Expert Headache & Migraine Articles
We draw on the expert knowledge of specialist practitioners dedicated to helping relieve suffering caused by headaches and migraines.
LATEST HEADACHE & MIGRAINE NEWS
Menstrual Migraines (7th Nov 2019) Is it a widely held belief that Menstrual related Migraines are due to declining levels of estrogen at certain times in the menstrual cycle. A recent paper in the Journal of Headache by Calhoun (Calhoun AH. Understanding menstrual migraine. Headache 2018; 58: 626-630) concludes that: Rapid estrogen level declines occurring… Read More
Fact: The vast majority of Headache & Migraine diagnoses come from the history. Keeping a diary and details of your attacks helps the experts to understand your unique situation and what may trigger or contribute to your attacks. Your complete Medical-Health records, including past test results and diagnoses also provide valuable clues.A thorough headache and… Read More
Modern lifestyles are conducive to headaches and migraines, so these simple tips can make all the difference.1. Drink enough water-stay hydrated2. Dont skip meals. Low blood sugar levels can make attacks more likely.3. Take regular breaks from prolonged static postures over computers or devices. Otherwise eye strain and neck strain can commonly trigger attacks.4. Get… Read More
Common foods associated with triggering migraines include: MSG [found in many sauces and savoury products such as stock cubes], chocolate, cheeses, and wine. Caffeine addiction due to regular coffee, tea or cola consumption can also precipitate migraines. It is important to eat regular meals as low blood sugar levels have also been associated with migraines…. Read More
TYPES OF HEAD PAIN
Tension Headache Tension headache has been defined by the Ad Hoc Committee on classification of headache as an “ache or sensation of tightness, pressure, or constriction, widely varied in intensity, frequency and duration: long lasting and commonly suboccipital (base of skull at the back), associated with sustained contraction of skeletal muscles, usually as part of… Read More
Menstrual Migraines Migraine attacks occurring in women during menstruation are often more severe than attacks occurring at other times. The fluctuation in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle and especially prior to menstruation is believed to make the sufferer more susceptible at that time. Some researchers report an ‘oestrogen priming’ effect during a womens normal… Read More
Cervicogenic Headache Upper neck problems are a common cause of referred pain into the head region. Research has demonstrated how the nerves in the upper neck (when irritated), can send pain signals into the head and face regions; researchers believe this happens because the nerves supplying the skin and other sensitive structures in the neck… Read More
Classic Migraine Approximately 20% of Migraine attacks do have an Aura. An Aura involves symptoms that precede an impending attack of head pain including- visual symptoms (blurred vision, blind spots etc) and sensory changes such as pins and needles in the face or hands and arms (amongst the most common symptoms). Classic Migraine typically involve… Read More
MEDICATION REVIEWS
Posted 17th April 2013: A new Danish study of 19 migraine sufferers-Migraine WITHOUT Aura has provided evidence that the blood vessels OUTSIDE the skull dont change during an attack, suggesting that another mechanism may be responsible for the pain felt during migraine. Researchers have suggested that the nerves around blood vessels may become sensitized. Using… Read More
Ibuprofen Offers Relief for Many With Migraine Headaches ScienceDaily (Oct. 6, 2010) — For many people suffering from migraine headaches, over-the-counter ibuprofen – might be enough to relieve the pain. A new Cochrane review finds that about half of those with migraine headaches will have pain relief within two hours after taking ibuprofen. “We knew… Read More
Overuse of common painkillers could be the reason nearly a million people in the UK have headaches, according to the health watchdog. The warning comes from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), an “arms length” body funded by the government, as it releases its first guideline for doctors in England and Wales… Read More
