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Recovery for Stroke Survivors With Magnetic Brain Stimulation

Written By share_e on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 | 6:42 PM

There is new hope for better recovery for patients who survive a debilitating stroke. Italian researchers have discovered that the use of magnets to stimulate the nerve cells of the brain can help to correct the condition known as hemispatial neglect, which prevents stroke patients from seeing or recognizing anything on one side of their body. The details of the research appear in the journal Neurology.


Previous studies have estimated that between 20 and 50 percent of patients suffer hemispatial neglect following a stroke. The condition most often occurs when stroke damaged is suffered in the right half of the brain.

In a news release, study author Giacomo Koch, MD, Ph.D., of the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Italy stated, “The treatment is based on the theory that hemispatial neglect results when a stroke disrupts the balance between the two hemispheres of the brain. He went on to explaind, “A stroke on one side of the brain causes the other side to become overactive, and the circuits become overloaded.”
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Balanced diet

Written By share_e on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | 7:10 PM

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay active


The key to a healthy balanced diet is not to ban or omit any foods or food groups but to balance what you eat by consuming a variety of foods from each food group in the right proportions for good health.

Fruit and vegetables
These should make up about a third of your daily diet and can be eaten as part of every meal, as well as being the first choice for a snack.

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Low fat diet breast cancer hope

The research found after five years, breast cancer had returned in 12.4 % of those on a standard diet - but in only 9.8% of those on a low-fat diet.

However, most women did not benefit, and experts say the findings may be due to other factors.

The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute study was presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The study focused on 2,437 women who had surgery for early-stage breast cancer, followed by standard chemotherapy, and tamoxifen if their tumours were receptive to the drug.
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Red meat 'ups breast cancer risk'

Eating red meat significantly increases a post-menopausal woman's chance of breast cancer, research suggests.

A University of Leeds team monitored 35,000 women over seven years.

Older women who ate one 2oz portion a day (57 grams) had a 56% increased risk compared with those who ate none, the British Journal of Cancer reports.

And those who ate the most processed meat, such as bacon, sausages, ham or pies, had a 64% greater risk of breast cancer than those who refrained.

However, experts warned it was extremely difficult to pin down the effect of specific parts of the diet on cancer risk, and said previous research had produced inconclusive results.

Lead researcher Professor Janet Cade said younger, pre-menopausal women who ate large amounts of red and processed meat also had a raised risk of breast cancer - but the effect was not statistically significant.
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Eat less red meat to reduce cancer risk

New advice recommends eating no more than 70g a day - equivalent to three rashers of bacon or two sausages.


Experts say thousands of bowel cancer deaths could be prevented every year if people kept to the new limits.

Advisers to the Department of Health in England say the restrictions would not put people at risk of iron deficiencies.

Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK - about 36,000 people are diagnosed every year, and 16,500 die.

Eating 100 to 120g of red and processed meat a day - things like salami, ham and sausages - increases the risk of developing the condition by 20 to 30%, according to studies.
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Study Says : Red meat increases death, cancer and heart risk

The study of more than 120,000 people suggested red meat increased the risk of death from cancer and heart problems.
Substituting red meat with fish, chicken or nuts lowered the risks, the authors said.

The British Heart Foundation said red meat could still be eaten as part of a balanced diet.

The researchers analysed data from 37,698 men between 1986 and 2008 and 83,644 women between 1980 and 2008.
They said adding an extra portion of unprocessed red meat to someone's daily diet would increase the risk of death by 13%, of fatal cardiovascular disease by 18% and of cancer mortality by 10%. The figures for processed meat were higher, 20% for overall mortality, 21% for death from heart problems and 16% for cancer mortality.
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What is Prostate Cancer?

Written By share_e on Monday, March 12, 2012 | 5:45 PM

Definition

Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Symptoms

Thanks to PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Although most of the symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with noncancerous conditions.
  • Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)
  • Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinating
  • Urinary retention
  • Pain with urination
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain with bowel movement
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
  • Excessive urination at night
  • Urinary leakage (incontinence)
  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Lethargy

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. Some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels.

There is no known association with an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.
People who are at higher risk include:
  • African-American men
  • Men who are older than 60
  • Farmers
  • Tire plant workers
  • Painters
  • Men who have been exposed to cadmium
The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat (vegetarians).

