Articles tagged with Migraines
A retrospective observational study found that lamotrigine reduced the frequency of migraine aura by 80% in patients with frequent or troublesome aura. The study also showed that slower dose escalation was associated with fewer side effects, a finding that may be relevant for future clinical trials.
A new study aims to find new ways to prevent strokes in people with chronic migraine by understanding the link between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The research also explores the role of immune cells in blood vessels and their impact on migraine attacks.
Researchers found a potential link between breast tissue size and several common neurological and sleep disorders, including chronic migraine and neck pain. Women with macromastia were 40% more likely to have chronic migraine, twice as likely to experience neck pain, and more than twice as likely to have cervical radiculopathy.
Researchers used AI to analyze data from 43,000 participants and identified a complex interplay between genetics, clinical characteristics, and environmental factors. The study reveals four distinct subgroups of migraine, including those with prominent neck pain and extensive musculoskeletal pain.
The updated guideline provides recommendations for preventive medications for both chronic and episodic migraine, taking into account new research and medication options. Clinicians are advised to assess the impact of migraine on quality of life when choosing a preventive medication, and to discuss the strength of evidence, possible si...
A study of 997,701 ED visits in Alberta and Ontario found a significant association between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and a 6% increase in ED visits for migraine and primary headache syndromes. Associations were attenuated in less deprived areas, suggesting that wildfire-sourced PM2.5 may trigger severe headache episodes requiring ED care.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture to the ear (auriculotherapy) reduced migraine pain and improved its impact on daily life. The treatment showed a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation levels in the brain, but not a difference between the auriculotherapy and sham groups.
A new study found that a class of oral and intranasal medications known as gepants may be an effective treatment for vestibular migraine. Gepants work by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which drives migraine attacks, providing relief from dizziness and vertigo.
Researchers identified two weather patterns associated with an increased risk of headaches in the Northeast US. The study found that approaching cold fronts and high-pressure systems, such as the Bermuda High, can trigger new-onset headaches in people with episodic migraines.
Migraine with aura is linked to a 73% increased risk of ischemic stroke in middle-aged and older adults. The study found no association between migraine without aura and an increased risk of stroke. Men under age 72 with migraine also face a significantly higher risk of stroke, contradicting previous research in younger individuals.
A nationwide study in Denmark shows a 7% reduction in triptan use for migraine treatment among women taking semaglutide for weight loss, with no significant change observed among men. The study suggests that weight loss and potential direct effects of GLP-1RA treatments may contribute to reduced migraine medication use.
Researchers identified two biological subtypes of migraines using brain imaging, which could lead to better treatments and predictions for chronic migraine. The study found that patients in one subtype had more severe symptoms but were no more likely to develop chronic migraine, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.