Posts Tagged ‘migraine treatment’
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
If you suffer migraine symptoms, then you’re likely to experience an epileptic seizure someday. Studies linking migraines with epilepsy symptoms explain Topamax, an anti-seizure drug, is also effective for treating migraine headaches.
Migraine attacks and epileptic attacks are connected
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology released a report stating that epilepsy and migraine share a comorbid relationship. That means that the two illnesses share common factors, including medical treatment and patient medical history. Epilepsy doesn’t cause migraine headaches, but if you are a migraine sufferer, then your chances of experiencing an epileptic attack are higher than non-migraineurs. Often, migraine attacks such as migraine aura are mistaken for epileptic seizures. Such was the case when Serene Branson, CBS reporter, suffered an on-air complex migraine attack that greatly simulated an epileptic attack.
In the New England Journal of Medicine, a study on migraines and cerebral blood flow states that migraine patients may eventually experience epileptic attacks, and that symptoms of epilepsy are often worsened by the presence of migraine illness.
Approximately 14% of people diagnosed with epilepsy also suffer migraine attacks, according to a PubMed report on migraine-related seizures. Among migraine sufferers, 6% are also epileptic.
“A better understanding of the pathophysiologic features of spreading hypoperfusion would be of obvious clinical importance, since migraine can sometimes lead to ischemic stroke and since stroke can sometimes be aggravated by or associated with the development of migraine.”
The epilepsy-migraine genetic link
According to a study conducted by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a mutant form of “chromosome 19” appears in migraine sufferers who experience ataxia (sudden episodes of muscular incoordination). This chromosome correlates with mouse chromosome 8, which appeared in “tottering” laboratory mice that experienced similar epileptic-like seizures.
Anti-epileptic drugs as migraine treatment
Since chronic migraines share a strong link with epilepsy, it is not surprising that headache specialists and neurologists often prescribe anti-epileptic drugs for their migraine patients. One anti-seizure drug, Topamax (topiramate) is a popular migraine remedy for headache sufferers not diagnosed with epilepsy. Topamax works by essentially freezing brain cell stimulation, providing relief for migraine patients and epileptics alike. The side effects of continued usage of Topamax can be disturbing, symptoms such as short-term memory loss, “brain fog,” and difficulty concentrating or organizing thoughts. (See Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines.)
Related:
What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity
Sources:
Migraine Prevention Medication, Medicine: TOPAMAX (topiramate)
Epilepsy and migraine. [Epilepsy Behav. 2003] – PubMed – NCBI
Migraine-related seizures in an epileptic population- PubMed- NCBI
Oak Ridge National Laboratory – ORNL finds common genetic cause for epilepsy, migraine
Ataxia- Mayo Clinic
Bilateral Spreading Cerebral Hypoperfusion during Spontaneous Migraine Headache- NEJM
Medical Conditions Associated with Migraines- Epilepsy – Stroke – Anxiety – Depression – RealAge
Photo credits:
Your Brain on Rainbows
Molecule Display
Tags: Ataxia, complex migraine, Epilepsy symptoms, Epileptic seizure, Genetics, headache remedies, migraine aura, migraine headaches, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Migraines, Natural Headache Remedies, Neurological disorders, neurologist, Topamax, topiramate, Transient ischemic attack
Posted in Migraine News | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
Change your Life, One Step at a Time
Manage your migraines by changing your lifestyle. Here are 20 tips on eating healthy, preventing stress headaches, and finding the right migraine treatment.
- Mind your blood sugar. Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is a common cause of migraines. Avoid eating sugary foods, as that will cause your blood sugar to rise temporarily, before dipping back to abnormally low levels again. Opt instead for foods that have natural sugar and dietary fiber.
- Keep things fresh. Cook your meals using fresh fruits and vegetables over canned or freeze-dried. Frozen veggies, however, are okay- they have the same healthy nutrients as the broccoli and carrots on the fresh produce aisle.
