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HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Stop your next migraine before it starts
Medication is a proven way to treat and prevent migraines, but medicines are only part of the story. Healthy habits sometimes can stop migraine pain before it starts. For example:
- Establish regular sleep hours. Take time to unwind at the end of the day. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy.
- Eat at about the same time every day. Avoid foods that seem to trigger migraines.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep stress under control.
Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover even more healthy lifestyle topics at MayoClinic.org.
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Mayo Clinic Radio: Headaches/Ebola Update/Newborn Care
Tune in this week for an encore performance of Mayo Clinic Radio.
A headache is usually just a minor inconvenience. But, some headaches, including migraines, can ruin your whole day. In the next episode of Mayo Clinic Radio, neurologist Dr. Michael Cutrer discusses the different types of headache, what causes them and how they're treated. Also on the program, the West African Ebola epidemic has been declared over by the World Health Organization. The outbreak, which lasted two years and took more than 11,000 lives, raised concerns about a possible worldwide pandemic. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh explains what's been learned that might help prevent another epidemic. And, family medicine specialist Dr. Summer Allen offers helpful tips on newborn care.
Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Migraine headaches can begin at any age, though most people have their first migraine during adolescence.
Listen to the program on Saturday, May 28, at 9:05 a.m. CDT, and follow #MayoClinicRadio.
Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.
Access archived shows.
Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic Radio: Headaches/Ebola Update/Newborn Care
Tune in this week for an encore performance of Mayo Clinic Radio.
A headache is usually just a minor inconvenience. But, some headaches, including migraines, can ruin your whole day. In the next episode of Mayo Clinic Radio, neurologist Dr. Michael Cutrer discusses the different types of headache, what causes them and how they're treated. Also on the program, the West African Ebola epidemic has been declared over by the World Health Organization. The outbreak, which lasted two years and took more than 11,000 lives, raised concerns about a possible worldwide pandemic. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh explains what's been learned that might help prevent another epidemic. And, family medicine specialist Dr. Summer Allen offers helpful tips on newborn care.
Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Migraine headaches can begin at any age, though most people have their first migraine during adolescence.
Listen to the program on Saturday, May 28, at 9:05 a.m. CDT.
Miss the show? Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.
Follow #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.
Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.
Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.
Access archived shows.
$7 Million Research Funding Award for Migraine Research
PHOENIX — A Mayo Clinic research team, led by neurologists Todd Schwedt, M.D. and David Dodick, M.D., has been approved for $7 million in funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study migraine treatment strategies.
The five-year study, “Determining the Optimal Treatment Strategy for Patients Who Have Chronic Migraine With Medication Overuse,” will compare two current strategies for treating patients who have chronic migraine.
“For the first time, we will be able to directly compare two commonly used treatment strategies for those with chronic migraine and medication overuse. The results will help determine the optimal treatment strategy for patients with this common and disabling condition,” says Dr. Schwedt, adding that the trial is expected to begin later in 2016 and is expected to involve 1,280 enrolled patients.
Approximately 36 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines and three percent of people (or roughly 10 million) suffer from chronic migraine, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Chronic migraine is defined as having at least 15 days of headache per month, including at least eight days per month of migraine.
About half of chronic migraine sufferers take medication to stop an attack too frequently, which could lead to medication overuse. Medication overuse can lead to more frequent migraines and migraines that are less responsive to other types of treatments. Mayo Clinic’s study will research the effects of immediate discontinuation of the overused medication plus treatment with migraine prophylactic therapy versus migraine prophylactic therapy without immediate discontinuation of the overused medication.
MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Janovsky-Mason, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 480-301-6173, [email protected]
Dr. Schwedt’s study was selected for funding through PCORI’s Pragmatic Clinical Studies Initiative, an effort to produce results that are broadly applicable to a diverse range of patients and care situations, and can be more quickly taken up in clinical practice.
