Everything Migraine and Headache

Here is a master list of our content listed in alphabetical order. You can search the page by hitting the control and F keys on your keyboard simultaneously. In Internet Explorer and Safari, a search box opens below the top browser bar. In Firefox, it opens above the bottom browser bar.

• 5-HTP for Migraine – Check Before You Swallow
  5-HTP can be a helpful supplement for Migraine, but caution should be exercised and your physician consulted before taking it.
• 10 Things to Do After Your Migraine Appointment
  Get the most out of your Migraine doctor's appointments by following up with these 10 tips.
• 10 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays Despite Migraines
  Holidays are times to enjoy, but with Migraines and headaches, we can find ourselves actually dreading the holiday season. Let’s see how to give some of that head pain the boot!
• 10 Tips for Enjoying New Year's Celebrations Despite Migraines
  Migraine and headache sufferers can enjoy New Year's celebrations too! Here are some tips...
• 10 Ways for Migraineurs To Sneak In Some Exercise
  How are we to exercise when we feel as if our heads might explode? Here are 10 ways.
• 11 Tips for Using Migraine Meds Safely
  11 Tips for the safe use, storage, and disposal of Migraine medications.
• 12 Tips for Living Well All Year
  Making a firm, ongoing commitment to working with our doctors as treatment partners and doing all we can to improve the management of our Migraines and / or headaches.
• Abdominal Migraine - The Basics
  Abdominal Migraine is a form of Migraine seen mainly in children. It's most common in children ages five- to nine-years-old, but can occur in adults as well. Abdominal Migraine consists primarily of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Abdominal Migraine Quiz
  Abdominal Migraine is an official type of Migraine, as defined by the International Headache Society.  How much do you know about this type of Migraine?
• Acephalgic or Silent Migraine – The Basics
  The term "Acephalgic Migraine" or "silent Migraine" refers to any type of Migraine where no headache is present, but the migraineur still has the other symptoms.
• Acupuncture for Migraines – Sham or Miracle
  Recent scientific studies have showed both "true" and "sham" acupuncture effective in treating certain conditions including Migraine.
• Adolescent Migraine May Subside With Age
  Although some new questions are raised, the results of a new study suggests that many teens with Migraines might grow out of the condition before adulthood.
• Alice In Wonderland Syndrome – The Basics
  Alice In Wonderland Syndrome is a rare form of Migraine aura that causes a distortion of body image and perspective, which Migraineurs know is not real.
• Anatomy of a Migraine
  When many people think “Migraine,” they think only of the pain of Migraine. In reality, a Migraine (often called a "Migraine attack") consists of far more.
• Anxiety Disorders Associated with Migraine Disease
  Studies show anxiety disorders to be associate with Migraine disease and suggest that Migraine disorders should be considered an important public health problem in the community.
• Aromatherapy for Migraines and Headaches
  The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can be a wonderful complementary therapy to help with Migraines and headaches. Here are some basics.
• Ask the Clinician
  Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert answer reader questions about Migraines, headaches, and related issues.
• Aura Quiz
  The aura is the second potential phase of a Migraine with aura attack (previously called Classic Migraine). How much do you know about Migraine aura?
• Axert FDA Approved for Adolescents
  The FDA has approved Axert for episodic Migraine treatment in adolescents ages 12- to 17-years-old.
• Back To School With Migraines or Headaches
  When your child has a chronic illness, whether it's headaches, Migraines, or a different illness entirely, we really can't afford to put off getting our children ready for school. There are extra steps that need to be taken.
• Basilar-Type Migraine - the Basics
  Basilar-Type Migraine (BTM), also called "Basilar Artery Migraine," is marked by aura symptoms originating in the brainstem such as temporary blindness or decreased levels of consciousness.
• Can Migraine Protect Memory?
  Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have released surprising study results. Women with a lifetime history of Migraine showed less of a performance decline over time on cognitive tests than women who didn’t have Migraines
• Can Migraines Kill?
  People have asked if Migraines can kill. Well, can they?
• Can You Use FMLA and ADA at the same time?
  Megan Oltman answers this question.
• Cervicogenic Headache - The Basics
  Cervicogenic headache is referred pain perceived in the head from a source in the neck. Referred pain is pain that is felt at a location other than where the cause is located.
• Chronic Daily Headache - The Basics
  Do you have headaches that occur 15 or more days a month?  If so, you may have a condition known as "chronic daily headache" or "CDH."
• Cluster Headaches - The Basics
  Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of cluster headaches, extremely severe headaches that have been described as "like a hot poker in the eye."
• Coenzyme Q10 for Migraine Prevention
  Coenzyme Q10 has been show beneficial for Migraine prevention with few side effects.
• Coping With Busy Doctors
  Learn how to get more out of your doctor's appointments, even those with very busy doctors.
• Cortex Area of Brain Thicker in People with Migraine
  A study published in the November 20, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that people with Migraines have differences in part of the cortex, an area of the brain that helps process sensory information, including pain.
• Could Glutamate Be a New Key to Migraine Treatment?
