Headaches & Migraines: Most Popular Articles

Fifth Vital Sign
Throughout the history of medicine, quantifying pain has been an issue. How do we explain "how much" pain we're experiencing in a way that's universally understood? As headache and Migraine patients we can absolutely relate. Jackson explores pain as the "Fifth Vital Sign," as measurable as temperature, blood pressure, heart beat, and respiration. Pain - the Fifth Vital Sign

Ice Pick Headaches
Ice pick headaches are stabbing, extremely intense headaches that can be absolutely terrifying. They generally only last between five and 30 seconds. However, they come out of nowhere, can strike anywhere on the head, literally feel as if an ice pick is being stuck into your head, then disappear before you can even figure out what's happening.

The Migraine Aura
The Migraine Aura: What it is and how it manifests.

5-HTP: Check Before Using
5-HTP is a potentially valuable dietary supplement that promotes the body's production of serotonin. For some people, it can be helpful for headache and Migraine prevention. However, it shouldn't be taken with triptans, SSRI's, or some other prescription medications. It's important to treat such supplements as you would any other drug.

Abdominal Migraine
Abdominal Migraine is a form of Migraine seen mainly in children. It's most common in children ages five- to nine-years-old, but can occur in adults as well. Abdominal Migraine consists primarily of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Let's take a look at abdominal Migraine.

Anatomy of a Migraine
When many people think “migraine” they think only of the pain of migraine. In reality, a migraine episode consists of far more. The typical migraine episode actually consists of four parts, referred to as phases or components.

Head pain and orgasm
Orgasm & Headache/Migraine: Does the "Big O" cause or cure headaches and migraine? We've all heard the old joke, "Not tonight, dear. I have a headache." Right? Surprisingly enough, for some people, there definitely is a correlation between sexual activity and headache or migraine. For some, orgasm can bring on head pain; for others, orgasm can relieve it.

What Is Hemiplegic Migraine?
To understand Hemiplegic Migraine, we have to understand that Migraine attacks are episodic manifestations of a genetic neurological disease. Migraine can present in a variety of ways. Hemiplegic Migraine is a rare form of Migraine, made more confusing by there being two variations: Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) and Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine (SHM).

What Is...?
Whenever people talk about or look for information regarding Migraine disease and headaches, one of the most commonly asked questions is, "What is...?" What is Hemiplegic Migraine? What are ice pick headaches? Let's take a look!

Headache, Isn't It?
Sometimes, a headache is just that - a headache. Other times, a headache can be a symptom of another condition. In addition, there are different kinds of headaches, and treatments for them vary. For these reasons, timely and accurate diagnosis is important if not critical.

Preventive Meds
For those of us with frequent headaches or Migraine attacks, preventive medications are often a good option. There are over 100 medications that can be used and nearly endless combinations of them. The list is ever-evolving, and will this one will be updated regularly.

Changes In Weather = Trigger
Migraineurs may be able to avoid triggering the excruciating attacks by avoiding some triggers, but there's little they can do about one of the most common Migraine triggers: the weather. Half of Migraineurs were sensitive to weather variables, but most were wrong in their prediction of which climate variable was the culprit, according to findings of a recent study.

Teenager Dies from Acetamin...
On June 24, 2003, 17-year-old Kellie Lynn McWilliams was suffering with pain from a Migraine attack and turned to Tylenol for pain relief. In pain and probably tired and groggy, Kellie took approximately 20 of the 500 mg acetaminophen capsules. That translates to ingesting 10 grams of acetaminophen; tha maximum recommended within 24 hours is four grams. This led to her death.

When To See a Doctor
Statistically, most headaches and Migraine attacks are painful and disruptive, but not dangerous. Still, head pain can be a symptom of other conditions, some serious. Even though many of us have been told, "A Migraine never killed anyone," that's not exactly true. There are cases where Migraines cause fatal strokes and times when a headache or Migraine attack means you need to see a doctor.

Noni Juice
Look around online much and you'll see it: Tahitian Noni Juice is being touted to increase energy, lessen allergy symptoms, improve asthma, promote weight loss, improve arthritis and diabetes, decreasing pain (including headache and Migraien) and to lessen symptoms of cancer, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, stoke, and even AIDS.ƒTSound to good to be true? Then it probably is. If someone claims to have a "cure," exercise the utmost caution.