Tests & Diagnostics

A rectal exam will often show an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.

A number of tests may be done to diagnose prostate cancer:
  • PSA test (may be high, although noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can also increase PSA levels)
  • Free PSA (may help tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer)
  • AMACR (a newer test that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining prostate cancer)
  • Urinalysis (may show blood in the urine)
  • Urine or prostatic fluid testing (may reveal unusual cells)
Prostate biopsy is the only test that can confirm the diagnosis.

The following tests may be done to determine whether the cancer has spread:
  • CT scan
  • Bone scan
  • Chest x-ray
Health care providers use a system called staging to describe how far the cancer has grown. Tumor size, and how far the cancer has spread outside of the prostate determine the stage. Identifying the correct stage may help the doctor recommend the best treatment.
There are several different ways to stage tumors, including:
  • The TNM staging system (most common)
  • The A-B-C-D staging system, also known as the Whitmore-Jewett system
The grade of a tumor describes how aggressive a cancer might be. The more tumor cells differ from normal tissue, the faster these cells are likely to grow. The grading system for prostate cancer is called the Gleason grade or score. Higher scores are usually faster growing cancers.

Treatments

The appropriate treatment for prostate cancer is not clear. Treatment options vary based on the stage of the tumor. In the early stages, talk to your doctor about several options including surgery, radiation therapy, or, in older patients, monitoring the cancer without active treatment.

Prostate cancer that has spread may be treated with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, or chemotherapy.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with sexual desire or performance on either a temporary or permanent basis. Discuss your concerns with your health care provider.

SURGERY
Surgery is usually only recommended after a thorough evaluation and discussion of all treatment options. A man considering surgery should be aware of the benefits and risks of the procedure.
  • Surgery to remove the prostate gland is often recommended for treating stages A and B prostate cancers. This is a lengthy procedure and complications are possible. There are many different surgery options. See: Radical prostatectomy and Robotic surgery.
  • Orchiectomy alters hormone production and may be recommended for cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. There may be some bruising and swelling right after surgery, but this will gradually go away. The loss of testosterone production may lead to problems with sexual function, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), and loss of muscle mass.
RADIATION THERAPY
Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat stage A, B, or C prostate cancers. Whether radiation is as good as prostate removal is unclear. The decision about which treatment to choose can be difficult. In patients whose health makes surgery too risky, radiation therapy is often the preferred alternative. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal:
  • External beam radiation therapy is done in a radiation oncology center by specially trained radiation oncologists, usually on an outpatient basis. Before treatment, a therapist will mark the part of the body that is to be treated with a special pen. The radiation is delivered to the prostate gland using a device that looks like a normal x-ray machine. The treatment itself is generally painless. Side effects may include impotence, incontinence, appetite loss, fatigue, skin reactions such as redness and irritation, rectal burning or injury, diarrhea, inflamed bladder (cystitis), and blood in urine. External beam radiation therapy is usually done 5 days a week for 6 - 8 weeks.
  • Prostate brachytherapy or internal radiation involves placing radioactive seeds inside you, directly into the prostate. A surgeon inserts small needles through the skin behind your scrotum to inject the seeds. The seeds are so small that you don't feel them. They can be temporary or permanent. Because internal radiation therapy is directed to the prostate, it reduces damage to the tissues around the prostate. Prostate brachytherapy may be given for early, slow-growing prostate cancers. It also may be given with external beam radiation therapy for some patients with more advanced cancer. Side effects may include pain, swelling or bruising in your penis or scrotum, red-brown urine or semen, impotence, incontinence, and diarrhea.
  • Radiation is sometimes used for pain relief when cancer has spread to the bone.
MEDICATIONS

Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone. This is called hormonal manipulation. Because prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level often works very well at preventing further growth and spread of the cancer. Hormone manipulation is mainly used to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread. It may also be done by surgically removing the testes.

The drugs Lupron and Zoladex are also being used to treat advanced prostate cancer. These medicines block the production of testosterone. The procedure is often called chemical castration, because it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. However, unlike surgery, it is reversible. The drugs must be given by injection, usually every 3 - 6 months. Possible side effects include nausea and vomiting, hot flashes, anemia, lethargy, osteoporosis, reduced sexual desire, and impotence.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy include androgen-blocking drugs (such as flutamide), which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, liver problems, diarrhea, and enlarged breasts.

