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Archive for » 2010 «

Migraine Help

MirgaineAbout 30 million people search for migraine help in the US alone, about three quarters of them are women.
Migraine (also mistakenly called migrain) is a type of severe or sometimes even disabling headache. Migrain can torture for hours or sometimes even days, accompanied by nausea or vomiting and painful sensitivity to light and sound. However, migraine symptoms may vary, every person who need migraine help experiences migraine in her or his own way. But the devastating headache which seems endless and which you want to remove at any cost is what they all have in common.

Why I started Migraine Help Blog

I want to share my own migrain experience and all the migraine information I dispose of with other migraine sufferers. In fact, my blog is a little bit outdated because I started it when migraine was a part of my life. I don’t need mingaine help any longer: I swept migraine out of my life!

Why You Can Read At Migraine Help Blog

  • what I felt when I had migrain and how I coped with it
  • the methods and meds that helped me for different migraine conditions
  • places where I ordered migrain meds that relieve pain or prevent severe attacks
  • how I got rid of migraine!

Hopefully, my migrain help blog helps other people forget about migraine and and improve the quality of their lives. Feel free to share and discuss your migrain experiences here, they are so precious for other migrain sufferers! But remember: Migraine is different from other headache types and sometimes difficult to diagnose. It is critically important to to diagnose migraine correctly.

Is It Migraine or What?

MigraineIn fact, many people don’t even know that the condition (headache) they suffer from is migrain and what kind of help they need. My mother told me about the strange symptoms she experienced many years ago, the ones known as the typical signs of classic migrain with aura. Thank God she had it only in her teens and twenties and now it’s gone. I’m certain that was migrain and she was surprised because this idea occurred to her. I began to have migraines in my twenties, at that time I didn’t even know that what I considered ordinary headaches was migraine. It’s been only about 4 years that I was able to diagnose migraine myself, I owe this to the Internet. I asked my doctor and he confirmed the diagnosis: migrain. What I know for sure now is that migraines can the managed, treated and cured. I learned how to manage migrain I started to enjoy life again. Now I want to tell you about migraine help techniques that worked for me.

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Migraine Triggers

Migraine TriggersMigraine triggers are not the same as migraine causes. A migraine trigger is any environmental or physiological factor that starts a headache in people who are prone to migraines. Knowing your migrane triggers and avoiding them can help prevent migraine attacks or get prepared and relieve the pain.

Typical migraine triggers are:

  • hormonal changes (pregnancy or menstruation)
  • weather changes
  • certain foods, such as cheese, red wine, citrus, chocolate and caffeine containing products,
  • certain smells (perfumes, cigarette smoke, fresh paint or other chemicals)
  • stress
  • overworking
  • too little or too much sleep
  • changes in your daily schedule

Migrain triggers differ from individual to individual. A factor that triggers migraine on one person does not necessarily trigger migraine in another migraineur. It is important to know your own migrane triggers.

Migraine Triggers: Personal Research

If you read this blog and find that your migraine experience and symptoms are similar to mine, this small research may be helpful.
In fact, I love almost all of the foods on migrain trigger list and thinking that I had to give them up because of my migraine was pretty sad. So I decided not to give them up them all at once and run my own small research. For some time I ate or drank all these foods and drinks separately in rather large quantities to find out which ones are to blame and which are not because I usually ate all of them together. And I kept a diary of all events or conditions that could trigger migraine. Finally, it turned out that red wine was a frequent trigger of my migrains, drinking it separately or combining with other foods or beverages didn’t make any difference.
Red wine was a migraine trigger in all cases. Even 20 ml of red wine caused a terrible pulsing pain around my eye next morning and all the symptoms of a state known as hangover. None other alcohols or foods had that effect. However, I love red wine and there are occasions when red wine cannot be avoided. In such cases I have nothing left but take Maxalt.
Sweet tea and coffee produced the opposite effect: they worked as migrain relievers. Cheese or citrus and other foods are absolutely harmless to me. Bananas in large amounts would trigger a slight headache easily cured by a night’s sleep.

My migrain triggers are:

  • Red wine – any quanitity!
  • Stress combined with crying (hysteria) – migraine sets in next morining
  • Oversleeping (not undersleeping! Unless I undersleep several days)
  • Weather changes
  • Strong perfume
  • Saunas

I hope this information helps you discover your migraine triggers.