  Information presented at the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (April, 2009) indicates that glutamate receptors may play a role in Migraine treatment.
• Dehydration – an Avoidable Migraine Trigger
  Learn how you can treat and prevent one of the biggest migraine and headache triggers--dehydration.
• Depression in Women with Migraine Linked to Childhood Abuse
  According to a study published in the September 4, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, childhood abuse is more common in women with Migraine who suffer depression than in women with Migraine alone.
• Disability Benefits – SSI and SSDI
  SSI and SSDI  disability programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
• Dispelling Migraine Myths: Quiz
  Myths and misconceptions about Migraine disease still abound. Can you separate myth from fact?
• Doctors’ Scores on Communication Predict Complaints to Authorities
  Patients who feel that their relationship with their doctors is lacking two-way communication will be especially interested in a JAMA article released today. Tamblyn et al concluded, “Scores achieved in patient-physician communication and clinical decision making on a national licensing examination predicted complaints to medical regulatory authorities.”
• Does Harry Potter Have Migraines?
  Dr. Fred Sheftell and Dr. Timothy Steiner study references to Harry's headaches and try to determine a diagnosis.
• Don’t Ignore Head Trauma and Headaches Podcast
• Dosage and Tapering Topamax for Migraine Prevention
  Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director of the Jefferson Headache Center, shares his approach to Topamax dosage, and the optimal way to taper up to and down from a dosage.
• Do You Know About Hemiplegic Migraines? Quiz
  Hemiplegic Migraine is rare and misunderstood. Have you learned about it? Take our quiz and find out!
• Do You Understand Cluster Headaches?
  Cluster headaches can be so severe that they've been called "suicide headaches." Take our quiz to see how well you understand them.
• Drug Companies May Now Discuss Off-Label Uses
  A new FDA guideline allows pharmaceutical companies to give doctors information about off-label uses of medications.
• Elvis & LSD? No, DHE for Migraine!
  How Elvis Presley dealt with Migraines, and how public misunderstanding of Migraine disease has affected his legacy.
• Emergency Migraine and Headache Care - Forms To Help
  Getting emergency Migraine and headache care can be difficult. Completing these forms in advance can make things easier.
• The Evolving Role of Migraine Prevention: Video
  Dr. Elizabeth Loder discusses why Migraine prevention is important.
• Famous Migraineurs: Carly Simon
  Carly Simon, singer/songwriter, wife and mother, has been able to have both a family and a career, despite having Migraine disease.
• Famous Migraineurs: Thomas Jefferson
  Did you also know Thomas Jefferson suffered from what some theorize to have been Migraines, tension-type headaches or even cluster headaches, throughout his prolific career?
• Famous Migraineurs: Gustav Mahler
  Composer and conductor Gustav Mahler was a truly inspiring musician. The fact that he composed and conducted despite Migraines takes him a notch above amazing.
• Famous Migraineurs: Sharon Stone
  Actress Sharon Stone is a fellow Migraineur. She also had an experience that demonstrates that we need to see our doctors when we have the "worst Migraine ever."
• F.I.T. Clip – Fluid Intake Tracker Review
  The F.I.T. Clip clips onto water bottles to help track hydration.
• Gene Linked To Migraine and Increased Stroke Risk
  A gene has been identified that may reduce the risk of Migraine with aura, but increase the risk of stroke for women who have Migraine with aura.
• Good Sunglasses – Vital for Migraine and Eye Health
  Whether it's the height of summer or the depths of winter, good sunglasses are a necessity. Not only are they vital to help us avoid headaches and Migraines, but they're vital to good eye health. Be sure to shop wisely for sunglasses, then remember to wear them!
• Half of Iraq Veterans with Migraines Also Have Depression
  Soldiers with Migraine disease are more than twice as likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder as soldiers without Migraines.
• "Handbook of Headache" – Review
  by Randolph W. Evans, MD, and Ninan T. Mathew, MD. Ranking: 5 stars out of 5. A "practical, easily readable guide to the diagnosis and management of headache patients."
• Handling School with Migraines and Other Chronic Conditions
  School can go better for kids with Migraine or other illnesses when everyone takes their responsibilities seriously. Who is responsible for what?
• Headache Attributable to IIH – The Basics
  Headache attributed to IIH is often daily. It is most often a steady ache, not pulsatile, and is worsened by coughing or straining.
• Headache and Migraine More Common Among MS Patients
  A new study reported concludes that frequency of headaches is higher in the MS population than the general population.
• Headache Before Stroke More Common in Migraineurs
  Study results demonstrate that Migraineurs are more likely to experience a headache before the onset of a stroke than patients without Migraine disease.
• "The Headache Prevention Cookbook" - Review
  By Dr. David Marks with recipes by Dr. Laura Marks, The Headache Prevention Cookbook is an excellent resource for identifying Migraine food triggers and learning to cook without them.
• "Headache Through the Ages" – Review
  by Seymour Diamond, MD, and Mary A. Franklin. Ranking: 4.5 stars out of 5. Headache Through the Ages  explores how "headache" has been perceived through time in literature, art history, and anecdotal material.
