Neurological Institute of the East Bay

Don’t have time to read every post?  Here are the posts that have been most popular with our readers in the last three months.

• Heading up the list was an important two part series that may change the way you think about headaches.  Major shift in Migraine Thought? (part 1), and then Major shift in Migraine Thought? (part 2)
• A simple post that generated a lot of discussion was The Gluten Syndrome and Migraine.  Is gluten sensitivity a bigger problem than we think?
• Let’s clarify a common misconception – Have a slight headache? Might be migraine
• An introduction to Cambia – new drug for Migraine.  For more, check out Cambia – New Migraine medication is approved
• More and more people are trying probiotics for migraine and related disorders such as IBS.  But What are the best brands of probiotics?
• So what’s the real story on Omega 3 and Migraine?
• It’s frustrating, but there still are many Popular ways to misdiagnose Hemicrania Continua
• A recent post already popular – FirstIce review – A cold pack with a difference
• Migraine without Headache: More common than we think?  And perhaps it comes in more flavours than we think…

Random other posts:

• Trigger points – do they trigger headaches?
• Questions raised by the Cox-2 inhibitor frenzy…
• Surprising acupuncture study

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Highlights from the last 3 Months (July 2009 edition)

Try aromatherapy, or try a new essential oil, in a new way.

People use aromatherapy in many different ways.  Some people like the scent during an attack, to soothe their senses.  Some people like to use the essential oil in between attacks to keep the symptoms away.

There are also many different ways to diffuse the scent.  Everyone has their favourite methods.

But do watch the difference between aromatherapy and aromachology – sometimes marketers use the term aromatherapy when they shouldn’t.  Read more here about aromatherapy and aromachology.

To try a new scent, or get new ideas, start here.  Or, leave a comment with your best tips!

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

These other posts might relate:

• 9 Easy Ways to use Aromatherapy for Headaches
• Aromatherapy: Top 5 for Migraine or Headache
• Eye pillows

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday – Aromatherapy: Try Something New

We’re often told that the generic medications are exactly the same, you’re just not paying for the "brand name".  So, why support the big names?  Why not save your money?

Well, it turns out it just might not be the case.  Depending on what country you’re in, the law may allow for variations in the generic medication.

A surprising study just came out of the USA that should concern anyone buying drugs there, for example (read it here).  The study was done with Topamax (topiramate) and its generic version.  In this case, it was epilepsy patients.  The study (published in last month’s Neurology) found that epilepsy patients on generic versions required more medication, had more injuries, and ended up in the hospital more often and for longer periods of time than those on the Topamax brand.  The worst were patients who used various generic brands during the study period.

Why?  It turns out that US law allows generic brands to have slightly less of the medication in them.  That’s right.  And there may be other minor differences, depending on the medication (and the country).

Now, migraineurs are less likely to have severe problems with topiramate, since they usually take lower dosages and are less likely to end up in the hospital.  But this is something to be aware of for any medication you’re taking.

So are you stuck with the expensive version?  It depends.  In many cases, it really may not make a difference.  In some cases, raising your dosage slightly may solve the problem, and still be cheaper.  But in this case, you do need to stick to the same generic brand.  Talk to your doctor.

It’s time to stop assuming that generics and the original are 100% equal.  Be careful!

via Headache News Blog

These other posts might relate:

• New Migraine Topamax study: Adolescents
• Migraine patients more sensitive to Topamax?
• Concerns about Topamax and Uric Acid

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Generic Medications – The same but different?

Try a Green Smoothie

Yes, I’m normal.  The thought of grinding up veggies into some green or even brownish mix and then drinking it … well, I wasn’t sure.  Then I looked online, got some advice, and gave it a try.  And discovered that green smoothies weren’t what I expected.

Why did I take the risk in the first place?  Well, let’s face it.  The majority of us simply aren’t getting enough vegetables in our diets.  Especially those dark leafy greens.

Dark leafy greens in particular are incredible migraine-fighters, not to mention how great they are for overall health.  Spinach, for example, is rich in magnesium.  It’s also a great antioxidant.  Well, I could go on and on – but most of us already know how great these foods are.