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Migraine Relief

Migraine ReliefAs a long-time migraineur, I can say that there are certain migraine relief techniques every migrain sufferer should be aware of and rules that should be followed, even though often migrain relief seems hard or impossible to find. My migrane relief tips won’t cure migraine (there is no cure for it, unfortunately), but they will help you endure migraine attacks easier and improve the quality of your life.

First of all, remember the following, it is CRITICALLY important:

  • Always have an effective pain-relieving medication at hand (at home, in your handbag). I also have to say that none of “natural proven” remedies worked for me as migrain relief remedies . Maxalt (I buy it as Rizatriptan, it is cheaper) is the only drug that actually relieves pain and removes nausea, sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Always buy migraine relief medications in advance, better online. When migraine attack sets in and your head is about to explode, you won’t enjoy a walk to the drugstore and buying Rizatriptan at double price.

Migrain ReliefYou don’t want to miss important events or days that could be the best part of your life because of another migraine attack!

Migraine Relief Techniques

1. Be on the alert and act immediately.
When you notice the signs of the oncoming migraine, act immediately. Immediate reaction can reduce severity and duration of a migraine attack. Don’t try to give a dare to migraine, don’t take any long trips or go to parties. You will most probably regret doing so.
2. Don’t do anything that makes you feel worse
Listen to your body, take notice of things that make you feel worse and avoid them at any cost. Compile a list if you can’t remember.
3. Stop what you are doing and rest.
You want lie down and rest. Don’t try to do you housework or anything. Any kind of activity will only make you feel worse.
4. Find a dark and quiet place.
Find a cool place without noise. Cover your eyes if it is not dark enough. Avoid smells, no perfume. Light, sound and smell irritate your senses and intensify pain.

5. Take pain relieving medication.
You can use some over-the-counter remedies if they help relieve migraine pain. None of them worked for me so I use Rizatriptan (sold under the brand name Maxalt).
6. Cool your head.
Putting ice on your head or around the eyes can relieve pain because cold helps constrict vessels which are dilated during a migraine attack (that’s the main difference between the migrain and ordinary headache when vessels are tightened).
7. Stop Thinking
All your thoughts or inside dialogues are actually a noise that can intensify the pain. Stop thinking, literally, and relax.
8. Sleep your migraine off
If I manage to fall asleep I wake up feeling much better. But falling asleep is really hard. All the steps listed above usually help me to fall asleep.

I hope now migrain relief doesn’t seem so hard to find for you!

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Migraine & Music Therapy

Migraine Treatment: MusicStrange it may sound…But I found that sometimes my favorite music relieves or even even aborts migraine attacks. It works with headphones only and only with certain bands and even certain songs. I can’t say for sure why that works. Maybe because the music is associated with great pleasure and not headache. And doctors all over the world say that the exact mechamism of migraine is still unknown so maybe there is something behind it.

However, this remedy works only with light or moderate attacks. With severe ones only pills help because literally every sound is dreadfully painful. I don’t think that will work for anyone and for many or even most people will probably worsen the attack. You may try if you want – put on headphones, turn on your favorite music and relax or find something pleasant or interesting to do to. But remember to have a painkiller or other migraine
pills that generally work for you at hand. You may need them.

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WOW! Addex Ends Migraine Prevention Study

Addex Pharmaceuticals (SWISS: ADXN) announced that it has beyond all question to end prematurely the migraine prevention study 206.

Routine safety monitoring of blinded facts in study 206 has revealed an incidence of abnormalities of liver business tests that is higher than expected in this population. The abnormalities are perceptible from day 28 of dosing but the incidence and severity be in sight to increase progressively with increasing duration of participation in the study. Despite the incident that the treatment allocation remains blinded, Addex is of the impression that the risk to benefit profile of the drug observed in the study is not sufficiently suitable to justify continuation of the trial and is terminating the study in the superlatively good interests of patient safety. The full benefit risk profile of ADX10059 in this indication will be evaluated once the study has been unblinded and the whole of efficacy and safety data have been analyzed.

“No liver function abnormalities own been seen in any of the previously reported clinical trials, several of which explored higher doses, including the recently reported study ADX10059-204, a 2-week study of monotherapy in 103 GERD patients. Study 205 a 4-week study of ADX10059 for the re~on that an add-on therapy to PPIs in GERD patients, is debt to un-blind around the end of the year. The facts from that study will also help in the determination of the overall close custody profile of the drug,” said Charlotte Keywood, chief medical officer.

“This is each unfortunate and unexpected development,” said Vincent Mutel, chief executive officer. “We are acting to rapidly understand the relationship of the liver function abnormalities to the usage and the implications for development of ADX10059 in migraine prevention and other indications.”