Dehydration: What a Pain!
The human body is 65% water. Simply put, dehydration occurs as the result of excessive loss of water from the body, when we lose more water than we take in. Learning to prevent and to recognize dehydration are essential. Don't let dehydration ruin your fun or make you more ill. Remember to take in as much fluid as you're losing each day.

Anatomy Cluster
For those who have experienced them, cluster headaches are the most painful headache anyone can have. The pain has been described as "boring," "tearing," or "burning." Analogies also are used, such as "a hot poker in the eye", or as if "the eye is being pushed out."ƒU Anyone who has ever had a cluster headache has no doubt what they are. It's no exaggeration to say that the pain and desperation of cluster headaches have actually led to suicides.

New Daily Persistent Headache
In the last few years, New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) has been recognized as a distinct primary headache syndrome. It is characterized by continuous daily head pain, varying in intensity, and sometimes accompanied by Migrainous symptoms. It's important that NDPH be diagnosed carefully and correctly after ruling out other conditions that can present the same symptoms.

Quiz: Match the Symptoms to the Head Pain Type; from About Headaches and Migraine
Quiz: Match the Symptoms to the Head Pain Type. Take this quiz to find out how what you know and learn what you don't.

Butalbital Safety
Fioricet, Fiorinal, Fioricet with Codeine, and Fiorinal with Codeine are medications discussed quite frequently on our forums and in our chat room. These medications are both a source of relief to some and a source of problems to others. An article by Dr. Stephen Silberstein and Dr. Douglas McCrory in the December, 2001, issue of "Headache: the Journal of Head and Face Pain" provides a great deal of information, results of clinical trials, and the answers to many of our questions.

Medications Info Center
Information about prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements used in the treatment of headaches and Migraine disease. Articles, medication profiles, and more.

Triptan Profiles
Triptans: Overview and Profiles. December 28, 1992, marked a new era for Migraine and Cluster sufferers. The FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs would come to call "miracle drugs." That drug was the injectable form of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran), the first of the triptans. There are now seven triptans available, increasing the options for us to find at least one that will abort our Migraines and cluster headaches.

Migraine Info Center
Migraines aren't "just bad headaches." Migraine is a genetic neurological disease that requires special treatment. It is, however a disease that we can control. One key to Migraine management is learning about it. This info will help you locate material to help you in your learning and treatment.

AHS: not sinus, Migraine
If you've tried various over-the-counter sinus medications to relieve your sinus headaches to no avail, there may be a good reason: chances are you don't have a sinus headache at all. Nearly 9 in 10 people with sinus headache symptoms likely are suffering from Migraines.

Migraine, Tension, What?
Over 90% of us will experience headache of some kind at some time in our lives. It is estimated that, in the United States, there are 100 million people who are afflicted with a chronic head pain disorder. There are over 32 million Migraineurs alone. There are different kinds of head pain, requiring differing treatments. Proper diagnosis is essential to our overall health and to obtain the best possible treatment for our head pain, whatever type it is.

OxyContin Saga
OxyContin: The Saga Continues! Who's being hurt, and what's being done? Much has happened since I reported in February. Abuse has become wider spread; the DEA has gotten into the act; and Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, has gone to great lengths to address the problems. Information available now is more accurate, less hype. Early death figures attributed to abuse of OxyContin have now been shown to include deaths in which alcohol and other drugs were as big a factor as OxyContin.

Headache Info Center
Statistically, headaches are usually not dangerous, but frequent or severe headaches should always be checked out by your doctor. There are many types of headaches, and a person can have more than one type. Tension-type headaches are the most common, and are experienced by an estimated 80% of the population. Here's information about the various types of headaches and their treatment.

Office Lighting
If you find that you have more headaches and Migraines while at work, it may be the office lighting. Traditional office lighting generally presents two potential headache and Migraine triggers: glare from overhead incandescent lighting and flicker from fluorescent lighting tubes.

diary
One of the most helpful tools for you and your doctors is a Headache and Migraine Diary. It will be useful to track triggers, the effectiveness of medications, and any patterns to your headaches. There are many ways to do this, but for the purpose of your doctor reviewing it, printed pages are usually preferable to a bound journal. We have a diary ready for you to print our download to use on your own computer.