“This project was selected for PCORI funding not only for its scientific merit and commitment to engaging patients and other health care stakeholders in a major study conducted in real-world settings, but also for its potential to answer an important question about migraines and fill a crucial evidence gap,” says Joe Selby, M.D., MPH, executive director, PCORI. “We look forward to following the study’s progress and working with Mayo Clinic to share its results.”
Mayo Clinic’s award has been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.
About PCORI
PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions. For more information about PCORI’s funding, visit http://www.pcori.org.
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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/.
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Botox a Treatment for Chronic Migraines, But Not a Cure
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it safe to use Botox injections to treat chronic headache? How does it work, and would I need to have regular treatments? Do patients who use Botox as treatment need to be on other headache medication, too?
ANSWER: Onabotulinum toxin A, or Botox, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for chronic migraine headaches. It is not a cure. People who receive Botox for headaches usually get the treatment about every three months. For some, that is all they need to keep their headaches under control. For others, additional medication or other headache treatment is necessary.
Botox is a medication that uses a form of botulinum toxin to paralyze muscle activity temporarily. Best known for its ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, Botox also has been shown to help prevent chronic migraine headaches in some people. It’s used mainly for those who have headaches more than 15 days a month.
Since 2002, doctors at Mayo Clinic have treated thousands of patients with chronic migraine effectively and safely using Botox. The medication typically is injected into muscles of the forehead, scalp, neck and shoulders.
The specific details of how Botox works to prevent headaches are not known. But, it’s likely that the injected Botox is taken up by pain receptors in the muscles’ nerves. The medication then deactivates those pain receptors and blocks pain signals that the nerves send to the brain.
The pain doesn’t go away permanently, however. After several months, the nerves sprout new pain fibers, and the headaches tend to return. The Botox effect usually lasts about two-and-a-half months. Because injections are repeated no sooner than every three months, some people need other headache treatment for the last two weeks of a Botox cycle.
Providing Botox treatment for headaches every three months is a national standard, as recommended by the American Headache Society. The treatments are not given more often due to a small possibility that, if you receive Botox more frequently, your body might build up antibodies to botulinum toxin. Those antibodies could, in theory, prevent Botox from working with future injections.
For many people, treatment with Botox alone is sufficient to control their chronic headaches. However, some do require other medications in addition to the Botox to prevent migraine attacks. They may include cardiovascular drugs, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, certain antidepressants and some anti-seizure medications, among others. Medications taken at the time of a migraine headache also can be very useful.
The most common side effects of Botox injections include swelling or bruising at the injection sites. Uncommonly, the medication may spread into nearby tissues and cause problems such as a drooping eyelid, eyebrows that look out of place, dry eyes or excessive eye tearing. This tends to happen more in people who already have some eye drooping or are more sensitive to botulinum toxin. Sometimes changing the injections to a slightly different location can reduce this side effect.
Although very rare, there is a possibility that the effect of botulinum toxin may spread to other parts of the body and cause symptoms, such as muscle weakness, vision problems, trouble speaking or swallowing, or difficulty breathing. Doctors generally recommend against using Botox if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, because the medication’s effects on a fetus are not known.
Botox injections are very expensive. They cost several thousand dollars per set of injections. Many insurance companies will cover the injections if a patient meets criteria for chronic migraine headache: For at least three months, a person must have headache occurring on 15 or more days per month that has the features of migraine on at least eight days per month.
Botox must be used only under a doctor’s care. Botox can be dangerous if it’s given incorrectly. Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor, or look for a doctor who specializes in chronic headaches and who has experience administering Botox treatments. A skilled and properly trained doctor can discuss the procedure with you in detail and can help you decide if it fits your needs. ― Dr. J.D. Bartleson, Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Radio: Headaches/Ebola Update/Newborn Care
A headache is usually just a minor inconvenience. But some headaches ... including migraines ... can ruin your whole day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, neurologist Dr. Michael Cutrer discusses the different types of headache, what causes them and how they're treated. Also on the program, the West African Ebola epidemic has been declared over by the World Health Organization. The outbreak, which lasted two years and took more than 11,000 lives, raised concerns about a possible worldwide pandemic. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh explains what's been learned that might help prevent another epidemic. And family medicine specialist Dr. Summer Allen offers helpful tips on newborn care.
Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Migraine headaches can begin at any age ... though most people have their first migraine during adolescence.
Listen to the program at 9:05 a.m. CT, Saturday, January 23 and follow #MayoClinicRadio.
Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.
Access archived shows.
Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.
Mayo Clinic Radio: Headaches/Ebola Update/Newborn Care Tips
A headache is usually just a minor inconvenience. But some headaches ... including migraines ... can ruin your whole day. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, neurologist Dr. Michael Cutrer discusses the different types of headache, what causes them and how they're treated. Also on the program, the West African Ebola epidemic has been declared over by the World Health Organization. The outbreak, which lasted two years and took more than 11,000 lives, raised concerns about a possible worldwide pandemic. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Pritish Tosh explains what's been learned that might help prevent another epidemic. And family medicine specialist Dr. Summer Allen offers helpful tips on newborn care.
Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Migraine headaches can begin at any age ... though most people have their first migraine during adolescence.
Listen to the program at 9:05 a.m. CT, Saturday, January 23.
Miss the show? Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.
Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.
Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.
Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.
Access archived shows.
“What is a migraine headache?”
Lake City, Minn. - Migraine is three times more common in women than in men and affects more than 10 percent of people worldwide, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Mayo Clinic Health System Family Medicine physician Rachel Batdorf, M.D., says, "Although any head pain can be miserable, migraines are often disabling." In about 15 percent of cases, these painful headaches are preceded by a sensory warning sign (aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. Migraines are also often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain can be excruciating and may incapacitate you for hours or even days. [...]
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Weekend Wellness: Tracking headaches may help teen see patterns, avoid triggers
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter, 16, has had headaches off and on for the past year. Ibuprofen seems to help, and she says the headaches are not severe. But I am concerned that they are so frequent. What could be the cause of recurring headaches in teens? 
ANSWER: Headaches in teens are common. In most cases, they are not symptoms of a larger medical problem. But when headaches continue, it is a good idea to have them evaluated. There also are steps to take at home that may help reduce headaches.
There are many kinds of headaches. Two of the most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Tension headaches are often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. A migraine headache usually causes intense throbbing on one side of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. [...]
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Understanding Headache Types is Key to Treatment
We have all experienced the annoying, relentless and throbbing pain associated with a headache. They can slow us down or even bring us to a complete stop. However, did you know that there are several different types of headaches, and knowing the type you've got can be the first step in effectively treating it?
Mayo Clinic Health System nurse practitioner Erin Pokorny takes a look at different types of headaches and shares what you can do to fight them.
- Tension-type headaches: These are considered to be the most common types of headaches. They are often described as dull and achy and are often brought on by stress, neck pain, missing meals and a variety of other things. Treatment options: Tension-type headaches can often be treated by over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You may also want to try alternative treatments including meditation, relaxation training and massage.
- Migraines: We've all heard about migraines, and we know that they’re not to be taken lightly. The pain associated with migraines is often described as throbbing and severe. Migraines are often associated with nausea, vomiting or increased sensitivity to light and sound. Pain may worsen with increased activity. Untreated, migraines can typically last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Treatment options: If you know the triggers for your migraines, make sure to avoid these known causes. Over-the-counter medication can help. Other treatment options include prescription medications; rest in a quiet, dark room; or a hot/cold compress to the head or neck.
[...]
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DO YOU HAVE MIGRAINES OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?
Join @TIME's @AliceParkNY for a #migrainechat - Thursday Aug. 29th, 1 to 2 p.m. ET
Mayo Clinic neurologist @daviddodick is participating, along with specialists from other medical institutions, the @AANPublic and the @ahsheadache.
