Headache is a pain in the head and neck region that may be either a disorder in its own right or a symptom of an underlying medical condition or disease. The medical term for headache is cephalalgia.
First genetic link to common migraine exposed — Genetic variant may increase susceptibility to migraine triggers – Researchers have produced new insights into the triggers for migraines attacks. They have identified the first-ever genetic risk factor associated with common types of migraine.
Headaches in teens tied to overweight, smoking and lack of exercise – Teens who are overweight, get little exercise or who smoke may be more likely to have frequent headaches and migraines than teens with none of these factors, according to a study published in the August 18, 2010, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Migraine: Aspirin and an antiemetic is a reasonable option – A single dose of 900-1000 mg aspirin can substantially reduce migraine headache pain within two hours, for more than half of people who take it. It also reduces any associated nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound (photophobia or phonophobia).
Botulinum toxin injection may help prevent some types of migraine pain – A preliminary study suggests the same type of botulinum injection used for cosmetic purposes may be associated with reduced frequency of migraine headaches that are described as crushing, vicelike or eye-popping (ocular), but not pain that is experienced as a buildup of pressure inside the head.
Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to have heart attacks as people without migraine. – People with migraine may be at an increased risk of heart attack and other risk factors for heart disease, according to a study published in the February 10, 2010, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
FDA Approves Ampyra to Improve Walking in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ampyra (dalfampridine) extended release tablets to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Study explains why light worsens migraine headaches — Extreme light sensitivity in blind patients helps researchers identify a new visual pathway for photophobia during migraines – Ask anyone who suffers from migraine headaches what they do when they’re having an attack, and you’re likely to hear “go into a dark room.” And although it’s long been known that light makes migraines worse, the reason why has been unclear.
Abuse in childhood linked to migraine and other pain disorders – Findings suggest abuse is a risk factor for chronic headache – Researchers from the American Headache Society’s Women’s Issues Section Research Consortium found that incidence of childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse and neglect, are prevalent in migraine patients.
Treatment of patients with cluster headache at symptom onset using inhaled high-flow oxygen compared with placebo was more likely to result in being pain-free at 15 minutes. – Patients with a cluster headache, which is characterized by bouts of excruciating pain usually near the eye or temple, were more likely to report being pain-free within 15 minutes of treatment with high-flow oxygen than patients who received a placebo treatment.
FDA Approves Kalbitor for Treating Potentially Life-Threatening Attacks of Hereditary Angioedema – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kalbitor (ecallantide) to treat sudden and potentially life-threatening fluid buildup that can occur in people with a rare genetic condition known as hereditary angioedema (HAE).
FDA Approves Agriflu Seasonal Influenza Vaccine — Another option to prevent illnesses caused by subtypes A and B influenza virus – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Agriflu for people ages 18 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B.
Safety of pandemic vaccines — Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 16. – WHO estimates that around 80 million doses of pandemic vaccine have been distributed and around 65 million people have been vaccinated. National immunization campaigns began in Australia and the People’s Republic of China in late September.
