Other Headache/Migraine Blogs

1% Thursday: Learn One New Thing about your condition

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:54 GMT

Take some time online to learn one new thing about migraine, headache, or whatever you're dealing with.

Let's face it. I've been studying migraine and headaches for 20 years, but I'm constantly struck by something new. And that something new may be a key that eventually leads to some real improvement.

Take some time to search now. You can start by searching here, which will cover this blog and related articles.

A good rule of thumb: If you read something really surprising, see if you can find it confirmed somewhere else, particularly on a site you trust. If you find only one website making claims, there's a good chance you're reading something that's just speculation, or even an outright lie. More good advice at 12 ways to Evaluate Migraine News.

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we'll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better. Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge. Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we'll see that things have really changed for the better!

These other posts might relate:

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

1% Thursday: Learn One New Thing about your condition

Found: Handheld Digital Thermometer for Biofeedback Training

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:00 GMT

Biofeedback is a method of training your body to relax and release tension. While this technique cannot necessarily prevent or treat migraine attacks or tension headaches, it can lower your threshold for developing a migraine or headache and reduce your suffering when you experience an attack.

Stress Thermometer

One common way of assessing your relaxation response during biofeedback training is to practice relaxation and meditation techniques while measuring the temperature of your hands using a small digital thermometer with a wire taped to your finger. As you are able to increase the temperature reading you learn what your body feels like when become more relaxed.

According to the American Headache Society:

Thermal or hand-warming biofeedback was first used at the famous Menninger Clinic in Kansas. Researchers there discovered that headache patients who learned to raise the temperature of their hands using biofeedback had fewer and less severe headaches when they practiced this skill regularly.

Hand-warming works in the following way: When a person is anxious or under stress, the blood vessels in the fingers narrow and the hands become cooler. That's why we tend to get "cold and clammy hands" when we're frightened or nervous. On the other hand, when you are relaxed, the blood vessels in your hands expand and your hands get warmer. You can get an idea of how stressed you are by taking your hand or finger temperature with a thermometer or biofeedback instrument. You can learn to reduce your level of arousal through the process of temperature biofeedback training. Then, whenever your hands are cool or you are experiencing stress, you use your hand-warming skills to produce a more relaxed state.

I was lucky enough to receive the training from a doctor who learned the technique at the Menninger Clinic, but there are people all over the country who can help you learn and practice the technique.

It takes a great deal of practice to become so in tune with your body that you can utilize the technique, so you will want to have a digital thermometer like this one so you can practice on your own.

If you're interested in my recommendations for relaxation and meditation CDs and books, visit this link:

Somebody Heal Me Amazon.com Store: Meditation

Sources:
Biofeedback & Relaxation Training for Headaches

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this site constitutes medical or legal advice. I am a patient who is engaged and educated and enjoys sharing my experiences and news about migraines, pain and depression. Please consult your own health care providers for advice on your unique situation.

Happy Canada Day

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:55 GMT

Happy Birthday Canada! You are looking wonderful! Have fun and be safe.

Paul

Jul 1, Medicine For Fibromyalgia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:27 GMT

Medicine for fibromyalgia can be quite effective in treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Maintained by a medical professional.

Jul 1, Fibromyalgia Symptom Checklist: What are the Signs Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:05 GMT

A fibromyalgia symptom checklist might help you with early symptoms of fibromyalgia. Maintained by a medical professional.

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Removing Certain Prescription Painkillers From Market

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00 GMT

An FDA advisory panel issued recommendations yesterday that would change the way products containing the pain reliever acetaminophen are regulated. Research has reinforced existing concerns about liver damage and the potential for overdoses related to use of these medications. But discussions of these concerns do not always tell the whole story.

The expert panel recommended the FDA lower the maximum daily dosage and maximum single doseage of over the counter acetaminophen products (e.g. Tylenol).

The panel declined to recommend taking combination products containing acetaminophen, such as Nyquil or Theraflu, off the market.

Finally, and probably most noteworthy for my readers, the panel recommended the FDA take prescription combination products containing acetaminophen off the market, such as Percocet, Lortab and Darvocet. The FDA is not required to follow the recommendation, but usually does. This could be a big deal for the thousands of chronic pain patients who, like me, rely on these products to make our daily pain bearable.

As the Consumer Health Care Products Association (a drug industry group) rightly points out, 80% of the deaths associated with these products are suicides, not accidents. Further, these products are safe when taken as recommended (i.e. the proper dose is not exceeded and they are not combined with alcohol). Liver damage is rarely seen when patients follow these guidelines. I can certainly see the need for increased education efforts to make people aware of these issues, but to take these prescription pain medications off the market is a mistake. Far more people will suffer when these products are unavailable than currently suffer as a result of using them.