Study ADX10059-206 is a double-hidden, placebo-controlled, dose range finding, multi-center European Phase IIb distress in 240 patients who suffer from three or more migraine attacks by means of month. Following a one-month baseline period, patients take study medication despite 3 months. The primary endpoint compares migraine frequency and severity in the be unconsumed month of treatment with the baseline. The data are being un-blinded and desire be analyzed and any indications of efficacy will be reported in early January.

Study ADX10059-205 is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center U.S. and European Phase IIb experiment in 280 GERD patients who are partial responders to proton cross-question inhibitors (PPIs). In Study 205 ADX10059 is being used as some add-on therapy to the patients’ existing PPI treatment. There was a baseline mark evaluation period followed by four weeks of administration of twice-diurnal ADX10059 (50mg, 100mg or 150mg). The primary endpoint is patient reported token control compared to baseline. Data are expected to be communicated in seasonable January.

Study ADX10059-204 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center European Phase IIb attempt in 103 GERD patients known to respond well to PPIs. There was a brace-week baseline symptom evaluation period followed by two weeks of the ministry of ADX10059 120 mg twice daily. ADX10059 achieved the co-original endpoints of patient reported symptom control compared to baseline and the personal estate of ADX10059 on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function as well being of the kind which multiple secondary endpoints. There were no serious adverse events in the study and close custody monitoring parameters were within normal limits. Mild or moderate adverse events included dizziness, vertigo and sleep disturbance.

Migraine is a condition distinguished by recurrent episodes of a characteristic cephalalgy, which can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms in the same state as nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The average migraine uncomplaining suffers 12 attacks a year. The International Headache Society estimates that in an opposite direction 25% of migraine patients have three or more attacks per month and could do a good turn from migraine prevention treatment. A migraine attack, which typically lasts end for end 24 hours but can range from 4-72 hours, has three separate phases: the prodrome phase, when an array of individual warning signs — like blurred appearance or tingling of the skin — may begin to appear; the headache phase; and the postdrome phase, when many patients report fatigue or other “hangover-like” symptoms. As migraine attacks are prolonged, great number patients and especially those with frequent attacks, lose a significant amount of work and family time to suffering caused by the complaint. Indeed, migraine is currently estimated to cost employers $13 billion by the year in lost productivity in the United States. Prevalence of migraine is estimated at 12% in the United States, in which place about 30 million people suffer from migraine.

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux illness) is a chronic condition caused by stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus on a regular basis. The underlying cause of this is each abnormally functioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle that allows stomach solid ~ to pass back into the esophagus too easily. GERD leads to disquieting symptoms like heartburn and can also damage the lining of the esophagus. It is a common disorder with prevalence at about 15% in the United States and between 10% and 25% in EU. Marketed GERD products work by reducing the acidness of the stomach contents but do nothing to reduce reflux events, with equal rea~n that in many patients symptoms of GERD persist.

ADX10059 is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) negative allosteric modulator (NAM). Glutamate overstimulation is cogitation to contribute via different mechanisms to pathology in both migraine and GERD. ADX10059 has been shown in clinical studies to form symptoms of acute migraine and, separately, to reduce reflux and GERD symptoms.

Addex Pharmaceuticals discovers and develops allosteric modulators toward human health. Allosteric modulators are a different kind of orally to be availed of small molecule therapeutic agent, which we believe will offer a prompted by emulation advantage over classical drugs. Our lead allosteric modulator product, ADX10059, ~y mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), has achieved clinical proof of general and is in Phase IIb testing for the treatment of GERD and, singly, migraine prevention. ADX48621, our next-stage mGluR5 NAM, has completed Phase I testing and behest enter Phase II for Parkinson’s disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia (PD-LID) in 2010.

Our products and technology before that time have proven their value through our relationships with four of the utmost degree 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world. Specifically, under an agreement by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, ADX71149, an mGluR2 overbearing allosteric modulator (PAM), is undergoing Phase I clinical testing and has possible for treatment of schizophrenia and anxiety. Under two separate agreements with Merck & Co., Inc., we are developing PAMs of mGluR4 and mGluR5 taken in the character of drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, respectively. In addition, SR-One, the corporate venture arm of GlaxoSmithKline, and Roche Venture Fund obtain made equity investments in Addex.

