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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%.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 2, 2024

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalBrain Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2024

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 ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

Pain-based weather forecasts could influence actions

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that over 70% of respondents with chronic pain would alter their daily plans based on weather-based pain forecasts. The study suggests that developing a reliable pain-based weather forecast could help individuals take preventative measures to manage their pain levels.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateJan 11, 2024

Older adults with newly diagnosed migraine disorder three times more likely to have motor vehicle crash

A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 3, 2024

Does COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination worsen migraines?

Research published in European Journal of Neurology indicates that COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination have negligible effects on migraine severity. Among participants who reported worsening migraines, those infected were 2.5-times more likely to be concerned about migraine worsening than those vaccinated.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateOct 4, 2023

Are children’s growing pains tied to migraines?

A recent study found that pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents may indicate the presence or risk of migraines. The study included 100 children with mothers who experienced migraines, with growing pains occurring in half of them. After five years of follow-up, headaches occurred in 76% of participants with growing pains.

SourceWiley·JournalHeadache The Journal of Head and Face Pain·DateSep 6, 2023

Does multimorbidity impact chronic disease treatment?

Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 6, 2023

Could a vitamin deficiency cause ‘double-jointedness’ and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Tulane University researchers discovered a possible genetic cause of hypermobility and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, linking it to folate deficiency due to the MTHFR gene variation. Elevated folate levels in blood tests can aid in diagnosis, while methylated folate has shown promising treatment results for patients.

SourceTulane University·JournalHeliyon·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2023

Global consortium study, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, aims to shed light on viruses’ impact on the brain

A global consortium study aims to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain, with researchers evaluating over 1,000 participants worldwide. The study, led by UT Health San Antonio, uses advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function and identify potential causes of long-term brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022

PCORI approves $258 million to fund research studies addressing mental health, heart-related care, and a range of chronic and acute conditions

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding awards totaling $258 million to support 26 new research studies. These studies aim to fill evidence gaps and improve healthcare decision making for a range of high-burden conditions, including mental health, heart conditions, asthma, bone fractures, and sinus...

New therapy significantly reduces headache disability, post-traumatic stress following brain injury, study finds

A new therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Headache (CBTH) significantly reduced related disability in veterans following a traumatic brain injury. It also showed comparable reductions in co-occurring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with low drop-out rates and ease of use for therapists.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2022

Study reveals how epilepsy and migraine drug causes birth defects

A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets

Researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine, including DKK1 and PDGFB, which inhibit Wnt signalling pathways. Lower levels of antioxidant proteins FARS2, GSTA4, and CHIC2 also contribute to inflammation linked to migraine. Therapies targeting increased DKK1 levels may represent novel tools for treatment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Overlooked disease: Tens of thousands of people have problems at work

A new study from the University of Copenhagen finds that people with migraine or frequent tension headaches face significant difficulties at work, including memory and decision-making problems. The study highlights the importance of workplace accommodations and support for those affected by these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Ergonomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022