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New York Times Migraine (and Chronic Daily Headache) Blog

Launched last week, the New York Times’ new migraine blog provides patient and expert perspectives on migraine and chronic daily headache. From the first two posts, it looks to be an excellent addition to the growing community of headache and migraine blogs.
“Philosophical resignation” is how author and migraineur Siri Hustvedt describes her acceptance of migraine [...]

Nominate Your Headache Care Provider for The National Headache Foundation’s Healthcare Provider of the Year Award

There’s still time to nominate your favorite headache care provider for the National Headache Foundation’s Healthcare Provider of the Year Award. Submissions are due March 14.
The National Headache Foundation Healthcare Provider of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding healthcare provider. The award is open to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses serving patients with [...]

Link Between Antiepileptic Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors Distilled

FDA’s warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people taking anti-seizure meds distilled: “For every 1,000 patients, about two more drug-treated patients experienced suicidal thoughts than placebo-takers, FDA concluded,” according to New York Times article FDA Warns of Risks From Epilepsy Drugs. Other article highlights include:
Very rarely were suicidal thoughts or behavior reported. Still, the [...]

Antiepileptic Drugs Linked to Increased Risk of Suicidal Behaviors and Thoughts

Patients taking antiepileptic drugs had nearly twice the risk of suicidal behavior or thoughts than those taking a placebo, according to FDA analysis. Epilepsy drugs are commonly prescribed for migraine or headache prevention.
FDA informed healthcare professionals that the Agency has analyzed reports of suicidality (suicidal behavior or ideation) from placebo-controlled clinical studies of eleven drugs [...]

Headache NewsBlog By Headache Specialist Alexander Mauskop

Alexander Mauskop, director of the New York Headache Center, regularly posts his thoughts on current headache news on the aptly named Headache NewsBlog. He dispels myths and examines closely media coverage of headache news. Here’s a taste of Mauskop’s blog, but look over Headache NewsBlog to get the full flavor.
Current News

Surgery for migraines
Migraine does not [...]

Doctors Paid to Prescribe Generic Drugs

Health insurers have provided doctors with financial incentives to prescribe generic medications, according to an article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal:
Health plans are drawing scrutiny for offering financial incentives to entice doctors to prescribe cheaper generic medicines, including paying doctors $100 each time they switch a patient from a brand-name drug.
Pharmaceutical companies have long gone [...]

Tai Chi and Yoga for Pain Management in Neurology Now

Tai chi is one of the therapies that I’m definitely going to try. Neurology Now’s article describing how tai chi and yoga invokes the mind-body connection to relieve pain cemented my decision. Physical benefits aside, releasing tension and teaching mindfulness are the most powerful effects of tai chi and yoga, according to the article.
Mindfulness is [...]

What’s in the News on Migraine, Headache Disorders, Chronic Pain and More?

Get the news and check out other blogs on migraine, headache, chronic illness or other related health stuff on my Google Reader shared items.

Potential Liver Damage When Combining Caffeine and Painkillers

My response to Painkillers, Caffeine May Cause Liver Damage, a post on Somebody Heal Me , was much stronger than “Oh darn.”
[P]reliminary research indicates that people who take in large quantities of painkillers containing acetaminophen [Tylenol] and ingest large amounts of caffeinated beverages may be at increased risk for liver damage. Migraine medications that intentionally [...]

Strong Warnings of Zyprexa’s Side Effects

Not sure how often — if ever — Zyprexa is used for headache, but just in case. . .
Zyprexa, an antipsychotic, has a
tendency to cause weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and
other metabolic problems. The side effects have long been know, but the drug’s maker, Eli Lilly, has now added them to prescribing information.