure screening matters
A nationwide study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that adolescents with migraines are three times more likely to have high blood pressure. The research suggests that early blood pressure screening for teens with migraines could help detect cardiovascular risks before they develop into chronic disease.
Open-label placebos as adjunct for the preventive treatment of migraine
An open-label placebo treatment was associated with improved quality of life and reduced pain-related disability in patients with migraine. However, the treatment did not reduce headache frequency in this study.
In quest for better NSAIDs, researchers decouple inflammation from pain
Scientists at NYU Pain Research Center identified the EP2 receptor as the main cause of inflammatory pain but not inflammation. Blocking this receptor silenced pain responses without affecting inflammation, offering a new strategy for treating prostaglandin-mediated pain.
Big data begins to crack the cold case of endometriosis
A study using anonymized patient records from UC health centers found over 600 correlations between endometriosis and other conditions, including infertility, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. The research supports the growing understanding of endometriosis as a multi-system disorder.
From injury to agony: Scientists discover brain pathway that turns pain into suffering
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
Good news for people with migraine who take drugs before or during pregnancy
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took triptan medications before or during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 pregnancies and followed the children for an average of eight years.
Trends in mental and physical health among youths
A large US youth sample shows increased rates of anxiety and depression from 2016 to 2022. In contrast, asthma and severe headaches or migraines decreased in this cohort.
Nontraditional risk factors shed light on unexplained strokes in adults younger than 50
Researchers found that adults under 50 with migraine headaches and certain heart defects are at increased risk of stroke. The study highlights the importance of assessing both traditional and nontraditional risk factors in younger people to prevent strokes.
Poor oral health linked with body pain and migraines in women
A new study from the University of Sydney found that poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines and abdominal/pain in women. The research identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Migraine sufferers’ brains respond differently to visual stimulation
A study found that people with migraines and other headaches have increased levels of visual cortex excitability compared to healthy individuals. This indicates that existing medications targeting visual cortex excitability may be useful for this population.
New ACP guideline recommends combination therapy for acute episodic migraines
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has developed new recommendations for the treatment of acute episodic migraines in nonpregnant adults. The guideline prioritizes the use of combination therapy, including a triptan with an NSAID or acetaminophen, to reduce harms and improve outcomes. Migraine remains underdiagnosed and undertrea...
Drug may prevent some migraine attacks in children and teens
Researchers found that zonisamide, a drug previously used to treat seizures, may reduce migraine days in children and teens. The study showed the drug was effective for both those with difficult-to-treat migraine disease and those without.
Landmark review maps complex interactions between sex hormones and neurological health
A comprehensive review published in Brain Medicine maps out the extensive influence of reproductive hormones on neurological health and disease. The study examines how sex hormones affect a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including vascular disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Black, Hispanic kids less likely to get migraine diagnosis in ER
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to receive a migraine diagnosis when seen at a pediatric emergency department. The study also found that these groups received fewer tests and less intensive treatment.
New ACP guideline on migraine prevention shows no clinically important advantages for newer, expensive medications
The American College of Physicians recommends preventing episodic migraines with monotherapy, including beta-adrenergic blockers and antiseizure medications. However, a comparative effectiveness systematic review found no significant differences in clinical net benefit among treatments.
Propranolol may reduce ischemic stroke risk in women with migraines
A new study found that propranolol, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and prevent migraines, can reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraines. The medication was particularly effective in reducing stroke risk for women without aura, but not men.
New drug to prevent migraine may start working right away
A new study published in Neurology suggests that the recently approved drug atogepant can start working to prevent migraines as early as the first day of treatment. The study, which focused on three trials over 12 weeks, found significant reductions in migraine frequency and severity among participants taking the drug.
Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia and future neurological disorders
A new study finds that women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are at increased risk of developing new-onset migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue after giving birth. Follow-up care is recommended for these high-risk patients to monitor for neurological symptoms.
Drinking plenty of water may actually be good for you
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.
People with migraine at high risk of depression during pandemic
A recent longitudinal study from the University of Toronto reveals that older adults with migraine are at a substantial increase in risk of depression during the pandemic. Increased family conflict, difficulties in accessing healthcare, and caregiving responsibilities were associated with higher risks of depression among this population.
Triptans more effective than newer, more expensive migraine drugs
Researchers found that four triptans - eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan - were more effective than newer migraine drugs in relieving pain. The study suggests that access to the most effective triptans should be promoted globally.
Efficacy and safety of erenumab for nonopioid medication overuse headache in chronic migraine
A randomized controlled trial found erenumab injections significantly improved medication overuse headache remission rates and reduced acute migraine treatment days in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headaches. The study suggests that erenumab can be a simplified treatment option for MOH patients.
New study: drug may stop migraines before headache starts
A new study published in Neurology found that ubrogepant, a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, was effective in helping people with migraine function normally and go about their day. The study involved 518 participants who experienced early warning signs of a migraine and were given either ubrogepant or a placebo.