• “Heal Your Headache” - Review
  This is a thought-provoking book. Dr. Buchholz makes some excellent points, but readers should remember that he's writing about his hypotheses rather than blindly accepting everything written in any book.
• Hemicrania Continua - The Basics
  Learn more about Hemicrania Continua, a primary headache disorder that shares symptoms with Migraine disease, chronic daily headache, and cluster headache.
• Hemiplegic Migraine - The Basics
  Hemiplegic Migraine is a rare form of Migraine disease with symptoms that can mimic those of stroke, epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
• Hemiplegic Migraine - Genetic Testing May Be Helpful
  Findings of a study performed in the Netherlands suggest that genetic testing could be helpful in properly diagnosing and appropriately treating hemiplegic Migraine.
• High Dose Verapamil Problematic in Cluster Headache Treatment
  New research concludes that "the benefit of taking verapamil to alleviate the devastating pain of cluster headaches has to be balanced against the risk of causing a heart abnormality."
• HIPAA and the Privacy of your Medical Information
  What are my Rights under HIPAA? Megan Oltman outlines this for you...
• How Can I Help My Child with Migraines and Headaches?
  Children's symptoms can differ from adult's, and we need to know how to help them.
• How Well Do Know Your Migraine Medications? Quiz
  Preventive, abortive, and rescue medications are all part of an effective treatment regimen. How well do you know your medications?
• Humidity and Precipitation May Trigger Children’s Migraines and Headaches
  A new study has verified that humidity and precipitation can trigger Migraines and headaches in children.
• Hypnic Headaches – The Basics
  Hypnic headache is a rare headache that develops during sleep and awakens the sufferer.
• IV Lidocaine – Effective Treatment for Refractory Migraines in the Clinic
  Researchers found Lidocaine administered through IV drip was effective at easing Migraines when other treatments had failed.
• IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines
  Refractory Migraines — Migraines that are not responding to treatment — can present significant issues for Migraineurs, including status migrainosus. Dr. John Claude Krusz has been working toward more effective treatments for such headaches and Migraines and has found several IV treatments that are extremely successful.
• Ice Pick Headaches - The Basics
  Ice pick headaches are stabbing, extremely intense headaches that can be absolutely terrifying. They generally only last between five and 30 seconds. However, they come out of nowhere, can strike anywhere on the head, literally feel as if an ice pick is being stuck into your head, then disappear before you can even figure out what's happening.
• Identify the Type of Migraine or Headache Quiz
  Can you identify different types of Migraines and headaches? Find out with this quiz!
• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) – The Basics
  Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is also called pseudotumor cerebri, which means "false brain tumor" because its symptoms mimic those of brain tumors.
• Ignoring Headaches and Migraines Can Spell Danger
  Ignoring headaches and Migraines can be terribly dangerous, resulting in stroke or even death.
• Impact of Air Pollution on Migraines and Headaches
  Air pollution has been showed to be associated with increased frequency and severity of Migraines and headaches.
• Increased Patient Share of Prescription Costs Negatively Impacts Drug Treatment and Adherence
  A review of previous studies indicates that an increase in prescription drug cost sharing is associated with a decrease in drug spending and use of pharmacies; and for some chronic conditions, higher cost sharing is associated with greater use of expensive medical services.
• Inhaled Oxygen Shown Effective for Cluster Headaches
  A study has verified what cluster sufferers have been saying for quite some time – Oxygen can abort cluster headaches.
• Intradermal Botox for Migraine, Headache, Pain Disorders
  A look at intradermal Botox for the prevention of Migraines and headaches and relief from pain disorders.
• Interview with Cindy McCain: Migraine Sufferer, Advocate
  Mrs. McCain is out to shake things up when it comes to Migraines, awareness, and research. What she believes should be done and what she's going to do about it -- directly from her.
• Is It Migraine? Tension-Type Headache? What?
  Here it is, another day and another day with head pain. What to do...  Migraine abortives...  pain medication?  sleep?  relaxation exercises? It all depends on what kind of head pain you have.
• Is Migraine a Progressive Brain Disease?
  Examining the connection between Migraine disease, brain lesions, cerebral infarction (stroke), and the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Is Stress a Migraine Trigger? Podcast
• Is Your Doctor Right for You? Quiz
  Find out if your doc is top notch, or if it's time to think about looking for a new one.
• Julius Caesar: Roman Emperor, Migraineur
  One of the most famous politicians and soldiers in history, Julius Caesar, had Migraines and, perhaps, epilepsy.
• Let’s Talk: Communicating with Your Physician about Migraine: Video
  Dr. Merle Diamond talks with a panel of Migraineurs about a variety of topics, especially talking with our doctors about Migraines.
• "Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches" - Review
  Review of "Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches" by Teri Robert. From definitions of types of Migraines and headaches to commonly used medications in the treatment of Migraines and headache diseases, to self-advocacy and dealing with family issues, this book has it all.
• Excerpt - "Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches"
  Your role on your health care team for better Migraine and headache treatment.
