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LSD’s Therapeutic Uses to be Studied in Medical Trials

Albert Hofmann, the chemist who discovered LSD, died last week, but not before seeing his “problem child” return to it’s use as a medical treatment. Originally celebrated as a potential treatment for psychosis, mania and depression, the drug’s therapeutic uses were studied widely in the 40s and 50s. Then came the 1960s. Not long after [...]

Treating Migraines with Codeine, Oxycodone or Barbiturates Increases Risk of Chronic Migraine

Treating migraine episodes with opioids or barbituates as few as eight times a month doubles the risk of developing chronic migraine. I’m in a Phenergan fog, so I’ll let the American Academy of Neurology’s press release tell the story:
Overuse of Codeine, Oxycodone and Barbiturates Increases Risk of Chronic Migraine
People who overuse barbiturates and opioids, such [...]

Your Five Minutes Could Increase NIH Funding for Headache Research

Urge your US House of Representatives member to support increasing the National Institutes of Health’s headache research funding by sending this pre-written e-mail no later than Monday, March 17. That’s all that’s required, though you are encouraged to include a personal note on how headache disorders affect you.
According to the National Headache Foundation, “NIH grants [...]

Welcome to The Daily Headache’s New Design

If you’re reading this post, you’ve found The Daily Headache’s new design! The site looks different, but the biggest change is the addition of an online support group and forum. Make sure to create your account and introduce yourself.

The Daily Headache’s New Design and Online Support Group and Forum Launch Tonight!

Starting tonight, you’ll see The Daily Headache’s new design — and our online support group and forum will open! We’re aiming for a smooth transition, but there may be some glitches in the next 24 hours. You might get a mix of the new and old designs as you navigate around, so please hang in [...]

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 [...]

Self-Compassion: Life’s Easier When You’re Nice to Yourself

My massage therapist and I talked about self-compassion — and how little I have — for most of my last 90 minute massage. I wrote this post in 2005 and have improved some, but have a long way to go. (As evidenced by my evaluation of my progress toward self-compassion.
Having Compassion. . . For Yourself
A [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]