- Avoid phony baloneys. Cut artificial sweeteners and food colorings out of your diet, or at least reduce your consumption of artificially flavored treats, such as diet soda, candy, and Cheetos. Often, foods containing synthetic ingredients cause allergic reactions or headaches.
- Don’t go trigger-happy. Avoid the temptation to indulge in foods that you know for a fact trigger migraine headaches; think about the aftereffects, instead. Invest in a good migraine cookbook.
- Take notes. Unsure about potential headache triggers? Invest in a migraine journal- studies show that keeping track of your eating habits, feelings, and environment in a headache diary is instrumental in diagnosing migraine triggers.
- Take your meds. Stay on top of your migraine medications, and renew your prescriptions on time- all the better to avoid an unnecessary trip to ER.
- Think fast. Feel a headache coming on, but you’re not sure? Don’t wait for a full-blown migraine attack to ruin your day. If you get a migraine aura, respond accordingly.
- Think ahead. Whether you’re going on a 3-day vacation or just a long drive to the city, be prepared for the possibility of a migraine; carry a migraineur’s first-aid kit, map out nearest pharmacies and ERs, and make your backup plan before going out the door.
- Eat frequently. Let’s face it- migraines are not flexible. Any fluctuations in your eating habits will likely result in crippling head pain. Eat small healthy meals throughout the day, and don’t let more than three hours lapse between snacks.
- Sleep tight. Changes in your sleeping habits are also common migraine attack triggers. Migraine sufferers who take naps in the middle of the day or sleep in on their day off usually wake up with a head pounding “weekend headache.” Adhere to a strict sleep schedule by waking up at the same time each morning, and going to sleep at the same time at night. Don’t take a catnap, and don’t change your sleeping hours when on vacation.
- Lose a couple. Try to keep your weight down to a healthy level through diet and exercise. Studies show a correlation between obesity and migraine.
- Keep fit. Exercise improves the mood, regulates your cardiovascular system, keeps blood flowing smoothly, prevents chronic illness, and fights depression. Some excellent activities for migraine sufferers and other patients of chronic pain are yoga, tai chi, spinning, and light aerobics.
- Gain a new perspective. Keeping your hopes up, thinking positive, and not taking life too seriously are all traits that are common among people who eventually overcome their chronic illness symptoms.
- Take a break. Schedule some time just for yourself, and use it doing something you love that puts you in a good mood. Take a ceramics painting class, treat yourself to a relaxing massage or aromatherapy session, or just lose yourself in a used books store. It’s a great way to alleviate stress, rejuvenate, and collect your thoughts.
- Say ohm. Learn how to calm your mind through meditative exercises, such as Hatha yoga and progressive relaxation. Meditation takes practice at first, but eventually you will learn how to slow your breathing, transport yourself mentally, and find your inner peace.
- Try going dairy-free, just once. Sometimes, people suffer from allergic reactions to lactose for years without even knowing it. Lactose intolerant individuals often suffer migraine-like head pain that disappears once they cut dairy products from their diet. Try it for a week, and see what happens.
- Manage stress. Stress is the leading trigger of migraine headaches, in addition to innumerable other chronic illnesses. Avoid stressful situations whenever you can, practice healthy stress-relieving tactics, and learn how to cope with the stress in your life that just won’t go away.
- Stay connected. Millions of Americans suffer from migraine illness, so there’s no reason to suffer alone. Find out about any neighborhood migraine clinics or meetings. Check the internet for migraine forums, migraineur blogs, and “migraine awareness” advocacy sites like the American Headache Society.
- Educate yourself. Scientists make breakthroughs in migraine cures and headache remedies every year. Stay informed about your current migraine treatments, including side effects and dosage information.
- Open your mind to alternative treatments. Not all conventional migraine medications work the way you want them to. Many like Topamax cause side effects such as brain fog and memory loss. Some popular natural remedies for migraines include biofeedback, acupuncture, reflexology, and herbal supplements such as butterbur extracts.