Sources:
FDA Panel Advises Smaller Doses of Painkillers
FDA Panel Urges Cuts in Acetaminophen Dosage

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

More interesting Sleep Apnea Studies

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:03 GMT

We've been talking a lot here about sleep apnea (sleep apnoea). There does seem to be a close relationship between sleep apnea and migraine or chronic headache. In February we talked about a fascinating new study about sleep apnea.

Also, don't miss the podcast on sleep apnea here.

But Marijke Durning has been posting on some interesting studies on sleep apnea as well, over at Blisstree. So I just wanted to direct your attention over there – check out Sleep apnea? A simple exercise may help and also Oboe Players May Lower Sleep Apnea Risk.

Anyone feel like taking up a new instrument?

Thanks Marijke!

These other posts might relate:

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

More interesting Sleep Apnea Studies

My 'Right Now' List: Summer 2009

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00 GMT

- Season two of True Blood on HBO.

- Some great books:

- Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

- The Writing on My Forehead by Nafisa Haji

- Broken Open: How Difficult Times Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser

- Sandra Bullock's new romantic comedy, "The Proposal" (Ryan Reynolds is so hot!).

- The latest Pixar film, "Up."

- All of my favorite Michael Jackson & Jackson 5 songs on repeat.

Technorati Tags: depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Jun 30, Facial Numbness

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:09 GMT

I am 59 yrs old and believe I am now post menopausal. for the last year i have had what has been diagnosed as Hemi-plegic Migraine. Now taking 40 mgs

How to be a better Headache or Migraine Doctor

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:44 GMT

Some people love their doctors. Others … well … feel they could be getting better treatment elsewhere. What makes the difference? What makes a good migraine doctor?

In our last poll, we asked our visitors about their migraine doctors and specialists. The question was, I would be happier with my doctor/specialist more if he/she … what?

Here are the answers, starting with the one with the most votes:

"I would be happier with my doctor/specialist more if he/she …"

showed more concern/took me seriously. Doctors tend to be rushed, is that the reason why they sometimes brush off patients? I think there's something more here though. There are some doctors who still assume that almost every headache is minor, and they aren't aware of the impact some of these disorders have on their patients lives. Sometimes that's because patients don't explain the life impact fully. But other times doctors make assumptions that they shouldn't. I think this is changing, but there's still work to be done. This was easily the top answer, chosen by 18.5%, or almost 1 in 5 patients.
was more knowledgeable about my condition. I think more knowledge would help with the first issue as well. Let's be fair here though. Our understanding of neurology and the brain has exploded in the last 20 years. It's not possible for every doctor to keep up, and very difficult for a specialist to keep up. You should expect your doctor to be aware of the basics of major conditions such as migraine, but you can't expect her to know all the latest research and treatments. Patients need to find someone who specializes in their condition if at all possible, and doctors need to be willing to admit their limitations and make referrals.
thought more creatively about issues related to my treatment. This was almost tied with the last one, with about 1 in 8 patients with these concerns. This is a tricky one, but it does point to the fact that medicine is an art as well as a science. There are doctors who just keep going over the same ground again and again, but could get to a better treatment with a little creative thinking, a few creative questions, a little digging. It's easy to start thinking you've seen it all before, but in the world of headache every patient really is unique. Don't be afraid to think outside the box.
was open to a wider variety of treatments. The next two are tied, with about 1 in 9 patients answering this way. This may have a lot to do with alternative treatments. Doctors are becoming more and more open to alternative treatments. One reason is that the research is starting to prove that many alternative treatments have real value. On the other hand, some have very little evidence to back them up. Find a doctor who will look at the evidence, and at the very least listen to what treatments you're considering and offer suggestions or warnings.
explained to me what she/he's thinking. It's not only condescending, it's very frustrating when a doctor won't work together with her patients. It is essential in today's world for doctors and patients to work together to find treatments that work. If your doctor won't take the time to explain to you why she is recommending a treatment or drug, consider looking for another doctor.
listened more. More than 1 in 10 answering the poll put this in their top 3. Let's put it this way. With all the frustration, misdiagnoses, and patients who go years without proper treatment, something is not being done right. I'm convinced this is part of it. I'm also convinced it's a two way street. Doctors need to learn to listen, question, and pay attention. Patients also need to learn to come prepared, question, and explain things clearly and succinctly. We all have to do better in this area to fight headache and migraine effectively. Tips for talking with your doctor here and here.
was more up to date on current treatments/issues. These last few were mentioned less, so I'm just going to include this one in the list and then mention the others briefly. About 1 in 13 patients mentioned this one, and it's certainly related to some of the other points above, so still important. Being knowledgeable, up to date, and open to a wider variety of treatments all go together. Migraine and headache are major issues in today's society, and doctors need to stay abreast of the issues or send their patients to someone who is.