Study finds no link between migraine and Parkinson’s disease
A large study of female participants found no association between migraine and the development of Parkinson's disease, contrary to previous research. The study followed over 39,000 women for an average of 22 years and adjusted for various risk factors.
Are cardiovascular risk factors linked to migraine?
A new study published in Neurology found that high diastolic blood pressure is linked to a slightly higher odds of ever having migraine in female participants. The study also found no associations between cardiovascular risk factors and migraine in male participants.
NIH awards Wake Forest University School of Medicine $3.2 million to study non-opioid migraine treatments
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are studying the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments for migraine, which affects nearly half of those with the condition and leads to significant disability. The five-year study aims to identify therapies that target long-term efficacy and safety.
Can we predict who will develop migraine headaches?
Researchers are studying brain connectivity and hormonal changes in adolescent girls to predict who will develop migraine headaches. The study aims to identify the girls at risk of developing the condition, which can help develop new interventions and preventive strategies.
‘We have treatments’: Doctors urge patients with chronic vomiting to not suffer in silence
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disabling condition affecting up to 2% of the population, with most patients experiencing years of diagnostic delays. CVS can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medications, with timely diagnoses crucial to prevent complications.
Study reveals brain fluid dynamics as key to migraine mysteries, new therapies
Researchers describe how a spreading wave of disruption and brain fluid flow triggers headaches, detailing the connection between aura symptoms and migraine pain. The study identifies potential new drug targets for migraines, including proteins that bind with sensory nerves in the trigeminal ganglion.
Researchers identify unknown signalling pathway in the brain responsible for migraine with aura
A previously unknown mechanism in the brain causes migraine attacks by carrying proteins to specific nerve cells, explaining one-sided headaches. The discovery may lead to new treatment options and help understand other headache diseases.
Could preventative drug be effective in people with migraine and rebound headache?
Researchers found that people with chronic migraine who took the preventative drug atogepant experienced fewer monthly migraine days, headache days, and pain medication use. The study also showed similar reductions among participants without medication overuse.
Circadian clock impact on cluster headaches funded by $2.4M NIH grant for UTHealth Houston research
The study aims to understand the activation of the internal clock that regulates body processes in cluster headache patients. Researchers found a new circadian pattern of pain in a laboratory headache mouse model, which disappeared when clock genes were genetically altered.
Is there a link between increased headaches and hotter temperatures for individuals with migraines?
A new study found that warmer temperatures are associated with a 6% increase in migraine headaches. The research suggests that Fremanezumab, a medication blocking CGRP, may treat weather-associated headaches.
Study shows first evidence of sex differences in how pain can be produced
A recent study published in BRAIN found that males and females differ in their experience of pain due to functional sex differences in nociceptors. The findings support the implementation of a precision medicine-based approach considering patient sex as fundamental to treatment choices.
Migraine surgery reduces headache days, reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that nerve decompression surgery effectively reduces monthly migraine days and improves other headache outcomes, including frequency and intensity of attacks. The findings provide strong evidence in support of headache surgery efficacy.
Positive response to Botox injection predicts better results of migraine surgery
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that preoperative Botox injections can reliably predict the success of nerve decompression surgery for chronic migraine. Patients who responded positively to Botox injections showed significant improvements in migraine symptoms, with a positive predictive value of nearly 90%.
Use of acid reflux drugs linked to higher risk of migraine
A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found an association between the use of acid-reducing drugs and a higher risk of migraine. Researchers analyzed data from 11,818 people and found that those taking proton pump inhibitors were 70% more likely to have migraine.
Young adults with migraine, other nontraditional risk factors may have higher stroke risk
Researchers found that nontraditional stroke risk factors like migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45. The association between stroke and nontraditional stroke risk factors was stronger in adults younger than 35 years old.
Prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate may not increase children’s risk of autism spectrum disorder
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.
The Lancet Neurology: Neurological conditions now leading cause of ill health and disability globally, affecting 3.4 billion people worldwide
The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.
Poor sleep linked to migraine attacks in new UArizona Health Sciences study
A new study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found that sleep disturbances increase the vulnerability to migraine attacks. Improving sleep health may decrease the likelihood of migraine attacks in people with migraine. The study used preclinical mouse models and found no link between migraine-like pain and disrupted sleep.
Do astronauts experience “space headaches”?
Researchers discovered that astronauts without prior headache history experienced migraine and tension-type headaches during extended space missions. The study of 24 astronauts showed a significant increase in headaches during space flight compared to pre-flight reports.
Vaping and other lifestyle factors linked to frequent headaches in youth
A University of Calgary-led study reveals that vaping and other lifestyle factors, including meal irregularity, screen time, and household smoking, are associated with frequent headaches in children and adolescents. Frequent recurrent headaches can significantly affect quality of life.
Menopause and migraines: New findings point to power of prevention
A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...