Foods that Relieve Stress and Improve your Mood- The Fab 4
Top 6 Online Tests- Personality Quizzes from Trusted Sites
Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
Sources:
Simple Lifestyle Changes May Ease Chronic Headache
Migraine headaches – Non-Drug Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
Migraine: Lifestyle and home remedies – MayoClinic.com
Top 10 Lifestyle Modifications to combat migraine
Migraine and Obesity: What You Should Know!
Tags: Alternative Treatments, headache diary, headache remedies, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, Herbal Headache Remedies, how to cure a headache, Manage your migraines, migraine aura, migraine awareness, migraine cookbook, migraine forums, migraine journal, migraine treatment, migraineur blogs, Natural Medicine, prevent migraines, preventing stress headaches, stress headaches, What Causes a Migraine Headache, what is a migraine headache
Posted in Migraine Prevention | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
Telltale Signs of TMD Jaw Pain Symptoms
Free Digital Photos
If you suffer from chronic headaches, you might only need TMJ treatment. TMD headaches, often confused with migraines, require neuromuscular dentistry.
What is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)?
Any time your temporomandibular joints become unhinged or injured in any way, the result is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Any imbalance in your jawbone can cause physical distortions, muscle pain, hearing disorders, and fatigue.
Where are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) located?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your skull (temporal) to your jawbone (mandible), hence the term. If you press your fingers to your temples, and slowly open and close your mouth, you will feel the hinges of your TMJ’s moving accordingly. In addition to allowing you to open up and say, “Ahh,” your temporomandibular joints also enable you to move your jawbones from side to side. Your TMJ’s are some of the most complex, sophisticated joints you have in your body, and they are extremely sensitive to even the slightest impairment.
Free Digital Photos
Telltale symptoms of TMJ/TMD:
- Facial pain, in your cheeks, jaws, or ears
- Chronic TMD headaches not associated with migraines
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears, buzzing sounds that don’t go away)
- Ear pressure
- Clicking, cracking, or similar noises while chewing
- Teeth grinding/clenching, either at nighttime, during the day, or both
- Front teeth that are unnaturally smooth and straight at the edges, with no curves
- Locked jaw
- Overbite (upper teeth completely cover lower teeth when jaws are closed)
- Toothaches while chewing, despite the absence of cavities
What is the best TMJ treatment?
Free Digital Photos
A competent neuromuscular dentist can provide the best treatment for TMD’s. There are three phases to curing headaches, tinnitus, and other symptoms caused by TMJ. They are:
- Pain treatment- ultra-low frequency electrical stimulators gently massage sore muscle tissue in the affected areas. Alternatively, acupuncture or acupressure may be effective, as both utilize the technique of releasing pain-killing endorphins.
- Orthopedic realignment- your neuromuscular dentist will design a custom-fit mouthpiece that you will need to wear as instructed. The orthopedic device should fit comfortably, and with time, it will balance your bite, reversing muscular tension and spasms that result from long-term misalignment.
- Ongoing TMD therapy- in order to prevent a recurrence of TMD symptoms, your dentist will determine if your require surgery, orthodontia, or jaw reconstruction.
Free Digital Photos
Related reading:
9 Healthiest Foods for Natural Pain Relief, plus Recipes
10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden
Joint Hypermobility Syndrome Can Cause Migraines, Say Experts
Sources:
TMD Headache- TMJ Headache- Headache Treatment with Neuromuscular Dentistry
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): Symptoms, Treatment and More
Tags: migraine headaches, migraine treatment, Neuromuscular Dentistry, Temporomandibular Disorders, Temporomandibular Joints, TMD Headache, TMJ Headache, TMJ Symptoms, TMJ Treatment, What is TMJ
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Headache-Free Office Management Tips
Reduce migraine triggers at work from within
Is job pressure making your life difficult? If you suffer from chronic migraines, then you already have a lion’s share of stress. Many migraine patients have difficulty performing at work, and the results are sobering, as unemployment rates are particularly high among migraineurs. However, with just a few politely executed communications, you can turn your work environment into a more migraine-friendly office setting.