There were three more that were still important concerns but only mentioned by a few patients. Some said that they wished their doctors trusted them more, which I think goes along with working together. Quite a few also said they wished their doctor wouldn't give up so easily. Though only a few mentioned it in this poll, this is not the first time I've heard this, and it is an important issue. In this day and age, no one is going to live long enough to try every available migraine treatment, for example. No doctor should throw up her hands and say,"Well, we've tried it all!"

Some people said none of the above of course, so I'll leave that up to your imagination (or your comments!). Finally, a few simply wished their doctor was more competent. Thankfully, that was a very small minority.

Most doctors do seem to be working hard, working with their patients and trying to help. I have a lot of respect for the many doctors and specialists who have helped so many.

Still, I know that doctors can do better. I hope those of you reading this will simply take it as data to use to make your practice even better, because I know that the vast majority of you want to help your patients find the answers.

Let's work together. It's time to fight back.

Random other posts:

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

How to be a better Headache or Migraine Doctor

Blooming all Around

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:42 GMT

I just love the colors in my front gardens. The constant rain and low temperatures are keeping everything lush and vibrant. As for the gardens out back, it has been a work in progress to keep the dogs out. We also put a raised veggie garden in. I'll post that another day.

Now onto my great finds of the weekend:

How adorable is this little frog and bird?? The frog reminds me of the Frog and Toad book character. 50cents for both. The little key holder - 25cents.

The ugly butterflies are plastic, I can't wait to paint them!!! $1. These are going to be on the front of my house, I think; with the look of very aged rust. Yes, I think that would look lovely. Or maybe a blue? No no, that will just not do. Oh, I almost forgot the bundle of paint brushes I found for $1. Too late to post.

My favorite find is this: $2 chair, I can't wait to paint this one, maybe a deep aqua.

oh and a refrigerator dish for 75 cents - LOVE IT

SO WHAT DID YOU FIND ON YOUR WEEKEND??

Time to Quit: Smoking May Trigger Migraine Attacks

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00 GMT

According to the Journal of Headache and Pain, a small study of medical students in Spain shows that smoking more than 5 cigarettes a day may be a migraine trigger.

Migraine frequency among students who were migraineurs and smokers was higher than among students who were migraineurs, but non-smokers. The researchers found that the migraineurs in the group were more likely to be smokers.

Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult, but for migraineurs this is yet another reason to make the change. I quit smoking cold turkey the summer after I graduated from college. It was hard and I miss it sometimes, but it was probably the best thing I've ever done for my health and the planet. I think I deserve major kudos because I started law school that fall and stuck to my commitment. It was hard!

Sources:
Smoking as a Precipitating Factor for Migraine: A Survey in Medical Students
Smoking More Than 5 Cigarettes a Day Provokes Migraine Attacks

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

President Obama Speaks Directly to Tens of Thousands of Disabled American Migraineurs

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:50 GMT

Today President Barack Obama walked briskly into the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House as if speaking directly to tens of thousands of disabled Migraineurs when he offered surprise news on Medicare Part D.

Two other ways to administer sumatriptan

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:39 GMT

In addition to an injection, tablet and a nasal spray, sumatriptan is being tested in two other formulations. No, it is not an inhaled form, which I just posted in my previous blog (dihydroergotamine inhaler), but through a skin patch and by a “lingual spray”, that is a spray into the mouth. The skin patch may work fast and will deliver medicine through the skin, bypassing the stomach, which would be very useful for people who get very nauseous and have difficulty swallowing medications. However, it is quite a large patch and will probably cost significantly more than a tablet, particularly in the generic form. The second new formulation, a spray into the mouth, appears to partially absorb in the mouth and partially in the stomach, making it also work faster, although so far it looks to be only as effective as a 50 mg tablet. The usual dose is 100 mg. Also, hopefully the company that is developing this product has been able to mask the taste of sumatriptan. Patients who have tried the nasal spray often complain of a very unpleasant taste, which can make nausea worse.

Announcing July 2009 Headache Blog Carnival

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00 GMT

Entries for the July 2009 Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival are due by the end of the day on Friday, July 10th.

There is no theme for the July carnival. Instead, submit your favorite post from the past month.

Posts may be submitted through the form on the carnival website or directly to me by e-mail.

The July carnival will be posted on Monday, July 13th at right here at Somebody Heal Me.

For more information about the carnival visit this link: Headache & Migraine Blog Carnival.

Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the e-mail list for the carnival, if you're interested in hosting a future edition or if you have suggestions for future themes.

Technorati Tags: headache & migraine blog carnival, blog carnival, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.