I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding the ginger and sumatriptan study, so we’re going to take the time to talk about a few more details.

Obviously one study is not enough to change treatment practices around the world.  However, the researchers were motivated to study ginger because it had already shown great promise as a migraine treatment.

Previous Ginger Studies

First of all, ginger has been regularly used for many related conditions – vertigo, motion sickness, and pain conditions being the most well known.  Also, previous studies have shown very little problem with side effects.

Ginger is currently being studied to alleviate dental pain and inflammation.  And one study suggested that it works about as well as ibuprofen for menstrual pain.

Products containing ginger, such as Gelstat Migraine, have already helped many people fight migraine symptoms.  Gelstat Migraine has been studied in clinical trials, and the results were promising.

An older 1990 report showed that patients taking ginger during and after their attack were able to reduce frequency and severity of migraine.

Ginger Dosage in the Trial

In this trial, patients were given 5 capsules of either 50mg of sumatriptan or 250mg of ginger (these ginger capsules are 350mg).  Everyone was to take one capsule when a headache was coming on.  They didn’t know which they had (this was a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial).

This is actually a very low dose of ginger.  As you’ll see below, others have recommended a higher dose, even up to a gram or two a day as a preventative.  Ginger supplements are commonly 500mg and higher per capsule.

More on the study results

The patients had been generally diagnosed with migraine many years before, and they typically had several attacks per month.

Ginger and sumatriptan results were similar, with sumatriptan generally performing slightly better for actual headache pain.

250mg of ginger was used in this study, as mentioned above.  Previously 500mg had also been recommended, repeated every 4 hours up to 1.5 to 2g per day for 3-4 days.  Another report found that a woman found relief using similar amounts of ginger powder (1.5-2g) as a daily supplement.

The bottom line

The researchers of this study concluded that ginger should be preferred to sumatriptan because of the lack of significant side effects.  The only reported issue with ginger was indigestion (4% had some issues here – interesting considering that many people take ginger for digestion!).  But some patients taking sumatriptan experienced dizziness, vertigo, heartburn, and/or sleepiness (20% with one or more issue).  In the end, patients were slightly more satisfied with ginger as a migraine abortive.

Researchers are now calling for more study into what dosage is most effective.

This was also a short term study.  Longer term studies will help demonstrate if ginger can continue to fight migraine over the long term in individual patients.

For more on the study read the original post here.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Ginger and Sumatriptan: More Information

It was only last month that we talked about taking ginger to fight the pain of headache and migraine, as well as other symptoms.  Actually, ginger has long been a popular treatment for nausea, which is used regularly by doctors.

But a recent study in the journal Phytotherapy Research set out to investigate ginger specifically as a migraine abortive.

In a study of 100 patients, each patient received either sumatriptan (ie Imitrex) or ginger powder.  They did not know which one they were getting.

This was an abortive treatment, taken for 5 migraine attacks.  So what were the results?

• After 2 hours:  with either treatment, there was a significant decrease in “mean headaches severity”.  Both treatments helped about the same amount.
• Patient satisfaction:  About the same for either treatment.
• Side effects:  Fewer in ginger, more in sumatriptan.

In the end, then, the treatments were very similar.  It would be interesting to know more about individual symptoms.  For example, did ginger help more with nausea?  Inflammation?

But the main benefit of ginger seems to be the lack of side effects, although that doesn’t mean you can just take all the ginger you want without checking with your doctor (especially if you’re diabetic, have a heart condition, or are pregnant).

Ginger powder capsules may be worth a look (such as these standardized ginger capsules), especially for those who haven’t been helped by triptans, or those who are concerned about side effects and long term effects of triptans.

Study abstract:  Comparison Between the Efficacy of Ginger and Sumatriptan in the Ablative Treatment of the Common Migraine

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Can you kill Migraine Pain with Ginger instead of Triptans?

1. Warm up / Cool down
2. Start slow / end slow  (don’t suddenly start/stop intense exercise programs)
3. Hydrate
4. Posture
5. Mild preventative medication  (talk to your doctor)
6. Take something salty  (salt tablets are recommended only for very intense exercise in heat. Otherwise, try tomato juice or pretzels)
7. Glucose tablets
8. NSAIDs (ie Advil)  (talk to your doctor)
9. Stay steady  (Exercise programs that constantly “change things up” and “surprise the body” may not be best for you)

Obviously the graphic doesn’t give a lot of extra information.  But do check out End exercise induced headache and Get a Headache after Working Out? (don’t miss the comments!)

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Exercise Headache: 9 Tips (Graphic)

Congratulations to Gail in Australia, who was one of the people who has (so far) taken the time to share a recipe!  I promised to give away a cookbook once a few recipes were posted – and so here’s the first giveaway!

Gail will be receiving a copy of Michele Sharp’s The Migraine Cookbook: More than 100 Healthy and Delicious Recipes for Migraine Sufferers.

The book is available on Kindle using the link to the right.  For amazon UK, click here.

