Exciting News from the International Headache Congress 2009!

The 14th International Headache Congress, hosted by the American Headache Society (AHS) and the International Headache Society (IHS) here in Philadelphia, has had a great start. Thursday morning Teri had a fabulous interview with Cindy McCain, which you can read more about here: Interview with Cindy McCain: Migraine Sufferer, Advocate.

Our afternoon sessions focused on Migraines and vascular issues. Dr. Dodick from Scottsdale, Arizona, discussed the vascular comorbidities that may be associated with Migraine disease and posed some thought provoking questions. France's Dr. Kurth talked about the possibility that any cardiovascular disease may put the Migraine patient who has Migraine with aura at an increased risk of stroke. AND, people with a healthy cardiovascular system and Migraine with aura are at an increased risk for stroke too. Yes, I said healthy!

Dr. Moskowitz, President of the IHS, pointed out that cortical spreading depression (CSD) may happen when a stroke, trauma, or energy failure occurs - "it may be a response to a real or threatened injury." 

Friday was a very full day with poster presentations and sessions with doctors discussing cerebral vascular events and how they may be reversible in some patients with Migraine. This is called Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndromes (RCVS.) RCVS may be reversed in three months, but a complete neurological workup -- including imaging -- needs to be done to make sure. Another interesting session was on neurostimulation for refractory headache. There seems to be some evidence that this may work for Chronic Cluster headache.  Also discussed was how indomethacin works wonders for Hemicrania Continua and Paroxysmal Hemicrania.

I'm looking forward to another exciting day tomorrow and will be anxious to share with you the highlights what I learn. Once Teri and I are home, we'll be publishing new articles to share what we've learned in more detail.

© Nancy Bonk, 2009.

Last updated September 12, 2009.