Don’t brush your migraines under the rug. Migraine illness is a real disease, just as Parkinson’s disease and asthma are valid illnesses. You wouldn’t neglect to tell others about your dietary needs if you had diabetes, so why should you treat your migraineur’s needs any differently? Instead of pretending to ignore the elephant in the office room, be open about your weaknesses- and strengths. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are suffering from chronic pain, but leave no doubt that you are committed to maintaining your job performance level. Publicly acknowledge any efforts your employers or coworkers make to accommodate your needs.
Stay in touch with your physician. If you’re not satisfied with the results that you’ve been getting from your current migraine treatment, then ask your neurologist about any new alternatives therapies. The headache relief you’ve been waiting for could be just around the bend; all you need to do is ask.
Take steps towards improving your work environment. If certain aspects about your job are giving you miserable migraines, think about some possible approaches that could change things for the better. If it’s a lack of fresh air, ask if you could get a seat by an open window. Discreetly mention to any heavily perfumed office workers about your heightened sensitivity to strong scents. If the bright track lighting is triggering your headaches, consider wearing sunglasses to work, and casually mention to your coworkers how much relief you get from donning a pair of colored lenses. They’ll take your openness as a sign that you are comfortable talking about your migraines, and that you are doing what you can to improve your situation.
Give your office mates the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of your efforts to explain that migraines are a neurological disease, you will nevertheless receive well-meaning advice that applies to milder, common tension headache pain. Even if you’re writhing in pain, try to slap on a small grin and politely excuse yourself. Don’t say something that you will regret later; it’ll only add to your stress level and make it even harder for you to relax around your coworkers.
Related Reading:
Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky
Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist
Sources:
Dealing with Migraines in the Workplace
Tips for Handling Migraine In the Workplace
Migraines in the Workplace
Tags: chronic migraines, chronic pain, migraine treatment, migraines at work, Unemployment rates migraines
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
Frugal Tips to Relieve Head Pain
Migraine treatments like Topamax don’t have to break your bank; follow these 8 economical guidelines.
It’s hard enough to make ends meet these days, even if you don’t have an expensive pharmacy bill. Migraine treatments such as Imitrex, Topamax, and Maxalt can be costly, unless you take advantage of some of the cost-cutting opportunities that are accessible in your area.
Here are 8 tactics for saving money on migraine treatments:
 1- Buy generic. “Plain wrap” brands of medicine usually have the same potency as the more expensive versions, and generic medications are increasing in availability. Call your neurologist, and find out if he can order your current migraine treatment under a generic label.- 2- Buy over-the-counter (OTC). Over-the-counter medicines are always less expensive than the types that require a doctor’s prescription. The only catch is- some are less effective than others are. While a 100-capsule bottle of OTC migraine pain reliever might be cheaper than the same amount of prescribed pain reliever, you might need to twice as much just to get the same results. Should I Take Excedrin for Migraine Headaches?
- 3- Consider alternative medicine. Scientists conclude that a high correlation exists between migraine illness and magnesium deficiency. Nutritional magnesium supplements for alternative migraine treatment are available online, and are a more frugal and healthier alternative to traditional migraine abortive medications and pain relievers. Additionally, many migraine sufferers have successfully used non-drug approaches to relive migraine pain, such as biofeedback, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
 4- Stand by your family doctor. Don’t assume you need to visit a costly neurologist. If your family practitioner says he can help, then let him. You’ll save money in the end.- 5- Read the insurance manual. Become familiar with your insurance plan; namely, which meds are covered, and what, if any, copayments are required. You might find a better plan that meets your migraineur’s needs.