I’ll probably be giving away more cookbooks in the future, so keep those recipes rolling in!

Thanks again, Gail!

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Congrats, Gail! (1 Cookbook)

Recently “The Doctors” discussed migraine – and even mentioned TheraSpecs, the migraine-fighting lenses that we’ve discussed here before.

via The Daily Headache

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Migraine and TheraSpecs on “The Doctors” (video)

Researchers at the University of California have discovered a new genetic link to migraine – and a rare sleep disorder – that may get us closer to the cause of migraine than ever before.

First, a note.  Last week on Facebook, Damien Higgins posted the following:  There was Migraine News today that made many of the international news channels and you havnt even mentioned it!!! this page is not exactly on the ball, is it!!!http://news.sky.com/story/1085914/hope-for-migraine-sufferers-after-genes-find

Well, I have no particular excuse for not mentioning this story sooner, other than to say that this website has not yet reached the level of perfection that I or Damien may want!

That being said, many stories hit “international news” and are really hardly worth mentioning, in my opinion.  Honestly, a lot of migraine news is old news, poorly reported, blown out of proportion, or in reality not useful.  And sometimes it’s worth taking the extra time to research the news a little more before repeating the same thing here.

Regarding genetics and migraine, we’ve discussed a lot of discoveries here.  In fact, back in 2010 we talked about a similar news story – Found: Genetic Link to “Basic” Migraine

We’ve also talked about something critical to understand – Migraine: Why Genetic Studies haven’t Solved all our Problems.

In Damien’s defence, however, this news story is worth mentioning.  And I won’t claim that the Sky news report is overblown, although most migraineurs are probably tired of seeing the same old headline – “Hope for Migraine Sufferers…”!

Study Overview

First, we need to be cautious about claiming that we’ve “finally found the genetic cause of common migraine”.  This is not the first time genetic mutations have been linked with common forms of migraine.  There are some unique things about this study which we’ll discuss in a moment, but it’s a tricky thing to prove that a genetic mutation is the cause or even related to “most” migraine attacks.

Researchers were actually looking at two conditions: Migraine and Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome.  This sleep syndrome causes you to go to sleep earlier (ie in the evening) and get up earlier (ie between 1 and 5 am).

Researchers found two families in which many members had both conditions (in this case, the sleep disorder would be called familial advanced sleep phase syndrome).

To make a long story short, it was discovered that two related gene mutations were highly associated with both conditions.

Now mice who had one of these mutations (CKIδ-T44A) were also researched.  These mice had a lower threshold for cortical spreading depression (CSD), a storm that sweeps across the brain that is considered a key part of the migraine chain reaction.  In other words, they were more likely to get CSD.

These mice were more sensitive to pain, and astrocytes (certain neurological cells) showed increased calcium signalling, which may relate to parts of the migraine reaction as well.

Now the research on CKIδ-T44A and the mice and migraine is not new.  Neither is the link between these two mutations and advanced sleep phase syndrome.  However, the link with the two mutations and the two conditions – migraine and advanced sleep phase syndrome is.

You might be a little underwhelmed that we’re just talking about two families, and a rare sleep disorder, and just another two mutations after we’ve already linked others with migraine.

However, this is how a lot of good research starts.

These mutations are linked.  And the most important finding may not be the mutations themselves, but what they point to.

For one thing, they both influence a special protein known a connexin 43 (Cx43).  Even if these particular genetic mutations don’t turn out to be common in migraineurs, there could be other factors that are impacting Cx43, and so that might be the direction that future research takes.

I’ve intentionally avoided getting into all the specific mechanisms of these mutations in order to focus on the practical implications.  But if you’re interested in the more technical aspects, you can read the study abstract:  Casein Kinase Iδ Mutations in Familial Migraine and Advanced Sleep Phase and a discussion of the findings at Gene Mutations Tied to Migraine, Sleep Disorder.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Another Genetic Link to Migraine?

MAV is a possible symptom of migraine disease (not a type of migraine).

Vertigo: the world is moving or spinning around you

About 25%-35% of migraineurs experience vertigo.
It’s usually accompanied by other migraine symptoms.

Patients need a proper diagnosis.  Is it migraine? if so, what type?

MAV is often a symptom of:

• Basilar-type Migraine
• Familial Hemiplegic Migraine
• Migraine with Aura

For more information:

• Migraine Associated Vertigo Symptoms
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

What is Migraine Associated Vertigo?

Sometimes it can be challenging to diagnose post-concussion syndrome symptoms.  And without a proper diagnosis, proper treatment can be hard to find.

As we’ve mentioned before, a concussion is actually a form of brain injury.  To say “It’s just a mild concussion” as if it won’t have any lasting consequences is a misleading.

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can vary.  The common ones include headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.  There are also rarer symptoms such as hearing loss, impaired judgment, and trouble speaking.  Here’s more on post concussion syndrome symptoms.

But here’s the problem.  First, it’s not easy to just do a test and find out if you have PCS.  Yes, your doctor may call for a CT scan, and that may help with he diagnosis.  But it may not confirm that you have PCS.