• Excerpt 2 - "Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches"
  Teri Robert's experience with Migraine disease and headaches and her search for effective treatment.
• Make Your Home Friendly During a Migraine
  A look at ways to make our homes more friendly toward us when we have a Migraine or headache.
• Making Teen School Years Manageable with Migraines & Headaches
  Tips for getting your teens ready for school when they have Migraine or other headache disorders.
• Managing Migraine: A Healthcare Professional's Guide to Collaborative Migraine Care
  For the doctor who has not had the time to extensively research Migraine, but would like to be better equipped to help the Migraineurs in his or her practice, this book will be quite valuable.
• Managing Migraine – Migraine Trigger Foods
  Migraine triggers are physical things that bring on a Migraine attack when a Migraineur is exposed to them. Learn more about how to identify and avoid your Migraine trigger foods. Includes free downloadable workbook.
• Managing Migraine: A Patient's Guide to Successful Migraine Care
  You can't go wrong with this book. No matter how experienced you are in communicating with your doctor and managing you Migraines, you can pick up a few tips here.
• MAPP Your Migraine
  Migraine Attack Pack and Plan
• Marcia Cross on Navigating Holiday Parties with Migraines
  More than 36 million Americans, including TV and Film Actress Marcia Cross, suffer from Migraines, and exposure to Migraine-related triggers can peak during the holiday season.
• Measuring the Impact of Migraine When Not Experiencing an Attack
  The symptoms of a Migraine attack aren't the only disruption that Migraineurs deal with; the newly developed Migraine Interictal Burden Scale measures the burden those with Migraine face between attacks.
• Medication Overuse Headache: When the Remedy Backfires
  Every person who has headaches or Migraine disease should be told about MOH by our doctors because knowing about it in advance could save us a great deal of pain. Unfortunately, we're not.
• Medication Overuse Headache: What Do You Know? Quiz
  Knowing about Medication Overuse Headache, aka "rebound" can save you from a lot of pain. How much do you know about MOH?
• Mid-Life Stroke More Common in Women than Men
  A new study shows that more women than men are at risk for stroke in middle age, providing more incentive for female Migraineurs to actively manage Migraines.
• MigraCap Review
  The MigraCap combines cold therapy with darkness to provide symptomatic Migraine and headache relief.
• A Migraine Can Be an Emergency
  A Migraine is not "just a headache," and there are times when a Migraine attack can be an emergency.
• Migraine Abortive Telcagepant Performs Well In Trials
  In the latest Phase III study, telcagepant proved safe and effective in treating Migraines and caused fewer side effects than Zomig.
• Migraine Answers
  Where to ask questions and get answers.
• Migraine Associated with Mental Health Disorders
  A new study confirms an association between Migraines and mental health disorders.
• Migraine Aura Can Have Many Variations
  In addition to the visual symptoms we usually think of, Migraine aura can have many varied symptoms...
• Migraine Burden Worsened by Stigma
  Migraines are difficult enough to handle, but research confirms that stigma worsens the burden of Migraine disease.
• Migraine and Cardiovascular Disease Risks – Dangerous?
  New information about Migraine and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
• Migraine Glossary
  Glossary of medical terms and abbreviations.
• Migraine and Headache Clinical Trials
  Listing of clinical trials currently seeking participants.
• Migraine and Headache Education for Those Who "Don't Get It"
  If you have people in your life who just "don't get it" when you have a Migraine or headache, here are resources to bring the point home.
• Migraine and Headache Pain - Do Hospitals Have To Treat It?
  JCAHO standards say "Patients have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain."
• Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special?
  Learn about Migraine and Headache specialists and when to consult one.
• Migraine and Headache Treatment – How It Should Be
  What  can you  expect at a Migraine and  headache clinic? Read this article to find out.
• Migraine and Stroke Risk
  What the studies have revealed about Migraine disease and stroke risk.
• Migraine and Food Choices
  Eating right for overall health and identifying and avoiding Migraine food triggers are both essential. We have information and tools for you.
• Migraine Disease and Bipolar Disorder
  Studies have shown a higher incidence of Migraine among people with bipolar disorder.
• Migraine Disease Linked to Cardiovascular Disease in Men
  Studies have shown Migraine to associated with risk of major CVD in middle-aged men.
• Migraine, Headache, and Thyroid
  Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, are among the conditions now know to often be comorbid with headaches and Migraines.
• "Migraine and Other Headaches" – Review
  Definitely a must-have book, "Migraine and Other Headaches" was written by Dr. William B. Young and Dr. Stephen D. Silberstein, both noted experts in the treatment of headache disorders and Migraine.
• Migraine preventive medications: too many options to give up!
  For those of us with frequent headaches or Migraine attacks, preventive medications are often a good option. There are now over 100 medications that can be used for Migraine prevention and virtually endless combinations of them.
• Migraine Preventive Topamax May Cause Birth Defects
  A study published in the July 22, 2008, issue of Neurology®, indicates that taking the neuronal stabilizing agent (epilepsy drug) Topamax (topiramate) alone or along with other neuronal stabilizing agents during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects.