Chemotherapy is often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. An oncology specialist will usually recommend a single drug or a combination of drugs. Chemotherapy medications that may be used to treat prostate cancer include:
  • Adriamycin
  • Docetaxel
  • Estramustine
  • Mitoxantrone
  • Paclitaxel
  • Prednisone
After the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Side effects depend on the drug, how often you take it, and for how long. Some of the side effects for the most commonly used prostate cancer chemotherapy drugs include:
  • Blood clots
  • Bruising
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Fluid retention
  • Hair loss
  • Lowering of your white cells, red cells, or platelets
  • Mouth sores
  • Nausea
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Upset stomach
  • Weight gain
MONITORING
You will be closely watched to make sure the cancer does not spread. This involves routine doctor check-ups. Monitoring may include:
  • Serial PSA blood test (usually every 3 months to 1 year)
  • Bone scan or CT scan to check whether the cancer has spread
  • Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for signs and symptoms of anemia
  • Monitoring for other signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, increased pain, decreased bowel and bladder function, and weakness

Complications

Impotence is a potential complication after prostate removal or radiation therapy. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made this complication less common. Urinary incontinence is another possible complication. Medications can have side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent prostate cancer. Following a vegetarian, low-fat diet or one that is similar to the traditional Japanese diet may lower your risk. Early identification (as opposed to prevention) is now possible by screening men over age 40 each year with a digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA blood test.

There is a debate, however, as to whether PSA testing should be done in all men. There are several potential downsides to PSA testing. The first is that a high PSA level does not always mean that a patient has prostate cancer. The second is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have caused the patient any harm. The decision about whether to use a PSA testing to screen for prostate cancer should be based on a discussion between the patient and his health care provider.
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What is Multiple Myeloma ?

Definition

Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.

Symptoms

  • Bleeding problems
  • Bone or back pain
  • Increased susceptibility to infection
  • Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
  • Unexplained fractures

Causes & Risk Factors

Plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease by producing substances called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control and form tumors in the bone marrow.

The excess growth of plasma cells interferes with the body's ability to make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This causes anemia, which makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding.

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, they can cause pain and destruction of the bones. If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or paralysis.

Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults. A history of radiation therapy raises your risk for this type of cancer.

Tests & Diagnostics

Blood tests can help diagnose this disease. They may include:
  • Blood chemistry (CHEM 20) may show increased levels of calcium, total protein, and abnormal kidney function
  • Complete blood count (CBC) reveals low numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets
  • Serum protein electropheresis (SPEP)
  • Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) or Bence-Jones protein analysis
  • Quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry)
Bone x-rays show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.

Treatments

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

People who have mild disease or a questionable diagnosis are usually carefully monitored without treatment. Some people have a slow-developing form of multiple myeloma that takes years to cause symptoms.

Treatment begins when the disease becomes worse or causes symptoms.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be performed to relieve bone pain or treat a bone tumor.

Bone marrow transplantation in younger patients has been shown to increase disease-free and overall survival, but it has significant risks.

Medications for multiple myeloma include decadron, melophalan, thalidomide, lenalidomide (Revlimid), and bortezomib (Velcade). Bisphosphonates are used to prevent fractures.
People with multiple myeloma should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help maintain proper kidney function. They should also be cautious when having x-ray tests that use contrast dye.
Chemotherapy and transplants rarely lead to a permanent cure.

Complications

Kidney failure is a frequent complication. Other complications may include:
  • Bone fractures
  • Increased chances for infection (especially pneumonia)
  • Paralysis from tumor or spinal cord compression

Prevention

There are no clearly-established risk factors for multiple myeloma and it is possible that a combination of factors interact to cause the disease. Thus, there is no method for preventing multiple myeloma. 
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What is Osteoarthritis ?

Definition

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
  • Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it, and is relieved by rest
  • Pain that is worse when you start activities after a period of no activity
  • Over time, pain is present even when you are at rest
  • Grating of the joint with motion
  • Increase in pain during humid or moist weather
  • Joint swelling
  • Limited movement
  • Muscle weakness around arthritic joints
Some people might not have symptoms.

Causes & Risk Factors

In osteoarthritis, the cushioning (cartilage) between the bones wears away in the joints. As osteoarthritis gets worse, the cartilage disappears and bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs or growths usually form around the joint. The ligaments and muscles around the joint loosen and become weaker.

Often, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but other factors can also lead to OA.
  • Osteoarthritis tends to run in families
  • Being overweight increases the risk
  • Fractures or other joint injuries can lead to osteoarthritis later in life
  • Long-term overuse at work or in sports can lead to osteoarthritis
Medical conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis include:
  • Bleeding disorders that cause bleeding in the joint, such as hemophilia
  • Disorders that block the blood supply near a joint, such as avascular necrosis
  • Other types of arthritis, such as chronic gout, pseudogout, or rheumatoid arthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in men and women. After age 55, it is more common in women.

Tests & Diagnostics

A physical exam can show:
  • Joint movement may cause a cracking (grating) sound
  • Joint swelling (bones around the joints may feel larger than normal)
  • Limited range of motion
  • Tenderness when the joint is pressed
  • Normal movement is often painful
No blood tests are helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.
An x-ray of affected joints will show a loss of the joint space. In advanced cases, there will be a wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatments

The goals of treatment are to:
  • Increase the strength of the joints
  • Maintain or improve joint movement
  • Reduce the disabling effects of the disease
  • Relieve pain
The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with symptoms. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs.

If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help relieve pain and swelling. Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. These drugs may also increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

The prescription drug, Celebrex (a COX-2 inhibitor) may work as well as other NSAIDs. Because of a risk for heart attacks and stroke, it is given only at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time.

Corticosteroids injected right into the joint can also be used to reduce swelling and pain. However, relief only lasts for a short time.

Many people use over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage. Some doctors recommend a trial period of 3 months to see whether glucosamine and chondroitin work.

Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream may help relieve pain. You may feel a warm, stinging sensation when you first apply the cream. This sensation goes away after a few days of use. Pain relief usually begins within 1 - 2 weeks.

Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee. It may relieve pain for 3 - 6 months.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.

Other lifestyle recommendations include:
  • Applying heat and cold
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Getting rest
  • Losing weight if you are overweight
  • Protecting the joints
People whose work is causing stress in certain joints should find ways to reduce trauma. You may need to adjust the work area or change work tasks.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3 - 6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

BRACES
Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

SURGERY
Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:
  • Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage
  • Changing the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
  • Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
  • Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)

Drugs

Patients with mild OA may be treated only with pain relievers such as acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol). Most patients with OA, however, are given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include compounds such as ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), ketoprofen (e.g., Orudis), and naproxen (e.g. Naprosyn). NSAIDs have the advantage of relieving slight inflammation as well as pain. Patients taking NSAIDS, however, may experience side effects, including stomach ulcers, sensitivity to sun exposure, kidney disturbances, and nervousness/anxiety or depression. Topical capsaicin cream (e.g., AthriCare) may provide relief when applied to affected areas.

Some OA patients are treated with corticosteroids, which are injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation. As of 2001, studies were being conducted regarding the use of hyaluronic acid, which is more commonly injected into the knee. Because the joint naturally contains some hyaluronic acid (for joint lubrication), the addition of extra hyaluronic acid can protect the joint, in some cases, for six months to one year.

Alternative Therapies

For more information and support, see arthritis resources.

Complications

  • Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
  • Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
  • Decreased ability to walk
  • Surgical complications
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What is Migraine Headache ?

Definition

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.
Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, usually vision disturbances, that serve as a warning sign that a bad headache is coming. Most people, however, do not have such warning signs.

Symptoms

Vision disturbances, or aura, are considered a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both eyes and may involve any or all of the following:
  • A temporary blind spot
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Seeing stars or zigzag lines
  • Tunnel vision
Not every person with migraines has an aura. Those who do usually develop one about 10 - 15 minutes before the headache. However, it may occur just a few minutes to 24 hours beforehand.


Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:
  • Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating
  • Are worse on one side of the head
  • Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours
  • Last 6 to 48 hours
Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:
  • Chills
  • Increased urination
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Problems concentrating, trouble finding words
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Sweating
Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has gone away include:
  • Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp
  • Increased need for sleep
  • Neck pain

Causes & Risk Factors

A lot of people get migraines -- about 11 out of 100. The headaches tend to first appear between the ages of 10 and 46. Occasionally, migraines may occur later in life in a person with no history of such headaches. Migraines occur more often in women than men, and may run in families. Women may have fewer migraines when they are pregnant. Most women with such headaches have fewer attacks during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.


A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress, certain foods, environmental factors, or something else. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear.


Scientists used to believe that migraines were due to changes in blood vessels within the brain. Today, most medical experts believe the attack actually begins in the brain itself, where it involves various nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.


Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
  • Alcohol
  • Allergic reactions
  • Bright lights
  • Certain odors or perfumes
  • Changes in hormone levels (which can occur during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills)
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Exercise
  • Loud noises
  • Missed meals
  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Smoking or exposure to smoke
Certain foods and preservatives in foods may trigger migraines in some people. Food-related triggers may include:
  • Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
  • Baked goods
  • Chocolate
  • Dairy products
  • Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
  • Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
  • Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
  • Nuts
  • Onions
  • Peanut butter
This list may not be all-inclusive.
True migraine headaches are not a result of a brain tumor or other serious medical problem. However, only an experienced health care provider can determine whether your symptoms are due to a migraine or another condition.

Tests & Diagnostics

Your doctor can diagnose this type of headache by asking questions about your symptoms and family history of migraines, and by monitoring how you respond to treatment. A complete physical exam will be done to make sure that your headaches are not due to muscle tension, sinus problems, or a more serious underlying brain disorder.


Tests are usually not needed if you have typical signs and symptoms of migraines. However, your doctor may order a brain MRI or CT scan to rule out other causes.


If you have a migraine with unusual symptoms such as weakness, memory problems, or loss of alertness, an EEG may be needed to rule out seizures. Rarely, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) might be done.

reatments

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing your triggers.


A good way to identify triggers is to keep a headache diary. Write down:
  • When your headaches occur
  • How severe they are
  • What you've eaten
  • How much sleep you had
  • Other symptoms
  • Other possible factors (women should note where they are in their menstrual cycle)
For example, the diary may reveal that your headaches tend to occur more often on days when you wake up earlier than usual. Changing your sleep schedule may result in fewer migraine attacks.


When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe. When migraine symptoms begin:
  • Drink water to avoid dehydration, especially if you have vomited
  • Rest in a quiet, darkened room
  • Place a cool cloth on your head
Many different medications are available for people with migraines. Medicines are used to:
  • Reduce the number of attacks
  • Stop the migraine once early symptoms occur
  • Treat the pain and other symptoms
REDUCING ATTACKS
If you have frequent migraines, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce the number of attacks. Such medicine needs to be taken every day in order to be effective. Such medications may include:
  • Antidepressants such as amitriptyline
  • Blood pressure medicines such as beta blockers (propanolol) or calcium channel blockers (verapamil)
  • Seizure medication such as valproic acid and topiramate
  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as venlafaxine
STOPPING AN ATTACK
Other medicines are taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful, especially when your migraine is mild. (Be aware, however, that overuse or misuse of such pain medications may result in rebound headaches.) If these don't help, ask your doctor about prescription medications.


Your doctor can select from several different types of medications, including:
These medications come in different forms. Patients who have nausea and vomiting with their migraines may be prescribed a nasal spray or injection instead of pills.


Some migraine medicines narrow your blood vessels and should not be used if you are at risk for heart attacks or have heart disease, unless otherwise instructed by your health care provider. Ergots should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, because they can cause serious side effects to an unborn baby.


TREATING SYMPTOMS
Other medications are primarily given to treat the symptoms of migraine. Used alone or in combinations, these drugs can reduce your pain, nausea, or emotional distress. Medications in this group include:
If you wish to consider an alternative, feverfew is a popular herb for migraines. Several studies, but not all, support using feverfew for treating migraines. If you are interested in trying feverfew, make sure your doctor approves. Also, know that herbal remedies sold in drugstores and health food stores are not regulated. Work with a trained herbalist when selecting herbs.


Complications

Migraine headaches generally represent no significant threat to your overall health. However, they can be a long-term (chronic) problem and may interfere with your day-to-day life.

Prevention

Understanding your headache triggers can help you avoid foods and situations that cause your migraines. Keep a headache diary to help identify the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then modify your environment or habits to avoid future headaches.
Other tips for preventing migraines include:
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners and other known food-related triggers
  • Get regular exercise
  • Get plenty of sleep each night
  • Learn to relax and reduce stress -- some patients have found that biofeedback and self-hypnosis helps reduce the number of migraine attacks
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