- 6- Grill your pharmacist. Ask if your prescription is part of any current migraine medication savings, such as rebates, coupons, vouchers, or free medical trials. Walmart pharmacy offers a $4.00 Prescription Program; Target, Costco, and Kmart also offer excellent savings of pharmaceutical products, but not all treatments are covered; you’ll need to inquire from their customer service desk.
- 7- Don’t be shy. Before your doctor gives you a prescription for a costly migraine treatment, be upfront about your migraine budget. Ask if there are any comparable medications available at a lower cost.
- 8- Break some habits…and make new ones. If you haven’t omitted headache triggers from your diet, then there’s no better time than the present. Pick up a headache diary from your local hospital, or check out iTunes for a selection of migraine journals for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad. If you aren’t on a light exercise program, then start one immediately. Even twenty minutes of light exercise, each day, alleviates stress, the number one trigger of all headaches.
Related reading:
Still on the Fence about Botox for Headache Relief? Read what Scientists and Skeptics have to Say
New Study Warns against Taking these Painkillers with Antidepressants
20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers
Sources:
How to Save Money on Migraine Medications – Headache and Migraine Center – Everyday Health
Pink Pearl Girl’s Migraine World: Migraine Medication Savings
Alternative Measures for Migraine Treatment
Tags: Acupuncture, biofeedback, budget migraines, chiropractic, cut cost migraine medications, imitrex, magnesium, maxal, migraine help, migraine treatment, Migraines, non-drug approaches to relieve headache or migraine pain, save money migraine medications, Topamax
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, July 1st, 2011
A Storm Threatens…
Anita Allen is no stranger to chronic migraines. Since the mid 90’s, she’s suffered from debilitating head pain, the kind that fellow migraineurs are all too familiar with: searing pain on one side of the head, gut-wrenching nausea, fatigue, and sometimes, blackouts. A migraine attack could last anywhere from one day to one week. Migraine medications had no effect on her; her only salvation was in over-the-counter painkillers. Lying in her bedroom in the dark, with the shades pulled low, she would wait for the storm to pass.
Then, the real storm came- Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged homes all over the Gulf Coast. It’s a well-known phenomenon that migraine sufferers can sense an approaching storm days before it hits, and Anita felt this one coming a mile away. Katrina devastated everything in her path, from the Gulf of Florida, through Mississippi, and on to Louisiana, where she unleashed her full wrath, ripping ancient oaks out of the ground and whipping homes into rubble. Heavy rainfall flooded people out of their homes, businesses, churches, and schools, but while the outside world battled against nature, Anita fought her own battle within the confinements of her home.
The migraines came, beginning with the aura, a precursor to migraine attacks experienced by 30% of all chronic migraine sufferers. Anita suffered pounding waves of intense pain. Time stood still. The slightest ray of sunlight would send her into shocks of agony. Like most migraine sufferers, Anita is hypersensitive to lights, sounds, and smells. Stomach cramps gripped her insides, leaving her feeling queasy and weak.
Finally, the pain abated, but the symptoms did not. Anita continued to feel nausea, in addition to severe feebleness. Sudden movements would cause her to lose consciousness; a dark curtain would blind her eyes, though her lids remained open. She went into a sort of trance, in which she was unable to speak intelligibly. She was aware of her surroundings, but unable to do anything more than watch.
Several weeks later, Anita came back to herself. She went immediately to her general practitioner, and explained her bizarre, unsettling experience. Her doctor promptly ordered an MRI, and referred her to a neurologist. The results shocked her to the core. What she thought was a severe migraine attack was actually much more than that- she had suffered a “mini-seizure,” otherwise known as a petit mal, or absence seizure. This particular form of epilepsy has the potential to cause severe brain damage…or death.
For the next three years, Anita would continue to follow her doctor’s advice to the letter, anything to avoid the morbid consequences. Although she is a firm believer in naturopathic healing, Anita obediently took the various migraine medications prescribed to her by her doctor. The migraines never went away, but at least she had her sanity, and her life.
Little did she know what fate had in store for her, in the form of a modern-thinking headache doctor by the name of Dr. Tingler.