So here’s what the trend is in green smoothies today.  Mix fruit and vegetables together – often a 1/3 fruit 2/3 veggie mix.  Often the fruit provides most of the flavour.  My smoothies, though they contained spinach and celery and broccoli and so on, actually tasted like strawberry – very refreshing and sweet.  I also threw in some flax seed oil for some extra omega-3 power.

To get started, here are some great sites to give you ideas for recipes:  70 Green Smoothie Recipes and more Green Smoothie Recipes (scroll down).

Quick tips for migraineurs – I find you don’t need much water in most cases – just enough to make it drinkable.  Also, watch out for migraine triggers – bananas, common in green smoothies, are big ones.  I recommend things like broccoli and spinach, apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, mangoes and strawberries.  Flaxseed oil and peppermint are great additions.  Keep these things on hand so you’re always ready for a quick smoothie.  Be careful of citrus fruits, bananas, and raw onions.

If you find your stomach going crazy, try just one type of fruit and vegetable at a time.  And please, don’t drink this right before bed.  You’ll regret it.

Experiment, and give it a decent try.  You might just find you have a surprising amount of energy, and a feeling of well-being you haven’t had for a while!

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

These other posts might relate:

• Fight Migraine: Be nice to your Mitochondria
• Migraine and Magnesium – new study
• Magnesium and Calcium

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday: Green Smoothies

Finally, there may be something good that comes out of getting a migraine. According to a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, researchers found that women with...

Many of you have heard of taking oil of Oregano for colds or the flu.  Some people claim they can take it at the first sign of sniffles, and wake up the next morning feeling great.  Others take it every day, and claim they’ve been able to avoid the flu all year.

But have you heard of using oil of oregano for migraine?  Many people do.

Just three drops under the tongue at the first sign of a migraine attack, and that’s it.

I’ll warn you, it’s pretty strong.  And it’s not just the oregano you put on your pizza (although it’s still oregano – you’ll recognize the smell).  This is a kind of oregano known as origanum vulgare.

Two of the key ingredients occurring naturally in this type of oil of oregano are caravacrol and thymol.  We don’t know exactly why oregano seems to work for some people, though we do know it has anti-inflammatory properties.

If you want to give it a try, make sure you get a reputable brand with 70% standardized .  A good option is Source Naturals Oil of Oregano (it’s also available in capsules, but for migraine you want the liquid to drop under your tongue).

As well as being well known as being an anti-inflammatory, oregano is being studied for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, and for such diverse issues as metabolic syndrome, colon cancer and respiratory illness.  It is a powerful herb packed with health benefits, and I’m sure we’ll see more studies on it as time goes by.

I have some friends who have found oil of oregano helpful as a migraine killer.  Have you tried it?  Leave a comment!

These other posts might relate:

• Little Known Ways to Get to Sleep (even with a Headache)
• Do you use “folk remedies” for headache?
• Chew celery

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Just three drops to kill a Migraine Attack

We really need to keep talking about virtual reality for pain.  More studies are showing that it works, though we still don’t understand exactly how and why, and what it will do in the long term.

One study published in April did attempt to start answering the long term question, though it was only over 8 weeks.  But the question is, will the patient "get used to" the virtual reality treatment, and will it become less effective over time?  We certainly see that happen with pain medicaiton.

So the study out of the USA took 28 young adults, and had them put their hands in ice-cold water (for pain).  Then they were given virtual reality treatment (exposed to a computerized, virtual reality world, as it were).  Then they were checked out for pain intensity, time thinking about pain, and anxiety.

As suspected, the treatment worked.  But the part we weren’t sure about – would it continue?  Or would the benefits decrease?

Virtual ice on the brain?
No, the treatment continued to be just as beneficial at the end as it was at the beginning.

Could this really have any benefit for migraine or headache pain?  I think so, if the treatment was tailored for the type of pain and symptoms that we experience.

What about slowing down the migraine chain-reaction by computer?  And, do you remember SnowWorld?

Random other posts:

• Chronic illness and the internet
• Migraine and Art study (epilepsy too)
• What is Migraine? (the Story of Symptoms)

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

New Study on Virtual Reality for Pain

Someone at FirstIce was kind enough to send me one of their ice packs to review.  It really wasn’t anything like I expected – it is unique.

