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Migraines

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Vitamin D Linked to Overall Health - [10/10/08]

Summary: Vitamin D has been linked to improved overall health. This vitamin affects 36 organ tissues in the body including bone marrow, breast, colon, intestine, kidney, lung, prostate, retina, skin, stomach and uterus tissues. It has also been linked to improving immune systems, insulin secretion, heart health, blood pressure, muscle, brain activity, and decreased risk of cancer. For most adults 200-600 IU of daily vitamin D is recommended, but some experts recommend up to 2000 IU daily.

Comment: Vitamin D has previously been thought to improve bone health, but this study shows that it can affect all areas of health. By increased intake of vitamin D people with migraines can experience improved health.

Read article - Medical News TODAY October 10, 2008

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Cell Protein Fights Pain - [10/09/08]

Summary: A new cell protein has been discovered that is believed to treat pain eight times better than morphine. The protein FRAP has been previously used as a nerve marker in pain studies, but its gene code was unknown. Through their experiments researchers found that FRAP is identical to PAP, a protein often used to treat prostate cancer. They found that by injecting high levels of PAP they could reduce pain levels in patients.

Comment: PAP is as effective in reducing pain levels as morphine, but it is able to last for up to three days, much longer than morphine. PAP could be developed to be used as an injected pain killer, and researchers are doing more work to develop similar molecules to PAP that could be used in a pill. This research can help patients with migraines experience less chronic pain.

Read article - Science Daily October 9, 2008

Efforts to Reduce Ethnic and Racial Disparities - [09/29/08]

Summary: This article outlines current efforts are being made to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities. These include the Respira program, which focuses on providing asthma education and outreach to Hispanic communities. Another program is a lecture that seeks to improve knowledge of blood pressure management and diabetes. Other efforts involve grants to increase levels of minority students in medical programs, and campaigns to increase medical literacy in minority communities.

Comment: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in most areas of medical care including migraines. These disparities can often be dangerous to the health of minority people. These programs are aiming to close the gaps in health care, which can result in better care for people with migraines.

Read article - Medical News TODAY September 29, 2008

Hay Fever As a Child Increases Probability of Migraines - [09/23/08]

Summary: A new relationship has been found between hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and migraines, showing that children who suffer from hay fever are significantly more likely to subsequently suffer from migraines than those who do not experience hay fever. In addition, these children were also more likely to report having facial pain and ear pain or pressure.

Comment: While the causes behind this connection are not yet known, researchers still find it significant, and urge parents and doctors to acknowledge the relationships and give proper notice to the facial symptoms related to allergic rhinitis experienced by children.

Read article - Medical News Today. September 23, 2008.

Those with Migraines More Likely to Have Blood Clots in Veins - [09/15/08]

Summary: A new study has shown that those who suffer from migraines are also more likely to have a condition called venous thrombosis or thromboembolism. The condition causes blood clots to form in the vein, limiting blood flow and causing swelling and pain. In addition, the clots may dislodge and travel to the heart, which could potentially cause death.

Comment: As of yet, researchers do not understand the connection between migraines and venous thrombosis, they only know that it exists. It has been theorized that perhaps the blood of those predisposed to suffer from migraines is more susceptible to clotting.

Read article - American Academy of Neurology. September 15, 2008.

Migraines with Aura may be Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke - [09/08/08]

Summary: Migraines accompanied by aura can be a sign of a higher risk of heart attack or stoke. Women especially are at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke if they experience auras. People who have migraines with aura often experience symptoms such as seeing spots or zigzags, and feelings of numbness. In adults these symptoms occur before the actual headache, but in children they often occur simultaneously.

Comment: Doctors should be aware of the dangers of migraines with aura, and pay special attention to patients that experience this type of migraine. It is recommended that for people who experience migraines with aura that action should be taken to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. This is done by making lifestyle changes such as not smoking and considering other birth control options besides pills. Further research was also recommended to clarify the link between migraines with aura and cardiovascular disease.

Read article - Medical News TODAY September 8, 2008

Those in the Army at Greater Risk for Migraines - [08/28/08]

Summary: New studies show that, while the frequency of migraines is very high among United States military personnel, the condition very often goes undiagnosed. While the group making up most of the military, young adults, is also the group most likely to suffer from migraines, the frequency of occurrence is significantly higher for those who have served in the military.

Comment: Those serving in branches of the armed forces are more likely to undergo physiological and psychological stresses which may cause migraines. However, if they continue to go underdiagnosed the consequences could be significant, as migraines impair function.

Read article - Science Daily. August 28, 2008.

More Americans Seeking Health Information - [08/22/08]

Summary: Recent statistics show that in 2007 56% of Americans adults, which is more than 122 million people, attempted to find information about a personal health concern from a source other than their physician. This statistic is up from 38% in 2001. Education levels were a key factor in determining whether a person sought medical information, 72% of those with a graduate degree compared to 42% of those with only a high school diploma. The number of Americans using the internet for medical information doubled from 16% in 2001 to 32% in 2007.

Comment: More than half of the people reported that the information changed their general approach to their health care, and 80% reported that the information helped them better understand treatments of their condition or illness. Doctors are always a good source of medical information, but it can often be hard to consult a doctor with every concern. Finding more information on medical conditions, such as migraines, can help patients better understand their health.

Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com August 22, 2008

Many Find Need for American Health Care Reform - [08/07/08]

Summary: In a recent study researchers found that about 82% of Americans believe that the health care system in America needs to be reformed. 90% believed that the presidential candidates need to develop health care reform plans to improve the quality and coverage of health care. 90% also believe that it is important to have one doctor responsible for their primary care and for coordinating care with specialists. 90% also reported believing that having access to their medical records, and doctors having the same access was important.

Comment: Migraines requires the best medical care possible, and many people in America do not believe that they are getting the level of care that they need. People with migraines, and all other people in America, can affect their health care system by contacting their representatives and voicing their concerns and thoughts about the current health care system.

Read article - Medical News TODAY August 7, 2008

Rise in Deaths from Home Prescription Use - [07/29/08]

Summary: Researchers examined the death rates from the incorrect use of prescriptions in the home, called FMEs. There are four types of FMEs as classified by the researchers. Type one is the domestic use of prescriptions with street drugs or alcohol, which has increased by 3,196% between 1983 and 2004. Type 2 is the domestic use of prescriptions without drugs or alcohol, which has increased 5%. Type 3 is the non-domestic use of prescriptions with drugs or alcohol, and has increased 564%, and type 4 is the non-domestic use of prescriptions without drugs or alcohol, and has increased by 555%.

Comment: While many of the medications involved were safe in a clinical setting is has been suggested that they are more dangerous when used at home, since an incorrect dose or use with drugs or alcohol are more likely. It is suggested that more research is done about the safety of medications at home or work and that patients are especially careful when taking prescriptions at home.

Read article - Medical News TODAY. July 29, 2008.