• “Migraine Relief Guide”
  Your $37 would be better spent on two or three paperback Migraine and headache books.
• Migraine Risks – Some Perspective Podcast
• Migraine or Tension-Type Headache? Video
  Dr. Richard Lipton explains the symptoms of tension-type headache vs. Migraine.
• Migraine Trigger Identification and Management Podcast
• Migraine – What Is It?
  What is a Migraine? That's partly answered by saying what a Migraine is not. A Migraine is not a headache.
• Migraine With Aura - the Basics
  Migraine with Aura, formerly called "classic migraine" is a genetic neurological disease marked by severe headaches as well as visual, sensory and speech symptoms.
• Migraine with Aura Linked to Late-Life Brain Lesions
  A study by Scher et al shows a link between Migraine with aura in women and brain lesions in later life. Let's put this in perspective and take appropriate action.
• Migraine Without Aura - the Basics
  Migraine without aura, formerly called "common migraine," is a neurological disease often characterized by headaches that occur on one side in the head and are pulsating or throbbing.
• Migraine with Aura Linked To Cardiovascular Disease in Women
  Women with Migraine with aura have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Migraine and Depression May Be Linked Genetically
  New research indicates a genetic link between Migraine, particularly Migraine with Aura, and depression.
• Migraine and Headaches - 10 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays
  There are things we can do to avoid or reduce the number of Migraines and headaches we get during the holidays. Here are some tips!
• Migraines at Work? Check the Lighting
  If you find that you have more headaches and Migraines while at work, it may be the office lighting.
• Migraines Decrease Risk of Breast Cancer? Maybe Not.
  A new study reports that women with a history of Migraines have a lower risk of breast cancer. Other experts disagree.
• Migraines, Depakote, and Birth Defects
  Research indicates that taking valproic acid (Depakote) during the first trimester of pregnancy significantly increases the risk of birth defects.
• Migraines, Dietary Supplements, and a Final FDA Rule
  Dietary supplements are an important part of many treatment regimens for headache and Migraine prevention. When we buy supplements, most of us assume that we’re getting exactly what the label says we’re getting. That’s not always the case. Some supplements pose health risks. They may contain harmful ingredients or be improperly manufactured or handled. An FDA rule addresses these issues.
• Migraines, Exercise, and Intimacy Podcast
• Migraines and Feeling Hopeless – Hang On!
  Migraines and headaches can take so much out of us that we lose hope, sometimes feeling as if we just can't go on another day. We've all been there.
• Migraines and Headaches - Tips for Living Well All Year
  Making a firm, ongoing commitment to working with our doctors as treatment partners and doing all we can to improve the management of our Migraines and / or headaches.
• Migraines, Headaches, and Sleep: Video
  Dr. John Claude Krusz discusses the importance of proper sleep and the impact of sleep issues on headaches and Migraines.
• Migraines and Hormones: Video
  Dr. John Claude Krusz discusses hormones and Migraines.
• Migraines and Medications - Talk About Prescriptions Month 2007
  During Talk About Prescriptions Month, let's pay special attention to using our Migraine medications safely and effectively. Includes free downloadable workbook.
• Migraine Treatment Delayed by Neck Pain
  A new study has shown that the presence of neck pain is associated with delayed treatment of Migraine attacks.
• Migraines Often Triggered By Change In the Weather
  Migraine sufferers may be able to avoid triggering some of the excruciating attacks by skipping the red wine with dinner and forgoing the chocolate mousse for dessert, but there's little they can do about one of the most common Migraine triggers: the weather. Half of Migraine sufferers were sensitive to weather variables, but most were wrong in their prediction of which climate variable was the culprit, according to findings of a study presented at the 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS).
• Migraines, Pain, and Narcotic Contracts
  Doctors who prescribe narcotics/opioids often require patients to sign a contract. Megan Oltman discusses what to do if your doctor terminates your care.
• Migraines, Perfume, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  It happens to Migraineurs again and again - we go to work and the people around us wear perfumes or strong scented deodorants or lotions or aftershaves.  Their scents trigger Migraines, and we can't work.  We have to go home, use our sick leave, maybe our pay is docked.  Our work performance suffers, our budget suffers.  If we...
• Migraines, Triptan Safety, and Pregnancy
  More research data is now available about the safety of taking Imitrex during pregnancy.
• Migraines: Yes, We Can! Podcast
• Migraineur's Guide To a Successful Doctor's Appointment
  This Guide is meant to help make first visits and follow-up visits with doctors easier. Let’s make appointments something we look forward to as a tool for better headache and Migraine management.
• More Evidence Links Migraine and Stroke Risk
  Analysis of 21 previous studies adds more data linking Migraines and ischemic stroke.
• More Research Links Migraine With Aura and Stroke in Women
  In the last few years, studies have been released about Migraine and stroke risk, and Migraine and cardiovascular disease in both women and men. To all of this information, we can now add information from the Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study.
• The Most Common Head Pain Podcast
• NHF Survey – Migraine-Specific Medications vs. Nonspecific Medications for Acute Treatment
  An online survey of Migraineurs and physicians commissioned by the National Headache Foundation and conducted by Harris Interactive shows that 20 percent of Migraine patients are currently taking “potentially addictive medications that contain barbiturates or opioids and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the relief of Migraines.”
• Namenda for Migraine and Chronic Headache Prevention
  We now have both anecdotal and clinical evidence that Namenda can be effective in the prevention of Migraine and headache.
• Neck Pain as a Migraine Symptom
  A study has shown neck pain to be a common symptom of Migraine, more common than nausea.
• Need to Apply for Disability? Help Your Doctor Help You.
  A number of our forum members have had problems where insurance companies denied their Migraine-related disability claims. Sometimes the reason the insurers give is that they do not see evidence of disability in the medical records. For those of us who suffer with Migraines most days, this seems ridiculous! It's obvious, isn't it? You can't work..
• Needle-Free Sumatriptan Injection for Migraines and Cluster Headaches
  The FDA has approved Sumavel DosePro, the first needle-free sumatriptan injection for Migraines and cluster headaches.
• New Daily Persistent Headache – The Basics
  Although NDPH shares some symptoms with tension-type headache, it is unique in that many patients can pinpoint the date their headache began. Many doctors consider NDPH to be the most treatment refractory (not responsive to treatment) of headache disorders. Unfortunately, NDPH can be very disabling because it often does not respond to preventive or abortive medications.
• New Drug Approved for Migraine Attacks (Cambia)
  Cambia is a combination of diclofenac (brand name Voltaren), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and potassium bicarbonate.
• New Migraine Abortive Shows Promise without Vasoconstriction
  Teri Robert talks to Dr. Tony Ho, senior director of Clinical Neurosciences at Merck Research Labratories, about a new class of Migraine abortives that have performed well in clinical trials.
• New Migraine Abortive Telcagepant Performs Well In Trials
  In the latest Phase III study, telcagepant proved safe and effective in treating Migraines and caused fewer side effects than Zomig
• New Zelrix Sumatriptan Patch for Migraine
  Zelrix, a unique iontophoretic sumatriptan patch in developement for Migraine treatment, is performing well in clinical trials.
• No Insurance Often Means Substandard Migraine Treatment
  Without insurance, people with Migraine are twice as likely to receive substandard care. With Medicaid, Migraineurs are 50% more likely to receive substandard care.
• Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Migraine and Headache Prevention - 2008 Update
  The use of occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for the prevention of Migraines and headaches is in clinical trials and has been of great interest to those sufferers with intractable Migraines and headaches that do not respond well to treatment. The first clinical trial data has now been released, shedding some light on how well the treatment works and what may lie ahead.
• Ocular, Optical, and Opthalmic Migraines
  Although many individuals are diagnosed with optical, ocular, and opthalmic Migraine, these are not standard diagnoses according to the International Headache Society.  Find out what these types of Migraine are more commonly called.
• Opioids: Addiction vs. Dependence
  Learn the difference between addiction and dependence as it relates to the use of opioids in treating chronic pain.
• Opioids for Migraines – Why Not?
  People ask why their doctors won't prescribe or limit quantities of opioids for Migraines. Let's explore the question and some answers.
• Orgasm, Headache and Migraine: Does the "Big O" affect headaches and Migraine?
  We've all heard the old joke, "Not tonight, dear. I have a headache." Right? Surprisingly enough, for some people, there definitely is a correlation between sexual activity and headache or Migraine that can be good!
• Orgasmic and Preorgasmic Headache – The Basics
  The "big O" and activity leading up to it can cause headaches that are "officially" recognized and have specific diagnostic criteria. Learn more about these headaches here.
• “Overcoming Migraines and Headaches” – A Review
  Some good points, but overall disappointing. For worthwhile Migraine and headache information, choose another book.
• "Pain - the Fifth Vital Sign" – Review
  How do we explain "how much" pain we're experiencing in a way that's universally understood? As headache and Migraine patients we can absolutely relate. Jackson explores pain as the "Fifth Vital Sign," as measurable as temperature, blood pressure, heart beat, and respiration.
• PTSD More Common Among Migraine Sufferers
  Research shows that PTSD is more common among those with Migraines and chronic daily headache than in the general population.
• Paroxysmal Hemicrania – The Basics
  In the simplest of terms, paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) is a rare form of headache that usually begins in adulthood.
• Patients As Consumers - Managing Healthcare and the Healthcare Team
  Patients are consumers of health care services. We don't pay out our hard earned dollars for substandard products or services, and health care services should not be an exception.
• PFO and Migraine - "Hole in the Heart" and Migraine?
  A PFO is a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the right and left atrium (chambers) of the heart. A look at PFO and a possible connection to Migraine.
• PFO - A "Hole in the Heart" Related to Migraine? Podcast
• PFO and Migraine - What the UK MIST Trial Showed
  Results of the UK MIST Trial, PFO closure for Migraine prevention.
• The Phases of a Migraine Attack and Their Symptoms Podcast
• Planting Seeds Lavender Set - Review
  Review of Planting Seeds lavender gift set with soap, a candle, and lavender seeds. Aromatherapy for Migraines and Headaches.
