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Traditional & “Sham” Acupuncture Both Effective for Migraine Relief

I don’t normally republish press releases without further investigation, but I’m going to today because 1) It is from the American Headache Society and quotes my headache specialist, whom I trust immensely; 2) It provides a novel, scientific perspective on why acupuncture may help migraine (the focus is on endorphins and the effect they have [...]

The Disappointment of Failed Treatments & Rallying to Try Again

I’m really struggling with the migraines right now, both physically and emotionally. It has been eight weeks since I got Botox injections and I’ve seen no improvement in the migraines. They are actually more frequent and more severe than before the injections, though I can’t say whether the Botox made them worse or if it [...]

Migraine Research Foundation Announces Recipients of 2011 Grants

The Migraine Research Foundation, which raises funds to research the causes and mechanisms of migraine, improve treatments, and find a cure for this little-understood but debilitating illness, has announced the recipients of their 2011 grants. From the MRF: This year’s grantees will explore ground-breaking inquiries in the areas of chronic migraine treatment, genetic sequencing and [...]

Extreme Migraine Diet: Eliminating Tyramine & Tannins

After purposefully not making any resolutions for 2012 (I’ve decided to embrace my flaws instead of constantly trying to fix myself), I find myself on the second day of the new year plotting the most extreme migraine diet I’ve ever done. The diet will be guided, in part, by Heal Your Headache: The 1-2-3 Program [...]

Mediation & Self-Compassion: Suffering is Optional

I keep talking about how my migraines have improved, though my migraine diary for December appears to tell a different story. I had at least a level 7 migraine 17 of the first 18 days of the month. Those can be explained by bad weather, Botox injection aftermath, and more bad weather. Just when the [...]

Why I’m Doing Better, Part 2

I’ve changed my promised follow-up to Why I’m Doing Better, Part 1 because the format felt wrong. I have plenty to write about the strategies that have made me feel better, but I want to do so in descriptive individual posts instead of a couple all-about-me lists. I think my new approach has far more [...]

Migraine Research Foundation Donations Doubled This Week

The Migraine Research Foundation raises funds to research the causes and mechanisms of migraine, improve treatments, and find a cure for this little-understood but debilitating illness. Until December 31, 2011, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to a generous anonymous donor. Because all of the foundation’s costs are underwritten, 100% of your donation will go [...]

The Lure of a “Miracle Cure”: Green Smoothies

I had migraine for 10 years. Two children, husband and full time job. I had headache twice a week it was horrible. I couldn’t live without medication.Tried all natural things, herbs, acupuncture massages, diet. Doctors not helping in this case only can give you medication so you can use it all your life. 6 moths [...]

Why I’m Doing Better, Part 1: Climate & Medication

After my recent glowing posts, many people have inquired why I’m feeling better. I’d like to give you a clear, definitive answer, but migraine is never that simple. There are a number of factors, from climate and medication to exercise, meditation and forgiving myself for being sick. I’ll talk about the first two today and [...]

Botox Post on Migraine.com & Appointment Discoveries

Botox and the Superstitions of Chronic Illness is my first post on Migraine.com, which I’ve joined as a patient advocate. In the post, I describe the pros and cons of Botox and my decision to get the injections today. I have just returned from the doctor’s office and do not have a horrendous migraine from [...]