High-flow oxygen has been a treatment for cluster headaches for a long time, but new research is starting to link even stronger evidence supporting its use. An article in The Journal of the American Medical Association details research performed on 76 adults with cluster headaches. More than three-fourths of those receiving oxygen treatments reported relief from their symptoms. Even though oxygen therapy is an accepted treatment, stronger evidence should help it become an even more common treatment for cluster headaches. Up to this point, injectable sumatriptan (Imitrex) has been considered the most effective treatment for cluster headaches, but side effects and contraindications limit its use at times.

Cluster headaches affect very few people, less than 1% of the population, but they can be among the most excruciatingly painful headaches. This study may open the door to even more meaningful studies about oxygen and other treatments for cluster headaches.

Read more about cluster headaches.

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A recent survey conducted in Canada suggests that men and women experience headaches quite differently. It points out that women seem to report headaches a bit more frequently. What's more, women tend to seek some sort of help for their headache pain, whether it be from a doctor, massage therapist, or other means. There are a host of reasons why this is true, none of which are scientifically proven at this point. Women do tend to develop migraines more frequently than men, probably due to varying estrogen levels around menstruation.

Read more about issues involving women and migraines.

How do migraines change during pregnancy?

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It is rare to do actual drug research on pregnant patients so it is always a boon when good research comes out that relates to pregnancy. Glaxo-SmithKline has a drug registry that has tracked pregnant women taking sumatriptan ornaratriptan since 1996. They have collected information on over 800 pregnancies and found that neither drug causes an increase in birth defects compared to migraine sufferers generally.

As of right now, all triptan medications are considered Pregnancy Class C, meaning not enough data is available to make a definitive statement on their safety. Potential risks should be weighed against the possible benefits of the medicine. Hopefully this data can lead to more clear evidence on the safety of triptans in pregnancy. As with all headache treatments, be sure to discuss them with your primary care or other health care provider.

Read more about treating headaches in pregnancy.

Looking for natural headache cures during pregnancy?

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As the end of 2009 approaches, Thanksgiving turkey and holiday spending are probably on your mind. For those of you with Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) you should be thinking about health care expenses, as well. Many employers have FSAs available to their employees that they can use for certain medical expenses. One drawback with the FSA, however, is that if you don't use money you've contributed to your account during the year, you lose it. In other words, you can't roll over 2009 contributions to 2010 expenses.

FSAs can reimburse you for "qualified medical expenses," and IRS Publication 502 lists these out for you. As headache sufferers some of the following may be of special interest:

• Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, or Osteopathic Manipulation
• Dental work (including exams and x-rays)
• Eyeglasses
• Laboratory fees
• Prescription medications
• Physical examinations
• Stop smoking programs

Non-prescription medications are not deductible as qualified medical expenses, but an FSA can be used to pay for them.

The IRS reminds us that the following are not "qualified medical expenses":

• Amounts paid for health insurance premiums
• Amounts paid for long-term care coverage or expenses
• Amounts that are covered under another health plan

So, if you have health insurance or other health coverage that pays for something already, you can't use your FSA.

For questions regarding FSAs and other tax-advantaged medical savings programs (like Health Savings Accounts) refer to IRS publication 969, or speak to a qualified tax professional.

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Migraine headaches strike all types of individuals in all types of professions. Shawn Nelson, rookie tight end for the National Football League's Buffalo Bills, has recently been dealing with a bout of migraine headaches but is finding a way to stay active with his team. Nelson injured his neck blocking in a game a few weeks ago and feels like this was the most recent trigger, but he has suffered from migraines for at least the last 10 years. His mother was also a migraine sufferer

Nelson spoke a little bit about what it feels like to have a migraine, and how athleticism and size are no guarantees for good health:

Some people get injuries and some people's bodies react in different ways. From the outside looking in some players' afflictions look really small. But you won't know unless you've had migraines yourself, especially the way I get them. They are unreal. I can't even move.

This just underscores the fact that migraines can strike anyone and can be debilitating no matter what that person's overall health may be like.

What other headache triggers are out there?

Many NFL players experience concussions, which can be a secondary cause for headaches.

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The U.S. House of Representatives could begin debating their revised health care reform bill. There is even talk of voting as early as this Friday, but as we all know, the political process can take many different turns and detours. Whatever your personal thoughts on the proposals at hand, be sure to contact your own representative and express those views. Read more about health care reform. Will you need to find a new doctor? What questions should you be asking doctors?

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We all know that pollution is unsightly, smells horrible, and generally detracts from a community. Now researchers believe that pollution may also contribute to headaches. In a study published earlier this month in the American Journal of Epemiology, researchers looked at the effect pollution is having in urban centers in Chile. They found that increased pollution levels were associated with higher rates of hospitalization for headaches of all types. So now we have one more reason to clean up the environment.

Do you know of other headache triggers?

What about headache triggers in your diet?

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The economy hasn't been everything we'd all hoped it would be this year, and with the holiday season approaching it's easy to get discouraged. Medication costs have increased steadily for years and it seems there are more and more people taking more and more medication. An organization called the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is here to help people who are having a tough time paying for their medicines.

If you are someone who doesn't have prescription drug benefits through any insurance program, you may qualify for help through the PPA. They are dedicated to finding ways to pay for medications, as well as resources for the uninsured or underinsured. This may be a nice holiday bonus for some of you out there.

Have you or your doctor thought of the best prescription medications to treat migraines?

What about prescriptions to prevent migraines?

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With all of the hype surrounding flu season, especially the H1N1 variety, it's important to remember that a headache isn't always a headache. It can be a sign of a more significant illness so it's a good thing to take note. Do you have fever or other "flu-like symptoms" as well? Is anyone else sick in the household? Is this headache a bit different than your "usual" headaches?

Take time to learn more about influenza and the H1N1 virus.

Have you thought about a flu shot?

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First anti-oxidants, and now migraine prevention. The news keeps getting better for chocolate. At the International Headache Society's 14th International Headache Congress in Philadelphia, researchers presented preliminary evidence that a diet supplemented with cocoa may be beneficial in preventing migraines. Cocoa seems to increase anti-inflammatory compounds in the brain, which may reduce the incidence of headaches. Missouri State University researchers are quick to point out that all of this information is in the early stages, and so far all of their information comes from studies done in rats. Keep your eyes and ears open for chocolate studies in humans soon. Maybe they need volunteers.

Read about other foods that may trigger migraines.

What are some other headache triggers?

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