Yesterday, The 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society started. The day went great. The afternoon talks focused on the role of the thalamus (an area of the brain) in migraine. It was a fascinating afternoon. The thalamus is an area of the brain that you might think of as a relay center and an area where inputs from
Does that special someone in your life suffer from migraines? Looking for gift ideas that won't trigger them? Follow this list of do's and don'ts... Gifts worth giving: 1. Chocolate, preferably dark chocolate, and preferably in small to moderate amounts - chocolate contains many chemicals that promote general health, and may even help
Morning headaches, if occurring consistently, are a reason to talk to your doctor. On a recent appearance on the Dr. Oz show, a panel of experts helped design a quiz to test your level of health. As a headache specialist, I felt that morning headaches were important to discuss. Morning headaches can be due to a number of ailments, many of
As joyful and wonderful as the holidays are, they can be a dangerous time for migraine sufferers. Almost all of the positive aspects of the holidays have hidden dangers, that if avoided, may help reduce the chances of getting a migraine. When so many potential triggers are present, it's even more important to know how to limit your exposure
The FDA recently approved onabotulinum toxin A (more commonly known as "Botox") for the treatment of chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are defined as occurring on 15 days or more per month. Headache specialists have been injecting onabotulinum toxin A for migraine prevention for many years. It is a generally safe treatment, although
Vertigo and dizziness are common problems in migraine sufferers. In general, as a neurologist, I see a lot of patients with dizziness. The problem tends to be more prominent in migraineurs. There are several different potential causes of vertigo, and even more in migraineurs. Vertigo can be present as a part of migraine, is
If you're heading out to a barbecue this Memorial Day Weekend, skip the hot dogs if your migraines are sensitive to nitrates. Other cured meats and sausages, hard cheeses, heavily spiced foods, avocados and alcohol may all trigger migraines too. Instead, opt for burgers or chicken on the grill not too heavily spiced and without
Opt for rose colored glasses, both literally and figuratively. Rose colored lenses may help to block out the wavelengths of light that are more likely to trigger a migraine. Then, enjoy the sun with a good sunscreen on, of course.
Peppermint oil appied to the temples and forehead can help relieve a headache. Bring some with you, or opt for the peppermint tea at the rest stop.
Bring your medications with you, in your bag... with you... in the car with you, on the plane with you. Accessible at all times. Even if your medication is Tylenol and a bottle of water. Be prepared during your travels.