Report: Botox for Head Pain...
Botulinum toxin type A, sold under the brand name Botox, is an effective preventative therapy for headache and Migraine pain in chronic sufferers, according to the largest study performed to date. The study was presented at the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS).

Acephalgic Migraine
Many people are confused by the terms acephalgic and silent Migraine. That's partly because those terms are descriptive terms rather than diagnostic. Simply put, an acephalgic Migraine is a Migraine without a headache.

Glossary: Parietal
Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

What Is Basilar-Type Migraine?
If you've heard of this form of Migraine before, you've probably heard or seen it called Basilar Artery Migraine (BAM). A Basilar-Type Migraine is a Migraine that has aura symptoms originating from the brainstem and/or affecting both hemispheres of the brain at the same time, but with no motor weakness. It's frightening, and caution is needed in diagnosis and medications, but it's not as dangerous as it is frightening.

Exploding Eye: Cluster HA
They've caused their victims to pace the floor in agony, unable to lie down; literally bang their heads against a wall; even, on rare occasions, to commit suicide to escape the pain. They're cluster headaches -- shorter than Migraine, but often even more painful and debilitating. It's truth, not myth, that some sufferers have committed suicide to escape the pain.

Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania continua is considered a primary headache disorder, meaning that it's not caused by another condition. Fortunately, it is a rare but treatable disorder. According to the International Headache Society's (IHS) International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition, hemicrania continua is a "persistent strictly unilateral headache responsive to indomethacin."

Topamax for Prevention...
Topamax for Prevention: Proper Dosage, from About Headaches and Migraine. Topamax, aka topiramate, is an anti-epilepsy medication that has been showing significant success in the prevention of Cluster Headaches and Migraine attacks. Dr. Stephen Silberstein, who is working on the clinical trials, recently advised about the appropriate dosage and taper.

Migraine and Disability
Aplying for disability beneifts is neither a simple process nor a short one. People with migraines face the additional challenge that migraine is an invisible disability with no difinitive diagnostic tests. Don't give up though. More Migraineurs are being approved, some of them on the first attempt, which is unusual for any disability application.

Medication Overuse Headache
Unfortunately, it seems that any medication we take for headache or Migraine relief has the potential to cause medication overuse headache if used more than two or three days a week. We need to learn as much about it as possible. Let’s take a look at what causes it, how to avoid it, and other important issues.

Pregnancy & Migraine
Nearly 33 million Americans suffer from migraine, and the majority of those are women. It stands to reason that many women in their childbearing years will suffer from migraine disease. What does a pregnant mother-to-be do to treat her disease?

Maxalt Profile
Maxalt (rizatriptan) is a triptan, a Migraine abortive drug. Many people find that their Migraines stop completely after they take rizatriptan. Other people find that their Migraines are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their Migraines are not completely gone. Rizatriptan often relieves symptoms that occur together with Migraine pain, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Migraine and PFO
A major topic of discussion today is that of PFO, 'the hole in the heart' that may contribute to Migraines. Migraineurs are asking their doctors to test them for PFO. Many with PFO want to have it repaired . However, the closure procedure is not being performed on the basis of Migraine disease because it has not yet been proven effective. Trials are underway for more study of PFO and Migraine.

Antiemetics
Profiles on antiemetic drugs used to relieve the nausea, vomiting, and pain of headaches.

Kids' Head Pain
Let's Study Children's Head Pain: Diagnosing Children's Head Pain. Headaches may be symptoms of other physical conditions. For that reason, it is VITAL that they be properly diagnosed promptly and correctly so that they can be treated appropriately. Children's symptoms may be different than adults'. It can be especially difficult to diagnose children because they are often unable to communicate their symptoms and needs as well as adults.

What Is a Migraine?
What is a Migraine? That's partly answered by saying what a Migraine is not. A Migraine is not a headache. Migraine has now been shown to be a genetic neurological disease characterized by flare-ups often called "Migraine attacks."

What IsTransformed Migraine?
Transformed Migraine (TM) is Migraine disease which began manifesting in episodic Migraine attacks, increasing in frequency and changing characteristics, and resulting in almost daily less severe headaches punctuated by severe and debilitating Migraine attacks.