• Plastic Surgery for Migraines?
  Possibly a treatment; definitely not a cure. Published results of a study seem to indicate plastic surgery may prevent Migraines, but how good is the research?
• Plastic Surgery for Migraines? Maybe.
  A five-year follow-up of Dr. Bahman Guyuron's plastic surgery procedures for Migraine has been published, but what does the data really tell us?
• Poetry Contest: 2009 Putting Our Heads Together Winning Poetry
  All entries from the 2009 contest.
• Post-Traumatic Headache – The Basics
  Learn more about post-traumatic headache, headache following head trauma.
• Potential Vision Issues with Topamax
  In September of 2001, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. issued a warning statement regarding potential side effects of Topamax, which may include acute myopia and glaucoma.
• Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?
  Discussing Migraine medications can get confusing, partly because there are so many, partly because they're used for different purposes. Migraine medications fall into three categories -- preventive medications, abortive medications, and rescue medications.
• Primary Exertional Headache - The Basics
  Primary exertional headache - What is it, and what can you do about it?
• Protecting Your Rights — The Law Is Only the Beginning
  Even though getting laws like the ADA and FMLA on the books is a triumph and the result of long years of advocacy and struggle, it is still the very beginning...
• Rebound – When Our Medications Cause Headaches Podcast
• Retinal Migraine - The Basics
  Retinal Migraine is marked by a variety of monocular (in one eye) visual disturbances, including, twinkling lights, decreased vision, or even temporary blindness.
• Risk of Suicidal Thoughts Linked to Anticonvulsant Medications
  The FDA has now has analyzed reports of suicidality (suicidal behavior or ideation) from 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies of 11 neuronal stabilizing agents.
• Safe Migraine Medications and New Laws in Effect
  Provisions of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 went into effect on 4/13/09.
• Setting Reasonable Goals for Headache and Migraine Treatment Podcast
• Seven Healthy Habits of Headache and Migraine Sufferers
  In observance of the 14th annual National Headache Awareness Week (NHAW), June 3 -9, the National Headache Foundation (NHF) is focusing attention on Seven Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers. National Headache Awareness Week is an effort to provide practical advice to headache and Migraine sufferers to help reduce headache and Migraine risk and live life more fully when affected by headaches and Migraine disease.
• The Significance of a Bump on the Head
  Natasha Richardson, talented actress and mother of two, was skiing in Canada with her family last week when her life was cut short by a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Sinuses Giving You a Headache? It’s Probably a Migraine
  The majority of people who think they're suffering from sinus headaches are actually experiencing Migraine attacks.
• SootheAway Continuous Thermal Therapy Review
  The SootheAway provides heat or cooling therapy for Migraines and headaches without variations in temperature or having to keep changing your hot or cold packs.
• Status Migrainous - The Basics
  A Migraine attack lasting longer than 72 hours is often indicative of "status Migrainous" a condition requiring immediate medical attention due to an increased risk of stroke.
• Stopping Medication Overuse Can Halt Transformed Migraine
  When medications that are being overused and leading to medication overuse headaches are discontinued, there is significant improvement in headache frequency, and transformed Migraine reverts back to episodic Migraine without chronic daily headache.
• Stroke – The Basics
  Migraine disease can increase risk of strokes, sometimes called "brain attacks," Let's take a look at the basics of what strokes are and how to prevent them.
• Study Finds Sumatriptan-Naproxen Combination More Effective against Migraine Attacks
  As the patents on Imitrex (sumatriptan) approach expiration, new "combination" drugs are proving more effective.
• Supplements for Migraine - They ARE Drugs
  Everyone would love to keep treatment as "natural" as possible, but it's essential to remember that these products are drugs too, complete with potential side effects and contraindications.
• Tension-Type Headaches - the Basics
  More than 78% of the world population experiences tension-type headache. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of tension-type headache, or TTH.
• Tension-Type Headache Quiz
  Tension-type headaches (TTH) are the most common form of headache. How much do you know?
• Tips for Avoiding Summer Migraines and Headaches
  Summer is packed with potential Migraine triggers, but there are ways to manage them.
• Tips for Handling Migraines at Work
  Dr. Jan Lewis Brandes shares tips for handling Migraines in the work place.
• Topamax Can Increase Occurrence of Kidney Stones
  A new study from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UT Southwestern) has shown that Topamax can increase the propensity for calcium phosphate kidney stones.
• Topamax FDA Approved for Migraine Prevention
  In August, 2004, the FDA approved Topamax (topiramate) Tablets and Topamax (topiramate capsules) Sprinkle Capsules for the prophylaxis (prevention) of Migraine attacks in adults.
• Topamax May Cause Serious Side Effect of Decreased Sweating
  In 2003, the FDA MedWatch issued an Adverse Event Report regarding decreased sweating as a side effect of Topamax.
• Topamax or Topiramate for Migraine — A difference?
  People with epilepsy using generic topiramate used more other meds and had more and longer hospital stays. What about Migraineurs?