Source
Addex Pharmaceuticals

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Migraine Patients Who Experience Aura May Have A Two-Fold Increased Risk For Ischemic Stroke

A regular review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies finds that patients with migraine with aura have a two-fold increased risk for ischemic hardship compared to non-migraineurs. This association does not appear among migraineurs lacking aura[i]. Migraine with aura is often characterized by visual disturbances such as flashes of light, zigzagging patterns or even blind spots, what one. are then followed by a migraine attack. A migraine aura may at a past period also present with other sensations, such as numbness or tingling in districts of the body and speech problems.[ii]

Results of the studies are essential ~ presented this week at the 14th International Headache Congress (IHC) hosted in Philadelphia by the American Headache Society (AHS).

The authors also found that the increased jeopardize among migraineurs with aura was further magnified for migraineurs less than 45, smokers and women using vocal contraception.

The analysis was done by a team of researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston; Harvard School of Public Health, Boston; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; Merck and Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ; Montefiore Headache Center, Bronx, NY; INSERM Unit 708, Paris, France; Pierre et Marie Curie University, Paris, France; and University Hospital Essen, Germany.

“Our purpose was to collection of standing water and analyze existing data to investigate the association between migraine and venture of stroke as well as other cardiovascular events,” said Markus Schuerks, M.D., M.Sc., persuade author of the analysis. “We found that patients who experience migraine by aura have a two-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke, grant that we did not find any overall association between any migraine and myocardial infarction or king of terrors due to cardiovascular disease,” he said.

“Beyond its pain and debilitating edge effects, migraine holds real risks associated with other disorders, including shock,” said Fred Sheftell, M.D., AHS president. “This meta-analysis to a greater distance validates the disease burden that migraine sufferers must bear and dramatically underscores the require for more research in migraine diagnosis and treatment.”

More than 400 according to principles papers are to be presented during the IHC/AHS meeting that is expected to draw some 1,200 migraine specialists and scientists from on every side of the globe. The meeting is the world’s largest professional conference on migraine and headache-related diseases.

[i] Migraine and cardiovascular complaint: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Schuerks M1,9, Rist PM1,2, Bigal ME3,4, Lipton RB3,5,6, Buring JE1,2 and Kurth T1,2,7,8 1Division. of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; 3Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; 4Merck Research Laboratories, Merck and Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA; 5Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; 6Montefiore Headache Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; 7Neuroepidemiology, INSERM Unit 708, Paris, France; 8Faculty of Medicine, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Paris, France; 9Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany

[ii] MayoClinic.com, March 3, 2009.

Source
International Headache Society

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Category: Migraine With Aura  Tags: ,  One Comment

Migraine With Aura Doubles The Risk Of Stroke

Migraine through aura (temporary visual or sensory disturbances before or during a migraine cephalalgy) is associated with a twofold increased risk of stroke, finds a study published up~ the body bmj.com today. Further risk factors for stroke among patients through migraine are being a woman, being young, being a smoker, and using oestrogen containing contraceptives.

The venture was highest among young women with migraine with aura who nothingness and use oestrogen containing contraceptives.

Migraine is a common, chronic riot that affects up to 20% of the population. Women are canting up to four times more often than men. Up to one third of sufferers also experience an aura prior to or for the period of a migraine headache (often described as the perception of a odd light, an unpleasant smell or confusing thoughts or experiences).

Doctors get long suspected a connection between migraine and vascular events such in the same proportion that stroke. So to investigate this further, an international team of researchers analysed the results of nine studies forward the association between any migraine (with and without aura) and cardiovascular disease. Differences in study design and quality were taken into account to minimise bias.

They show that migraine with aura is associated with a double increased risk of ischemic stroke. This risk is further increased ~ the agency of being female, age less than 45 years, smoking, and oestrogen containing contraceptive conversion to an act.

There was no association between migraine and heart attack or exit due to cardiovascular disease.

In light of these findings, the authors praise that young women who have migraine with aura should be eagerly advised to stop smoking, and methods of birth control other than oestrogen containing contraceptives should subsist considered. They also call for additional research to investigate the confederacy between migraine and cardiovascular disease in more detail.

The absolute jeopardy of stroke for most migraine patients is low, so a stratagem of risk is not cause for panic, explains Elizabeth Loder from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, in each accompanying editorial. However, at a population level, this risk deserves court because the prevalence of migraine is so high. She suggests that patients who consider migraine with aura should be followed closely and treated aggressively concerning modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Source
British Medical Journal

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Category: Migraine With Aura  Tags: ,  4 Comments