To be continued.
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Tags: chronic migraines, head pain, migraine headaches, migraine medication, migraine sufferers, migraine treatment, migraines with aura
Posted in Women and Migraines | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Will Cindy McCain be successful in raising awareness and funds for chronic migraine headache research? We hope so. Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain, is one of millions of women who suffer from migraine headaches. Chronic migraine symptoms include severe head pain, nausea, stomach cramping, visual disturbances, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and scents.
“Torture.”
A bottle of spilled perfume served as the Kryptonite to her chronic migraines a year back while Cindy was traveling overseas; the overpowering smell nearly knocked her unconscious. Her migraine radar went into maximum overdrive, causing a migraine attack unlike any she had ever experienced. Head throbbing madly, nausea threatening to consume her entire body, Cindy disembarked and returned home.
Cindy speaks up
Since then, Cindy has pledged to do everything in her power to educate American citizens about migraines as a neurological disorder, and to raise funds for migraine treatment. Currently, Congress favors $13 million towards migraine research, a pitiful sum compared to the $20 billion deficit per year accrued through migraine-related lost wages, disability, and medical bills. Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
Cindy feels your pain- really.
Migraine symptoms may discriminate by sex (women get more migraines than men by 3 to 1), but when it comes to wealth and status, they’re an equal-opportunity destroyer. Unlike popular belief, migraines are not a poor woman’s disease. Related: 6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Mrs. McCain describes the following symptoms when speaking to the public about her migraines:
- Excruciating head pain comparable to Traumatic Brain Injuries, the medical term for head trauma received by soldiers in heavy combat.
- Ultra-sensitivity to light. Even a moderate light setting can trigger fierce migraine attacks. “Sunglasses are a migraine sufferer’s best friend,” she says.
- Stress-related weight loss. At 5’7”, Cindy once weighed less than 100 pounds.
- Because of migraine stigma, Cindy avoided migraine diagnosis until the age of 40, fearing others would think she was “neurotic.”
- Sleep deprivation led to debilitating migraines that sent her to the emergency room on more than one occasion.
- Migraine symptoms varied for Cindy. She often experienced migraine auras, tinnitus (ear ringing), nausea, and blindness in her left eye, depending on the migraine headache trigger.
- After suffering a stroke in 2004, Cindy stopped taking preventative migraine medications. She now relies on triptans, a form of abortive migraine treatment.
A cure for migraines or die trying
After addressing a crowd in Philadelphia, Cindy hopes to continue her campaign to Capitol Hill. Her mission: to convince Congress to raise funds allocated towards migraine research. Cindy hopes to appeal to them by bringing to their attention the astounding numbers of migraine sufferers, many of whom suffer in silence.
“I’m missing a large part of my life,” she said. “I want to stay active. I want a cure.”
Sources:
Cindy McCain Breaks Her Silence on Migraine ‘Disability’
Migraines: Silent Wounds of War
Cindy McCain’s Secret Struggle with Migraines
Tags: campaign, capitol hill, chronic migraine symptoms, cindy mccain, congress, disability, doctors, fitness, headache, Headaches, health, health research, health studies, healthy lifestyle, Healthy Living, lifestyle, medical research, medical studies, medicine, Migraine, migraine headache trigger, migraine headaches, migraine stigma, migraine treatment, migraine treatments, research, studies, Traumatic Brain Injuries, triggers, well being
Posted in Migraine News | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2011
Celebrities with Chronic Headache Pain: The symptoms of migraine headaches are debilitating; stabbing head pain, nausea, stomach cramping and migraine auras can leave you feeling weak, tired, and depressed long after the migraine attack has abated. While a migraine attack can last for days, the psychological aftermath can be everlasting; many migraineurs struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, uncertainty and despair because of their illness.
