Some people who have been infected with COVID-19 can experience long-term effects, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. The following is updated information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems; these conditions can last weeks, months, or years.
· Post-COVID conditions are found more often in people who had severe COVID-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience post-COVID conditions.
· People not vaccinated against COVID-19 and who become infected may have a higher risk of developing post-COVID conditions compared to people previously vaccinated.
· While most people with post-COVID conditions have evidence of infection or COVID-19 illness, in some cases, a person with post-COVID conditions may not have tested positive for the virus or known they were infected.
Post-COVID conditions can include:
General symptoms
· Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
· Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
Neurological symptoms
· Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
· Headache
· Sleep problems
· Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
· Pins-and-needles feelings
· Change in smell or taste
· Depression or anxiety
People with post-COVID conditions may develop or continue to have symptoms that are hard to explain and manage. Clinical evaluations and results of routine blood tests, chest x-rays, and electrocardiograms may be normal. The symptoms are similar to those reported by people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and other poorly understood chronic illnesses that may occur after other infections. People with these unexplained symptoms may be misunderstood by their healthcare providers, which can result in a long time for them to get a diagnosis and receive appropriate care or treatment. If you are possibly experiencing post-covid neurological symptoms, please make an appointment with a MCHN provider for an evaluation.

Alice Wong, NP
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

Warmer weather is becoming consistent and we are officially ready to say hello to Spring/Summer!!
As we bask in the nice weather – summer activities and or vacations may come to mind. People may anticipate travels to exotic islands for fun in the sun and beach days!
Swimming activities are likely high on the list for several people. While we encourage relaxation and excitement, please be aware of potential health conditions that may come with swimming. For example, Diving Headaches.
Diving headaches are associated with one or more features of CO2 intoxication. Usually, with deep divers or activities such as scuba diving.
These headaches are characterized as dull/achy head pain and are often diffuse. They are associated with lightheadedness, mental concussion, feeling flushed or disoriented.
Diving headaches usually intensify during the decompression phase of a dive or upon resurfacing and resolve within 1 hour of 100% oxygen therapy.
Our Practitioners at MCHN are sending you delight and happiness as we transition into a new season!

By: Jordan Shankle, PA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZAVZPRET™ (zavegepant), the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist nasal spray for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
The FDA approval is based on data from a late-stage study that showed the drug, when compared to a placebo, proved superior in 13 of 17 goals, including pain relief in 15 minutes, normal function at 30 minutes and return to normal at two hours.
“One of the most important attributes of an acute treatment option is how quickly it works.,” said Kathleen Mullin, M.D., Associate Medical Director at New England Institute for Neurology & Headache. “As a nasal spray with rapid drug absorption, ZAVZPRET offers an alternative treatment option for people who need pain relief or cannot take oral medications due to nausea or vomiting, so they can get back to normal function quickly.”
Small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists represent a novel class of drugs for the treatment of migraine. For acute treatment, this unique mode of action offers an alternative to other agents, including those patients who have contraindications to the use of triptans or who have a poor response to triptans or are intolerant to them.
ZAVZPRET is anticipated to be available in pharmacies in July 2023.
–Alice Wong, NP

Many patients feel that certain foods trigger their migraines. In fact, migraineurs often avoid particular foods or ingredients to avoid headaches.

Common food triggers include alcohol, caffeine and compounds found in foods including nitrates (found in cured meats), histamine (in dried fruits, fermented foods), tyramine (in wine), phenylethylamine (in lentils, beans, nuts).

There is mixed evidence regarding food triggers.

In a 2020 meta analysis in the Journal of Head and Face Pain, forty-three studies looking at dietary migraine triggers were examined, and alcohol and caffeine were found to be most common diet related triggers. However, it was concluded that currently there is poor evidence from studies and more high-quality research is needed. A 2020 study of chocolate as migraine trigger found that although a small number of patients reported chocolate as migraine trigger, but provocative studies could not confirm chocolate as migraine trigger, in fact, eating chocolate may be more associated with food craving or premonitory symptoms.

The best way to determine if food triggers are affecting you is by keeping a headache diary. Because we are all unique, some common food triggers that may affect one person, may not affect another.

To learn more about migraines and food triggers, speak with your healthcare provider.

By: Brooke Steiger, FNP

Warmer weather is on the horizon and with that comes a plethora of spring/summer dietary changes. Intermittent fasting is having a significant moment in the wellness world. Some researchers propose that fasting techniques can help ease the symptoms of various chronic health problems, while simultaneously aiding in weight loss. Who doesn’t want to look fabulous in their new spring/summer attire!
Although several diet strategies exist to help individuals lose weight, one regimen has gained popularity within the past decade. Intermittent Fasting, (IF), is a diet that generally involves alternate day fasting and time restricted feeding.
Significant findings suggest that IF is an effective strategy to help lose weight, however it does come with side effects. Fasting headaches are more common in people who have a prior history of headaches and may resemble their diagnosed headache syndrome. These headaches are more likely to develop as the duration of fasting increases and are less likely secondary to hyperglycemia or duration of sleep.
Fasting headaches are generally frontal, diffuse, and non-pulsatile. Mild to moderate intensity. They generally occur by a fast of greater than 16 hours and resolve within 72 hours after resumption of food.
For patients who are diagnosed with a headache syndrome, we recommend consulting with a licensed Nutritionist and your neurologist prior to trailing this new diet fad.
Cheers to Springing forward!
By: Jordan Shankle, PA