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Ginger and Migraines

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:12:36 +0000

In a study published this month in Phytotherapy Research, 100 patients with migraine without aura were blindly given either ginger powder or sumatriptan for migraine treatment. Two hours after treatment, patients reported a decrease in their headache severity regardless of the treatment they received. Sumatriptan and ginger powder were found to be similar in their effect on migraine relief.

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Sleep and Migraines

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:02:52 +0000

A very recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found a gene that may link migraines and a rare sleep disorder called advanced sleep phase disorder. This is a disorder in which people go to bed in the early evening (between 6pm and 8pm) due to excessive sleepiness at this time of day and an inability to stay up later despite social norms. These individuals also awake in the early morning (1am to 3am) before their desired awakening period.

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"Cough, Cough...Ouch!"

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:04:49 +0000

Even though I do not personally suffer from a rare form of headache, I am always interested in reading about or listening to those who do. As a migraneur and physician, I strive to better understand other's experiences of head pain so that I can better my own health and those of my patients.

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Postpartum Headache

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:40:28 +0000

After delivering my son, I fondly recall his healthy cries and grandparent's oodles as he was passed around from one set of loving arms to another. On a less exciting note, I also recall the tension headache I soon developed after delivery that seemed to linger for hours. Fortunately, my headache was not serious and was triggered by the typical culprits of delivering a baby - hormone changes, exhaustion and hunger. A long nap, fluids, and a small lunch cured it. But, postpartum headaches should not be taken lightly especially if they are different from your typical headaches or persist greater than 24 hours after delivery. They may represent something more serious or a medical condition that is seen only or more frequently in postpartum women.

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Weekend Headaches

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:23:42 +0000

As the weekend approaches, many of us are looking forward to much needed sleep and relaxing activities like catching a movie, indulging in a novel, or eating a yummy dinner with family or friends. Of course the last thing on your mind is a headache infringing on these anticipated weekend plans. Unfortunately though, "weekend headaches" are all too frequent occurrences. The quick change in routine from the weekday schedule to a weekend schedule is a common headache trigger. Headache-triggering culprits include: sleeping that extra hour on Saturday, having a cup less of coffee on Sunday morning than usual, or sipping a cocktail on Friday night with friends.

What can you do to ensure your weekend is headache free? Don't worry I am not going to recommend you go back to work! You need this time to decompress. Below are some simple recommendations:

Alcohol: Avoid it!
Sleep: Get up at the same time on Saturday and Sunday as you would during the week.
Caffeine: Ideally, it is best to avoid caffeine all together in your diet. I will address that in a future article. But for now stick to your typical caffeine intake to avoid a withdrawal headache.

Do any of you suffer from weekend headaches? Leave your story in the comments section. Please share your recommendations on what you do to best avoid them.

Sinus Headache or Migraine?

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:45:26 +0000

April showers and May flowers while lovely also can trigger dreaded sinus infections for some individuals. While sinus problems can cause headaches, this phenomenon is relatively rare. Many people suffering from a "sinus headache" are really experiencing a migraine. An older study in the Archives of Internal Medicine examined nearly 3000 patients who had no prior diagnosis of migraines. These patients either self-diagnosed or were diagnosed by their doctors as having a sinus headache. The study found that the majority of patients, over 80%, actually met criteria for a migraine-type headache according to the International Headache Society. The take-home point here is that a thorough history and examination by a doctor is critical to making an accurate diagnosis as the treatment for a sinus headache versus a migraine are very different. Whether you have sinus headaches or migraines or both, understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan is important for your overall health and quality of life.

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Football, Pinched Nerve and Headache

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:21 +0000

As spring approaches and the weather starts warming up, many of us are looking forward to outdoor sports like baseball, bike riding, and throwing the frisbee. Flag football games can be especially fun with a large group of people and also allow you to avoid the contact part of the sport that makes people prone to injury.

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Do Migraines Affect Children's Emotional Health?

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:20 +0000

The thought of a child suffering a migraine attack is difficult to digest. At least, as adults, we can gain an understanding and find support through the internet and our healthcare providers. Most importantly, these resources help us identify our triggers for migraine prevention. Children, on the other hand, may have a hard time verbalizing their symptoms to their parents or pediatrician. This can prolong the diagnosis or lead to under-treatment. Finally, while the physical discomfort of a migraine is frustrating for a child, the toll migraine attacks can take on a child's social functioning and/or psychological health is concerning. A recent study suggests a link between headaches in childhood and its negative impact on emotional health and behavior.

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A Migraine Strike

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:19 +0000

As I surfed the internet last week, while sipping my essential morning cup of joe (you all can relate!), I stumbled across this Chicago Tribune article by Andrew M. Seaman titled, "Nearby lightning may be linked to migraines."...

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Trust Your Instinct: Migraines and MS

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:59:18 +0000

I remember sitting in my anatomy class in medical school vigorously jotting down notes while simultaneously trying to understand why this debilitating condition was just hitting me in my 20s. I attributed my new diagnosis of migraines to, well, being in medical school. I was sleep deprived, stressed, and strung out on coffee.

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