Topics will include:
- Long-term effects of migraines
- How migraines effect social life, job and stress
- Difference between headaches and migraines and different types of migraines
- Who gets them and what are the triggers
- Treatments and how to prevent
- New research
Never participated in a chat before, or want tips on how to participate effectively? Watch this video. Questions? E-mail Nick Hanson at [email protected].
Kids and Migraines: Mayo Clinic Radio Health Minute
In this Mayo Clinic Radio Health Minute, Dr. Kenneth Mack addresses migraine headache in kids.
To listen, click the link below.
TUESDAY Q & A: Lifestyle changes may help reduce how often migraine headaches occur
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a 38-year-old woman, and I get migraine headaches occasionally, usually one every few months. I have a hard time functioning when I have a migraine. I don’t want to take medication for this problem if I don’t have to. Are there ways to prevent or treat migraine headaches without medication?
ANSWER: Even if you don’t get them very often, migraine headaches can have a big impact on your life. A number of lifestyle changes may help reduce how often you get migraine. But if they continue, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.
Migraine headaches involve moderate to severe pain that is often throbbing and typically affects one side of the head. The pain usually gets worse with exertion such as climbing stairs. Additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, also accompany a migraine attack.
[...]
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Mayo Clinic Headache Expert Launches Migraine Campaign on TODAY Show
Mayo Clinic neurologist David Dodick, M.D., officially launched the 36 Million Migraine Campaign. It's named for the estimated 36 million Americans afflicted with chronic migraine headache pain. Dr. Dodick says if the campaign can raise one dollar for each of those people it would triple the amount of funding the federal government provides annually for migraine research. He announced details of the public awareness effort Thursday morning on NBC's Today Show.
Dr. Dodick is Chair of the American Migraine Foundation and the chair of Mayo Clinic's Headache Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dodick says, according the World Health Organization, migraine headache is the third most common medical problem on the planet. It is also the 4th most disabling condition among women in the United States.
Dr. Dodick says money raised by the campaign will be spent directly on finding better treatments and potential cures for migraine headaches, which often have a genetic link .
Here's a link to the show.
Journalists wishing to arrange interviews with Dr. Dodick may contact Jim McVeigh at Mayo Clinic Public Affairs by calling 480-301-4222. Journalists may also use any part of the online video interview with Dr. Dodick as needed.
Mayo Clinic Headache Expert Launches Migraine Campaign on TODAY Show
Mayo Clinic neurologist David Dodick, M.D., officially launched the 36 Million Migraine Campaign. It's named for the estimated 36 million Americans afflicted with chronic migraine headache pain. Dr. Dodick says if the campaign can raise one dollar for each of those people it would triple the amount of funding the federal government provides annually for migraine research. He announced details of the public awareness effort Thursday morning on NBC's Today Show.
Dr. Dodick is Chair of the American Migraine Foundation and the chair of Mayo Clinic's Headache Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dodick says, according the World Health Organization, migraine headache is the third most common medical problem on the planet. It is also the 4th most disabling condition among women in the United States.
Dr. Dodick says money raised by the campaign will be spent directly on finding better treatments and potential cures for migraine headaches, which often have a genetic link .
Here's a link to the show.
Journalists wishing to arrange interviews with Dr. Dodick may contact Jim McVeigh at Mayo Clinic Public Affairs by calling 480-301-4222. Journalists may also use any part of the online video interview with Dr. Dodick as needed.
MONDAY HOUSECALL: Seasonal Allergies, Sex Therapy, Migraine Medications and more ...
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Expert Answers with Mayo Clinic Specialists
Migraine medications and antidepressants: A risky mix?
Artificial tears: How to select eyedrops for dry eyes
Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?
Photodynamic therapy: An effective treatment for lung cancer?
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In this Medical Edge Radio episode, we look at the association between vertigo and migraines with Mayo Clinic Dr. Scott Eggers.
To listen, click the link below.