• Topamax Profile
  Get an overview of Topamax, how and why it is prescribed, and the side effects that are most common when taking Topamax.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Migraine
  TMS is performing well in clinical trials for Migraine with no serious adverse events. When will the FDA approve this device?
• Transformed Migraine - Risk Increased by Some Medications
  Any use of barbiturates or opioids and frequent use of triptans and NSAIDs are associated with increased risk of transformed Migraine.
• Transformed Migraine - The Basics
  Transformed Migraine is marked by increasingly frequent Migraine attacks, eventually becoming daily less severe headaches punctuated by debilitating Migraine attacks.
• Transformed Migraine Related To Sleep Problems
  Research has established a definite connection between Transformed Migraine and sleep problems.
• Trileptal Fails Test for Migraine Prevention
  A new study has now shown that Trileptal apparently does not work well as a Migraine preventive.
• The Type of Migraine Does Matter
  There are several different types of Migraine. And it does matter what type you have and that you know what type you have.
• Types of Migraines and Headache
  Index page for a serious of basic articles on different forms of Migraine and headache.
• Understanding Chronic Daily Headache (CDH) Quiz
  How well do you understand chronic daily headache? Take our quiz and find out!
• Understanding Even When YOU Don’t Have Migraines Podcast
• "Understanding Migraine and Other Headaches" – Review
  by Stewart J. Tepper, MD. Ranking 5 stars out of 5. Written "for general readers," the book is, "a comprehensive overview of causes, diagnoses, and treatments" written in a logical, easy flowing style.
• Understanding Migraine without Aura Quiz
  Migraine without aura is the most common form of Migraine. Find out how much you know about it with this quiz.
• Valproate Unsafe for Migraine Pregnancy During Pregnancy
  Studies have shown that valproate (Depakote) increases risk of birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
• Valproate Medications, Pregnancy, and Migraine
  The FDA has strengthened their warnings about taking valproate medications, including Depakote, during pregnancy because of major birth defects.
• What About Ice Pick Headaches? Quiz
  Ice Pick Headaches... What do you know about them? Take our quiz and find out.
• What Can a Migraine Specialist Do for You? Video
  Dr. John Claude Krusz discusses what a Migraine specialist can do to help us manage our Migraines and headaches.
• What do you know about “Big O” Headaches? Quiz
  What have you learned about preorgasmic and orgasmic headaches? Take our quiz and find out!
• What is My Doctor Allowed to Do?
  We had several readers ask questions on the site recently about doctor conduct, and what their doctors are legally allowed to do. This is a wide ranging topic area and I won't try to cover all of it in this sharepost, but will dip into it to address these two questions. This sharepost is legal education, not legal advice. No attorney-client...
• When Migraines Make You Miss Work: Intermittent Leave under the FMLA
  Information to make you aware of the availability of the FMLA for intermittent leave for Migraines and other...
• When to See a Doctor for a Migraine or Headache
  Do your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor or emergency room?  Teri Robert walks you through how to decide when it's time to seek medical attention.
• When to See the Doctor or Seek Emergency Care Podcast
• Whoopi Goldberg - Famous and Successful Despite Migraines
  Many famous people live and work with Migraines, including actress, comedienne, author, and producer Whoopi Goldberg.
• Why Children with Migraine Often Need Special Care
  Download a letter to explain to others why your child with Migraines needs special care.
• Withholding Migraine Treatment: Cruel and Unusual
  Courts have ruled that withholding Migraine treatment from prisoners is "cruel and unusual punishment." What about the rest of us?
• Working with Migraines: Rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act
  How can you keep working with Migraines? What does your employer have to do to help?  Last week we talked about McBride v. City of Detroit, where a chemically sensitive employee made out enough of a case under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to withstand a motion to dismiss. Her employer had refused to put in a perfume-free...
• Yes, Migraines Can Cause Brain Damage
  Study results are again indicating that Migraineurs who experience frequent Migraine attacks and/or have a long history of Migraines are at increased risk of "silent brain damage," brain damage.
• Yes, You Can Have a Migraine without an Aura Podcast
• “You Can Heal Your Life” – Review
  Reviewed at the request of a forum member, this book by Louise L Hay has one good thing going for it and a lot of MISinformation.
• Your Migraine and Headache Diary
  One of the most helpful tools for you and your doctors is a Headache and Migraine Diary. It will be useful to track triggers, the effectiveness of medications, and any patterns to your Migraines and headaches.
• Your Rights To Your Medical Records  
  Exploring some of the issues about medical records and patient rights under HIPAA.
• Your Role On Your Health Care Team
  An excerpt from "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches."
  It’s critical that we be active members of our health care teams. Those of us with chronic headaches and Migraine Disease need to be able to make basic treatment decisions when we have a headache or Migraine.
• Zomig Nasal Spray Found Effective for Cluster Headaches
  A study to be published in the August 28 issue of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, reports Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray to be effective for rapid treatment of cluster headaches.

Medical review by John Claude Krusz, PhD, MD

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© Teri Robert, 2010. Last updated August 17, 2010.