Botox for prevention
When many people hear the words Botulinum Toxin, the first thing they think of is botulism, an often fatal form of food poisoning. Botulism is caused by some strains of Clostridium botulinum, bacteria that is generally found in badly canned foods. In recent years, however, scientists have discovered that a certain strain of Clostridium botulinum can safely be used as a drug to prevent migraine attacks.

brain lesions and Migraine
A study and JAMA article, "Migraine as a Risk Factor for Subclinical Brain Lesions," examine the connection between Migraine disease, brain lesions, cerebral infarction (stroke), and the frequency of Migraine attacks.

Kids' Migraine Guidelines
Treating children and adolescents with Migraine disease presents even more challenges than treating adult Migraineurs. The American Academy of Neurology Quality Standards Subcommittee and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society set out to review evidence on pharmacologic treatment of children and adolescents with Migraine disease, analyze that evidence, and establish treatment guidelines.

Buying Meds Online: Buyer B...
Online pharmacies are springing up all over the Internet. Our email is bombarded with spam from these sites offering to sell brand name drugs without prescriptions. When in pain, the temptation to order from these sites can be strong, but these sites can be very dangerous. There is no way of knowing what you'll get and taking meds without a prescription can be hazardous.

OTCs and Head Pain
Headaches and Migraines can be so intolerable that it's easy to think that only prescription medications will work to relieve the pain, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often very helpful, and may be all you need for many episodes. Especially when taken early, these medications can be quite effective. Information and buying tips about OTC medications.

07/10/06: Clinician Answer #2
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #2 for 07/10/06. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

Quiz: Is Your Doctor Right for You?
Is Your Doctor Right for You? Take this quiz to find out if you're with the right doctor or need to find a new one.

Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline: Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Migraine and stroke risk.
Migraine and Stroke Risk: The Study Results. Researchers correlated the results of 14 studies on Migraine and stroke, concluding that the risk of stroke is doubled in Migraineurs and multiplied by eight when Migraineurs take the pill.

Sinus HA May Be Migraine
"Sinus Headache" May Be Migraine: At the Annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (May 9, 2001), the findings of a study conducted by The Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri were presented.* A startling 97% of the participants, self-described sinus headache sufferers, actually had symptoms consistent with migraine attacks as defined by the criteria of the International Headache Society.

What Is Retinal Migraine?
There are several forms of Migraine attacks. Sometimes, the dignosis we're given doesn't conform to those universally accepted from the The International Classification of Headache Disorders. That can cause confusion. Retinal Migraine is one type that is poorly understood, partly because the term is often misused.

Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

What Is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Simply speaking, Pseudotumor Cerebri is a condition in which the body either produces too much cerebrospinal fluid pressure or doesn't absorb it well, resulting in increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Pseudotumor cerebri literally means "false brain tumor" because it's symptoms mimic those of brain tumors.

Head Pain: NOT To Be Ignored
Migraine and the degree to which it increases risk of stroke is a topic on which expert opinions vary. There is, however, agreement that migraine does increase the risk, and that status migrainousus increases the risk even further. If you're having the "worst Migraine of your life" or your Migraine pain has gone more than 72 hours with less that a solid four hours pain-free while awake, be safe and check it out.

Quiz: Do you know the truth about Migraine?
Do you know the truth about Migraine? Take this quiz to see if you know the truth about Migraine disease or if you still believe the common misconceptions.

Partners for Prescription Asst
A new program, Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), is one of the most impressive  I've seen. PPA is a national coalition, the largest-ever private-sector program to help patients who lack prescription coverage get access to the medicines they need. The partnership includes pharmaceutical companies, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, other health care providers, patient advocates and community leaders.

Migraines not headaches
A very common ongoing topic of discussion among Migraineurs is the dilemma of family, friends, and co-workers not understanding how debilitating Migraine can be. How do we help those closest to us understand that a Migraine isn't anything like the headaches they may have experienced, that we often can't just pop a pill and keep going? By helping them realize that Migraines are not headaches.

Phonophobia
Glossary of terms asssociated with Migraine disease; tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Definition of Phonophobia.

What Is CDH?
Most simply stated, chronic daily headache (CDH) is headache, not Migraine, that occurs 15 or more days a month. Doctors divide chronic daily headache into a number of subcategories. Let's take a look...

Imitrex
Imitrex, Imigran (sumatriptan): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Tylenol Overdose Letter
A 17-year-old girl from Oklahoma turned to Tylenol for Migraine relief, accidentally took too much, and paid for that accident with her life. Since then, her mother has been working diligently to educate people that over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol can be every bit as dangerous as prescription medications. She also wants to encourage people to become organ donors.

Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual Migraines affect 60 percent of women who have Migraine disease. Let's take a look at the two types of Menstrual Migraines, Menstrually-Related Migraine and Pure Menstrual Migraine, and the impact of hormones.

Topamax: Use With Caution
On September 26, 2001, Joseph Hulihan, M.D., Director of CNS Research at Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. issued a warning statement to health care professionals warning of some startling potential side effects of Topamax. A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving Topamax. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or ocular pain.

Depression: Truth or Misconception?
Depression: Truth or Misconception? Take this quiz to see if you know the truth about depression or if you still believe the common misconceptions.

Amerge
Amerge, Naramig (naratriptan): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

DHE-45 Profile
DHE-45 (dihydroergotamine mesylate, USP) injectable is for the acute treatment of Migraine with or without aura. Ergotamine preparations are non-triptan Migraine abortives. Injectable medications bypass the gastrointestinal tract, making it appropriate for patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting as a result of migraine, and who may therefore have difficulty with oral treatments.

05/05/05: Clinician Answer #1
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #1 for 05/02/05. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

9/7/04: Clinician Answer #8
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #8 for 9/7/04. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

"Alice in Wonderland" Syndrome
Imagine: You're hallucinating, and you know it. Time is messed up. First it seems slowed, then it seems to be speeding up. Even more noticeably, when you look at your body, it seems to be morphing. You're getting smaller. Minutes later, you're growing larger and larger. That's a description of "Alice in Wonderland" syndrome.

Neurontin: Good Medicine or...
There's been some controversy lately about Neurontin (gabapentin), a medication that is being prescribed off-label for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. It's imporant to recognize what the controversy actually entials and be able to separate it from the clinical information about Neurontin.

Butalbital Rebound
Medications containing butalbital with either acetaminophen or aspirin, usually with caffeine, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for headaches and Migraine attacks. Unfortunately, overuse of these meds often leads to rebound headaches. Specialists suggest that oral Phenobarbital loading can be used to safely withdraw these medications.

Orbit
Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

Headache Medications Profiles O-P Page
Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

Depakote, Depakote ER Profile
Depakote is a neuronal stabilizing agent (aka anticonvulsant) originally developed for the treatment of seizure disorders. Depakote ER is a time-release formula. Both Depakote and Depakote ER have now been approved by the FDA for Migraine prevention. It is also sometimes used as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder.

Acetaminophen and Oxycodone
Acetaminophen and Oxycodone: Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Propranolol Profile
Propranolol (Inderal, etc.): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information. Inderal is a beta blocker, originally developed for heart disease and hypertension. It is now also approved by the FDA for Migraine prevention.

Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder caused by irritation or injury to the occipital nerve located in the back of the scalp. Individuals with the disorder experience pain originating at the nape of the neck. The pain, often described as throbbing and migraine-like, spreads up and around the forehead and scalp.

Headache and Migraine Glossary: Photophobia from About Headaches and Migraine
Headache and Migraine Glossary: Photophobia from About Headaches and Migraine

Tension-Type Headache
Although they aren't the type of headache most treated by doctors, tension-type headaches (TTH) are the type most experienced. It's estimated that more than three-quarters of all headaches are tension-type headaches. There are a variety of treatments, both abortive and preventive. Here, we discuss the diagnosis, classification and treatment of tension-type headaches, also simply called tension headaches.

10 Gifts Priced Under \$25
Selecting gifts can be quite a chore to say the least. Here are 10 gifts that would be good choices for someone with headaches or Migraine disease or someone without. Some would make great stocking stuffers too. All are priced under $25, and you can buy them online and have them delivered!

JC Krusz
John Claude Krusz, Ph.D., M.D.: Dr. Krusz’s primary areas of interest include evaluation and novel treatments of headaches, Migraine, pain syndromes and neurobehavioral disorders. He is kindly assisting us at About Headaches and Migraine by working with our Guide, Teri Robert, to answer readers' questions about headaches and Migraine.

Smoking Is a Trigger
Smoking . . . not smoking . . . the rights of non-smokers . . . the rights of smokers. Smoking has become a huge health and social issue. When it comes to first- or second-hand smoke and headaches and Migraine, there is no doubt that smoking is detrimental indeed.

05/16/05: Clinician Answer #10
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #10 for 05/16/05. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

Medical Records & HIPAA
Our medical records are the method by which our current doctors follow our health and our health care. They're also important to provide background if you need to see a specialist and to bring new doctors up-to-speed. Our medical records are the records of the people with whom we literally entrust our lives. Let's explore some of the issues regarding medical records.

Namenda for Prevention
Another medication can now be added to the growing list of medications shown to be effective for prevention of headaches and Migraine. Namenda (memantine), approved for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the alzheimer's type has been shown effective in a small, open-label trial.

Thyroid Connection
Comorbid conditions can have significant impact on effective treatment of the individual disorders. Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, are among the conditions now known to often be comorbid with headaches and migraines.

Review: Fluid Intake Tracker
Whether we approach proper hydration from the point of view of avoiding dehydration as a headache or Migraine trigger or from the point of view of general health, it's vital. The Surgeon General of the U.S. recommends that we drink 64 ounce of water daily. Especially if I'm busy, I don't always know how much water I've had. The F.I.T Clip helps track and be more aware of our intake.

Smoking and Headaches: Another Reason to Quit, Smoking can trigger or worsen headaches.
We all know smoking isn't good for us. There are more reasons to quit when we realize it triggers more headaches, makes them harder to manage, and makes our headache treatments less effective.

Headache and Migraine Glossary: Intractable Migraine About Headaches and Migraine
Headache and Migraine Glossary: Intractable Migraine

HA Prevention Cookbook
Food triggers can play a huge role in headaches and Migraines, but they can be very difficult to identify. The Headache Prevention Cookbook does an excellent job of explaining these trigggers and has a sound plan for identification. Review: The Headache Prevention Cookbook by Dr. David Ryan Marks, a headache and Migraine prevention program consisting of identifying food triggers and avoiding them with excellent recipes by Dr. Laura Marks or creating your own.

Frivolous Law Suits?
Are Frivolous Lawsuits Driving Up Healthcare Costs? A new A new nonprofit organization, "Lawsuit Abuse Makes Us Sick," says they are and invites all to their Million Email March on Washington, D.C. A senior counselor for the group, Dr. Elizabeth Connell wants Americans to know how frivolous lawsuits threaten our healthcare system by driving up costs, jeopardizing medical innovation, limiting access to healthcare and making doctors afraid to practice medicine.

Celexa
Celexa® is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family. SSRI's are used to treat depression and, in some cases, anxiety. They are also being prescribed by some doctors as Migraine and headache preventives.

Celexa Profile
Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Headaches and Migraines Quiz: Should you see your doctor if...? from About Headaches and Migraine
Do you know when you should see your doctor for your headaches or Migraines? Take this quiz to see if you know when to see your doctor.

Ask the Clinician 12/28/04
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Questions for 12/28/04. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

12/28/04: Clinician Answer #2
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #2 for 12/28/04. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

Bipolar and Migraine
With any disease or disorder, it's not uncommon for them to be associated with other comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions are conditions that occur together, but neither causes the other. studies have now shown Migraine disease seems to be comorbid to bipolar disorder.

Headache and Migraine Medications Profiles N Page
Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

Headache Medications
Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

naproxen
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn): Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Aura
Definition of Aura. Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

Breastfeeding with Head Pai...
New mothers who experience migraine, tension headache, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders are often reluctant to take a medication to prevent or abort their head pain because they are afraid the medication may pass from their breastmilk to the baby. What medications are safe when breastfeeding?

Actiq
Actiq is a "lozenge" made of Fentanyl and attached to a stick much like a candy lollypop. It is vital that this medication be kept away from children who might mistake it for candy. It can be fatal to children. Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain. It does not have the properties to abort a Migraine attack. Fentanyl acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS.

Chronic Daily Headache Quiz
Chronic daily headache (CDH) can be a huge problem for some people, but once you understand it, you'll find that there's a great deal that can be done to resolve it. What have you learned about CDH? Take our quiz, "Do you understand chronic daily headache?" The quiz is 10 true or false questions and is scored as you go.

Headache and Migraine Medications Profiles I-K Page
Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

Aromatherapy As a Complementary Therapy for Headaches and Migraine
Aromatherapy As a Complementary Therapy for Headaches and Migraine

Why and How To Buy Sunglasses
Whether it's the height of summer or the depths of winter, good sunglasses are a necessity. Not only are they vital to help us avoid headaches and Migraines, but they're vital to good eye health. Be sure to shop wisely for sunglasses, then remember to wear them!

CDH and Snoring
Chronic Daily Headache and Snoring: A recent study showed Chronic Daily Headache subjects were more likely to be habitual(daily)snorers. It's a vicious cycle. Headache can be caused by sleep disorders and sleep disorders can cause headache.

Transformed Migraine & Sleep
Although sleep issues have been linked with headaches and Migraine for more than 100 years, information about the types and prevalence of specific sleep problems in adults with transformed Migraine (TM) has been scarce. Now the findings have been published on a study to look at the connection between nonrestorative sleep and TM. The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, led by Dr. Anne Calhoun.

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) Safe ...
GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran) set up a registry in 1996 to gather data regarding prenatal exposure to sumatriptan. After seven years of gathering data, a report was recently presented at the 11th Congress of the International Headache Society (IHS). Although not yet conclusive, the results are encouraging.

Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers: Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Headache Medicines, Narcotic Analgesics and Acetaminophen (Systemic)
Basic info, side effects, brand names precautions for Narcotic Analgesics and Acetaminophen (Systemic

Memantine (Namenda) Profile
Namenda is an NMDA receptor agonist used as a treatment if moderate to severe dementia of the type caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is a symptomatic treatment; it cannot cure the disease or stop its progression. It is also now being prescribed off-label for a number of other purposes, including the prevention of headache and Migraine.

Midrin or Imitrex?
Midrin or Imitrex? A recent study compared Midrin and Imitrex taken at first sign of attack and concluded that Midrin may have a slight advantage in early treatment of mild-to-moderate migraine.

Excedrin Migraine
FDA information on Excedrin Migraine approval

Headache and Migraine Drug Profiles: Eletriptan (Relpax)
Eletriptan (Relpax): Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

Topamax Profile
Topiramate is a neuronal stabilizing agent (aka anticonvulsant medication) that has proven effective as a Migraine preventive for some patients. It is one of only a few medications to actually have been approved by the FDA for Migraine prevention.

Chiari Malformation
Arnold-Chiari Malformation is a condition in which the cerebellum portion of the brain protrudes into the spinal canal. It may or may not be apparent at birth.

Headache and Migraine Drug Profiles: Celebrex, celecoxib
Celebrex, celecoxib: Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

White Matter Lesions
White Matter Lesions: Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

OxyContin: Savior or Killer
For many people in severe pain, OxyContin has been their "miracle drug." From cancer patients to many of the headache sufferers who frequent this site, OxyContin is the only drug that controls their pain. Unfortunately, as has happened with too many other sorely needed medications, it is now being abused as a "street drug."

CoQ10 for Prevention
Migraineurs are always looking for methods to help prevent Migraine attacks. We would like to avoid medications as much as possible, and we're always concerned about the possible side effects. In a trial of coenzyme Q10, 61.3% of the patients treated had a greater than 50% reduction in number of days with Migraine. Less than 1% reported any side effects.

What Is Status Migrainous?
Status Migrainous (Migrainousus) is a debilitating Migraine attack lasting for more than 72 hours. If moderate to severe Migraine pain lasts more than 72 hours, with less than a solid four-hour pain-free period, while awake, it should be considered an emergency requiring an office call or a trip to the emergency room.

SSDI or SSI?
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. There is often confusion about which of these programs is most appropriate for an individual. Let's take a look at the basics about both programs.

Guide To New Doc
Visiting a new doctor is never easy. We all know that, and we all dread the experience. I am often asked what should be taken to the first visit with a new doc and what questions we should ask at that first visit. This Guide is meant to help make those first visits easier.