Top 10 Headache Symptoms that Point to Migraines
However, many successful, vibrant personalities have suffered from chronic migraines. Some of the most influential people throughout history have been migraine sufferers, including such movers and shakers as Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and Van Gough, whose “auras” are visible in some of his most famous works. Today, celebrity migraineurs such as Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross and Friends’ Lisa Kudrow contribute to migraine awareness, in the hope of one day finding a cure for migraines.
Below is our list of the 30 most famous migraine patients throughout history and today:
Film and TV Stars
Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross suffered from severe chronic migraines before 10 years before she learned to prevent migraine attacks by changing her diet, combatting stress, and getting enough sleep. Today, she is a spokesperson for the popular migraine treatment, Imitrex.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck, star of The Town, spent Memorial Day, 2006 in a hospital, recovering from a migraine attack. 4 Headaches that Require Emergency Intervention
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine, has had his bouts of migraine symptoms. 6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, whose claim to fame began with her starring role in Steven Spielberg’s The
Color Purple, suffers from chronic migraines.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow suffered childhood migraines that diminished, as she got older. Coincidentally, her father, Lee Kudrow, is a migraine specialist, who helped with the implementation of lidocaine as a migraine treatment,
Star Jones
Star Jones, former host of The View, lost over 160 pounds after having gastric bypass surgery. Scientists say that weight loss surgery often leads to alleviated migraine symptoms, but there has been no word from Star confirming that hypothesis. Weight Loss Surgery May Reduce Migraines
Virginia Madsen
Virginia Madsen, who co-starred with Paul Giamatti in the blockbuster, Sideways, claims that Botox injections have cured her of her migraine pain. Still on the Fence about Botox for Headache Relief? Read what Scientists and Skeptics have to Say
Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth plays Glinda the good witch on Broadway’s Wicked, but offstage, migraines and nausea leave her feeling more like the green Wicked Witch of the West.
Elle Macpherson
Supermodel Elle Macpherson tries to stay hydrated in order to avoid dry skin, in addition to thwarting migraine attacks. 15 Tricks for Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Migraines
James Cromwell
The man who played Farmer Hoggett on Babe is one of many Hollywood movie stars who suffer from frequent migraines.
Elizabeth Taylor
Liz Taylor suffered from chronic pain, in additional to migraines. The much-adored superstar experienced so many debilitating and life-threatening illnesses that she required hospitalization over 70 times before passing away of heart failure in March of 2011. Brain Tumor, Stroke and 8 other Illnesses you probably don’t have
Musicians
Elvis Presley
The famous crooner once known as the king of rock and roll was also a frequent pill popper, which eventually led to his demise. Elvis suffered from numerous ailments, including migraines.
Carly Simon
Famous singer/songwriter Carly Simon learned how to decrease the frequency of her migraine attacks by cutting out certain food triggers, such as coffee, from her diet. Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
Loretta Lynn
Country music legend Loretta Lynn revealed in her book, Coal Miner’s Daughter, that she began suffering from migraines since the age of seventeen and that her father was also a migraine sufferer.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson had to cancel a few shows back in 2008 when she started feeling head pain and vertigo from vestibular migraines.
In Sports
Dwyane Wade
NBA star Dwyane wade has had his issues with migraines on and off the basketball court. While wearing tinted glasses help to relieve some of the pain symptoms during an attack, his teammates have expressed displeasure at the Miami Heat player’s pattern of wearing eyewear during a game, claiming that it puts other players at a disadvantage. Migraines Caused by Eye Strain? Tinted Glasses can Help
Percy Harvin
The Vikings’ Percy Harvin had to miss a lot of team practice due to chronic migraine attacks, but he claims that his doctors have cured him of his pain symptoms and that he hasn’t felt better in years. He attributes his well-being to weaning off certain headache triggers in his diet and physical therapy.
Freddie Ljungberg
Swedish soccer player Freddie Ljungerb had to be carried off the field when he started experiencing a severe migraine attack during a match. 5 Sports-Related Migraines You Never Heard Of
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Legendary NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced in 2009 that he has leukemia, in addition to being a chronic migraine sufferer.