When you first get the ice pack from the store, it looks something like this:

It feels a little like tapioca pudding.  Those are little bits of gel in there – apparently it’s water that’s kept in a gelatin-like state by polymer beads.  But I wouldn’t know about that.  To the right you can see a close up – it’s semi-transparent stuff, whatever it is!

The instructions say to place the cold pack in the freezer flat, with nothing stacked on top, for at least 3 hours.  I dutifully obeyed the instructions.  And I was in for quite a surprise.

When I opened the freezer and took out the bag, it was filled with – snow!

Well, what looked and felt like snow anyway.  It had puffed up into white stuff that was very cold.  I guess cold is the idea!  Here’s what it looked like:

Now, if you’re familiar with snow, you can see the advantages right away.  My wife used to live waaaaaaay up north, where the Inuit people live.  And up there they find snow to be useful for many things, including treating injuries.

There are good reasons for this.  It’s soft.  And it can form to the shape of your body.

Yes, FirstIce has the same benefits.  I tried it both on the back of my head, putting pressure on it, as well as on top of my leg.  It can form around a part of your body, giving an even cold, and it’s soft.  It’s puffed up a bit, unlike another ice pack I have used which is a lot flatter and so doesn’t form around your head as well and provide such an even cooling.

Now, the pack says you should use a new pack after 3-4 hours of therapy.  I found that to be pretty optimistic.

After 1.5 hours, it was still frozen, though a little smaller.  After 1.75 hours, it seemed to be a little less cold, but still cold (that seems to me to be a long time though for constant use!  Betcha normal snow wouldn’t last that long…).

After 2.25 hours, it seemed more or less melted, but it was still cool and still had therapeutic value.  But after two and a half hours I would say it was done.

I found it too cold to use right against the skin, so as with most cold packs I put a cloth or towel on it and that was fine.

Overall rating?  I do like it better than your average cold pack (the kind you use for sports or headache).  It’s unique and seems to deliver what it sets out to do.  It’s sturdy, and so I hope to use it for a long time.

If you like cold therapy for your headaches, FirstIce is definitely worth trying.  You can read more about them at their site at FirstIce.com. You can find the ice packs at Walgreens, CVS and other places as well.

Random other posts:

• IndoProCaf – another combo drug
• Maximizing Your Enjoyment of the Holiday Season
• Needing Your Input: Migraine Diary via Mobile Phone

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

FirstIce review – A cold pack with a difference

Take one thing on your to do list, and delegate it.

We’re community creatures.  We live in groups for a reason.  We help each other, and life is better that way.

When you have a chronic illness, however, you’re especially sensitive about asking others for help.  You don’t want to be a burden, you’re afraid you’re asking too much, or you feel bad that you can’t do more for others.

But sometimes you do have to delegate.  So this week’s task – take one thing off your to do list, and ask for help.  It could be a regular task (something you do each week), or just a one-time thing.  You might pay someone, or ask a friend.  It could be something big, or small, but it has to actually be a real help to you.

If you find this too hard, it may be that you need to be more a part of a community.  That means being helped, and helping others.  Take this first step – there’s someone that would be happy to help.  They’ll feel good about it, and so will you.

Now use that time to give yourself a boost.  Get something else done, or give yourself permission to get some rest.  This is going to be different for everyone.

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

These other posts might relate:

• 1% Thursday: Buy or Make an Eye Pillow
• 1% Thursday: Learn One New Thing about your condition
• 1% Thursday: Start a Headache Diary (Migraine Diary)

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday: Delegate. Just once.

Don’t miss the July 2009 edition of the Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival!  The topic was wide open this month, so there’s lots of interesting discussion on a wide variety of topics.

At least three of the posts did have a bit of an unintended theme however.  A good title might be No, You’re not Crazy, You just Have Migraines.  It may be an old theme for some of us, but an important one – migraine has some crazy symptoms.  Sometimes, but not always, headache is one of those symptoms.  But the headache pain often makes us ignore or forget about the incredible impact of the many other symptoms, as Jasmine began to realize in her post The Vestibular System.

The real summary of the theme, however, can be found in the post perhaps ironically entitled The Pain.  Just some thoughts many of us have had, put up on the internet to be gazed at.

These other posts might relate:

• Blog Carnival: Misunderstanding Migraine
• Sex and Migraines: Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival
• Blog Carnival – Migraines and Depression

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

July 2009 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival