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Archive for September, 2007

Obsessing Over Headache or Migraine Triggers

Most articles on migraines focus on what patients can do to avoid headaches. This is great for getting us involved with our own care, but it’s also one more reason to feel guilty or at fault. You know, when your head is screaming and you’ve got the running commentary going: “What did I eat today? [...]

Spinal Tap (aka Lumbar Puncture) to Diagnose Headache Disorders

A common headache diagnostic tool, the thought of a lumbar puncture (often called a spinal tap) may terrify you. The length of the needle used is surprising, but the procedure is not that bad. At least, it wasn’t for me and I was needle-shy at the time. Many people have shared similar experiences with me. [...]

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which begins today, lets people know that an illness doesn’t have to be seen to be real. Check out these statistics from Rest Ministries, the sponsor of the week. Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) has a chronic condition 96% of them live with an illness that is [...]

Call for Nominations: American Pain Foundation’s Patient Advocate Award & the REAL Hot 100

The American Pain Foundation is seeking nominations for it’s first patient advocate award. The award will recognize a patient who has “risen above their personal pain experiences in order to help and advocate for others.” I can think of tons of people who qualify. If you have someone in mind, please nominate them. Submissions are [...]

Sort of on Vacation

I’m going on vacation tomorrow, but will still be posting each weekday. I’ll read and respond to e-mail and comments once a week, otherwise you won’t notice a difference. I’ll be back full time on October 8. See you then!

Rantings on Perfume, Scented Hair Products and Paris

REI employees shouldn’t be allowed to wear perfume. I’d prefer if no one in retail wore perfume, but I’ll complain about REI because I was there this morning. Doesn’t perfume contradicts the values of the nature-oriented store? I was at REI in the first place for quick-dry travel pants. The perfect pants that I scored [...]

Have Chronic Daily Headache & Migraine Absconded With My Spunk?

Watching the crowd at the music festival bounce in unison, seeing fans passed from hand to hand, I knew the crowd was infected by the intense energy of Gogol Bordello. I wished I felt good enough to join in. “You’re the kind of person that would be right in the middle of it” was Hart’s [...]

Food Triggers for Migraines and Headaches

The Daily Headache on Food Triggers Drastic Elimination Diet for Migraine Triggers: What Was I Thinking? Drastic Migraine Elimination Diet: It’s Time Food Triggers & Headache (good comments on post) Trigger-Happy Artificial Sweetener & Headache Self-Care or Alternative Medicine? Food Triggers & Unrealistic Expectations (good comments) A Long Look at MSG A Neurologist’s Insight on [...]

Depression in Women with Migraine Linked to Childhood Abuse

Researchers have found a fascinating connection between migraine, depression and childhood abuse in women. I didn’t want to miss any important details, so the American Academy of Neurology‘s press release follows. (Emphasis added.) Depression in Women with Migraine Linked to Childhood Abuse Childhood abuse is more common in women with migraine who suffer depression than [...]