Serena Williams
Tennis star Serena Williams, who experiences frequent migraine headaches, is a spokesperson for the “RALLY for Menstrual Migraine” campaign. Treatments for Menstrual Migraines
Terrell Davis
Terrel Davis didn’t let migraines stop him from performing in the 1998 Super Bowl XXXII. He played his best, despite throbbing head pain and visual distortions.
Historical Figures
Vincent Van Gogh
Had Vincent Van Gogh not suffered from migraines with aura, would he have ever painted the infamous Starry Nights? Migraines with Aura may Signal Birth Defect in Heart
John F. Kennedy
In addition to battling the beginnings of the Cold War, former president of the USA John F. Kennedy also had his battles with migraines.
Napoleon Bonaparte
French conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte might have been a man of peace had he not suffered from migraine headaches, perhaps. Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection proves that migraine patients are as vital and capable as non-headache sufferers are, seeing as he, himself, was a chronic migraineur.
Lewis Carroll
Was the famed “Alice in Wonderland” novelist daydreaming of little white rabbits and lazy caterpillars while recovering from a migraine attack?
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson, who was one of the United States’ founding fathers and 3rd president, experienced severe migraine headaches throughout his lifetime.
Robert E. Lee
General Robert E. Lee led our country through one of its bloodiest battles while suffering his own battles with migraines.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, the Roman general whose exploits inspired history’s greatest artists and playwrights, would have benefited from using a migraine diary, had he known of its benefits for preventing migraine attacks. 10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud knew that sometimes, a headache is not just a headache; it can be a debilitating migraine headache.
Read more about migraine prevention:
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
5 Sports-Related Migraines You Never Heard Of
Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent
Sources:
Kristin Chenoweth’s Migraine Puts Pause On Emmys Celebration
You Are In Good Company! Famous Migraineurs
Celebs Who Cope With Migraines
Migraine Publicity
Migraine Celebrities
How Actress Virginia Madsen Found Migraine Relief | Lifescript.com
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Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
U.S. News Best Hospitals for Neurology
Out of 1,200 hospitals that were reviewed for excellence in treating chronic migraines, the US News has narrowed their list down to the 10 highest ranking hospitals in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery.
1) John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland (410) 955–5000: In addition to placing #1 for migraine treatment and prevention, John Hopkins Hospital also made the national #1 Honor Roll for treatment in ENT, Rheumatology and for gynecology.
2) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (507) 284–2511: World-famous Mayo Clinic ranked #1 for diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, and kidney disorders; they also have a strong online presence in providing current information about migraine headache symptoms and common headache triggers.
3) Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (617) 726–2000: Massachusetts General Hospital ranked #1 center in Boston for treating migraines, and #1 in the USA for their psychiatry department.
4) New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York (212) 746–5454: In addition to neurology, NY-Pres also ranked #4 in psychiatry and kidney disorders.
5) University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California (415) 476–1000: The UCLA teaching hospital was voted the #1 hospital for treating migraine pain in all of San Francisco.
6) Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (216) 444–2200: Cleveland Clinic ranked best hospital in Cleveland for providing migraine headache relief, and #1 US hospital for treating heart disease and conducting heart surgeries.
7) Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,(310) 825–9111: The UCLA Medical Center was voted the best clinic in Los Angeles for treating chronic migraines, and #2 in the USA for excellence in Geriatrics.
8) St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona (602) 406–3000: This prestigious hospital was also voted the third best neurological center in Phoenix, Arizona.
9) NYU Langone Medical Center, New York (212) 263–7300: The NYU Langone Medical Center made the national Honor Roll for excellence in 14 fields of medicine, including neurology and neurosurgery. Additionally, they placed #2 for best hospital in New York for migraine headache patients.
10) Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Saint Louis, Missouri (314) 747–3000: The Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University made the Honor Roll as #1 best migraine treatment center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
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