Chronic Daily Headache - Quiz Do you understand chronic daily headache from About Headaches and Migraine
Do you understand chronic daily headache? Take this quiz to find out and learn as you go.

Amerge for MAM
Amerge To Prevent Menstrual Migraine: If your cycle is predictable, this may be an answer! An article in the March, 2001 issue of Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain is an encouraging report of the study, "Naratriptan (Amerge) as Short-Term Prophylaxis of Menstrually Associated Migraine: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study."

What You Need to Know When You Get Social Security Benefits Brochure
What You Need to Know When You Get Social Security Benefits Brochure

Headache and Migraine Drug Profiles: Amitriptyline, aka Elavil About Headaches and Migraine
Amitriptyline, aka Elavil: Facts about today's drugs used to treat migraine and other headaches

Proper HA and Migraine Care
People with Migraine Disease, Cluster Headaches, and other headache disorders often encounter problems getting proper and respectful treatment. Even the best intentioned family doctors and general neurologists simply don't get the experience or advanced training needed to treat difficul headache and Migraine cases. The office staff of such doctors is poorly prepared as well. Headache and Migraine specialists and clinics can be the answer. If your doctor isn't helping, get a new doctor.

An Option to Explore for Pr...
From About Headaches and Migraine: Women experiencing Menstrually Associated Migraine often explore hormonal options for prevention. Taking oral contraceptives continuously to avoid periods has been one option. One concern has been safety since they weren't developed for continuous use. Now, the FDA has approved Barr Laboratories' Seasonale®, the first extended-cycle oral contraceptive.

Caution: Herbals + Migraine...
Findings presented at the American Headache Society annual meeting indicate that some herbal supplements can make Migraine medications ineffective or perhaps toxic.

Ask the Clinician 1/12/04
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answers for 1/12/04. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

FMLA Basics
Chronic headaches and Migraines, as well as other health conditions, can cause us to miss work, thus creating problems with our employment and employers. As this is a topic of great concern to so many of us, let's take a look at the United States Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA).

What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are attacks of severe pain lasting 15-180 minutes and occurring from once every other day up to eight times in one day. They are accompanied by a variety of other symptoms and can be very difficult to treat.

Conjunctival Injection
Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

Warning: Potential Side effects of Topamax
Warning: Potential Side effects of Topamax

Temporal
Glossary of terms and abbreviations asssociated with Migraine disease, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and other head pain disorders. Also includes abbreviations used in writing prescriptions.

Keeping the Fun In Summer
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Summer. Time for more time enjoying the outdoors, vacations, and all the joys of warmer weather. For some people, the summer can also mean a different set of headache and Migraine triggers. The good part is that many of them can be avoided or controlled to some extent. Let's review summer triggers and what we can do about them.

9/21/04: Clinician Answer #7
Ask the Clinician with Dr. John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert for About Headaches and Migraine: Question and Answer #7 for 9/21/04. Answers to reader questions about headaches and Migraine disease.

Instructions for Creating a Forum Signature
[Instructions for Creating a Forum Signature

Outpatient IV Therapy
Intractable and refractory Migraines need aggressive treatment. With the exception of headache and Migraine specialists, doctors simply have too many conditions to treat to be expected to have the expertise to treat such cases. Dr. John Claude Krusz and his colleagues have been using aggressive outpatient IV treatment for refractory Migraines in Dr. Krusz's Dallas clinic.

New Frova
A new member has been born into the triptan family for the treatment of Migraine disease and Cluster Headaches — Frova® (frovatriptan) from the Élan Corporation. The April, 2002, issue of the journal Headache is dedicated almost entirely to articles on Frova®. This "second generation" triptan is meant to deliver the desirable effects of previous triptans without the negatives.

Acet & Hydrocodone
Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone: Profile of medications used today to treat Migraine disease and headaches. Potential medication interactions, potential side effects, precautions, brand names, other information.

Quiz - When to see doctor
It can be hard to decide if we need to see our doctor or go to the emergency room or urgent care center for a headache or Migraine. We don't want to "cry wolf," but we don't want to find ourselves in the situations Sharon Stone or Laura Branigan did either. Do you know when you should see a doctor? Take our quiz and find out.