Second, as you may have noticed, many of these symptoms are common in other types of headache.  PCS can look very much like migraine, or like tension-type headache.

So how can you help your doctor properly diagnose your symptoms?

First, your doctor will want to know how things have changed and when they changed.  Symptoms like these will probably appear within a few days to up to four weeks after your injury.  Thankfully, the symptoms usually do go away fairly soon, especially if you can get to a doctor and get them diagnosed early on.

Your doctor will also need to know your medical history.  Other conditions and diseases may be impacting your symptoms – things like migraine, depression, insomnia, and so on.

So do pay attention to symptoms and timing as much as you can while you’re preparing for your visit to the doctor.  Your doctor will ask you some questions and may call for some tests.  Treatment can involve several different things depending on your symptoms.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Why some people don’t recognize post-concussion syndrome symptoms

It’s probably one of the most common questions I hear (or see).  Basically, someone has a headache – maybe it’s getting worse and worse – and they don’t know what to do.

A lot of different people fit into this category.  Maybe they’ve had something similar a few times, and they’re getting fed up.  Maybe it feels like it’s the worst headache they’ve ever had.  Maybe they get headaches all the time, but have never really taken the time to stop and look for answers.

So you have a headache – a bad headache.  What should you do?

What to do when you get a headache…

1. Recognize that this is not “normal”.  You should not “just live with it”.  It’s not “just your imagination”.  It’s not something “everyone just has to deal with”.
2. See a doctor.  If this is something that has happened many times, you could schedule an appointment for next week and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.  If it’s the worst headache you’ve ever had, or the symptoms have changed, or it’s the first headache of its kind that you’ve ever had, get to a doctor now.  Pay attention to your symptoms and tell the doctor anything you can.  Yes, a headache can be a sign of something very serious.
3. Do NOT take someone else’s prescription medication.  Medications and even dosages can vary drastically based on your weight, your age, your medical history, your symptoms, and other factors.  Medication that is considered “safe” for one person can be dangerous for someone else.  Resist the temptation.
4. Be very cautious with “over the counter” medications, and supplements.  It’s usually not a bad thing, in rare cases, to take an Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (paracetamol/acetaminophen) while you’re waiting to see the doctor.  However, recognize that almost any medication – and many supplements – have the potential to make your symptoms worse over time.  Herbal supplements and vitamin treatments can be dangerous because they’re not regulated in the same way as drugs usually are.  Taking a couple of painkillers before going to the doctor isn’t usually a problem.  Avoiding the doctor and taking painkillers every week is.
5. Cautiously consider “home remedies”.  I’ve already talked about vitamins and herbs and things like that.  Here I’m talking about other things you can do to soothe your headache (while you’re waiting to see a doctor).  This may mean lying down in a dark room.  A cold pack on the head.  Breathing exercises.  A warm bath.  A cup of tea.  There are many things you can try, depending on the type of headache you have.  There’s no magic formula for everyone, but there are a number of things that can help you feel better.  There may come a time to get a friend to watch the kids, to take the day off work, and deal with the pain.  Sometimes you have to keep going, but many of us keep going to the detriment of our future health.  (PS – don’t spend two hours scouring the internet for home remedies.  Just do something now that will help you feel a little better.)
6. Make a note of your symptoms.  The more you can do this, the better your doctor can help you.  How bad is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10?  When did it start?  Does light bother you?  Is the pain pounding, or sharp, or a constant pressure?  What makes it worse?  What helps you feel better?  All these details can help you get the treatment you need.
7. Don’t be overwhelmed with information.  There’s a lot of information on this site and elsewhere that can be a lot of help as time goes by.  But be careful about printing off too much information before you’ve even talked to your doctor.  A headache can be caused be a lot of different things, and there are countless treatments.  Take things one step at a time.

Yes, but my Doctor isn’t helping Me!

Sadly, there are times when this initial visit to the doctor is less than helpful.  I’ll write more about that situation later.  But in the mean time, here are a couple of things to keep in mind…

1. If your doctor says it’s not “serious” – she may actually be telling you that she’s fairly certain that your condition is not life-threatening.  And that’s not a bad thing.  Ok, maybe she doesn’t realize the pain you’re going through, or maybe she’s taking it too lightly.  But she does have a lot of training, and she has seen a lot of patients, and it’s possible that she’s not just trying to get you out of her office.  Don’t assume immediately that your doctor doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
2. At the same time – don’t be afraid to find another doctor.  If you really feel that your doctor isn’t listening, or simply that you need another opinion – take the time to go to someone else.  I know it’s frustrating, and that you shouldn’t have to go through all this trouble when you already feel terrible.  But your health is important.  And this is something to take seriously.

Conclusion

I know you’re in pain, and I know it was a pain to read all of this, and I know you want to relieve the pain NOW.  Trust me, I’ve been there.  And I’m trying to save you a lot of pain down the road.

This post doesn’t answer all of your questions.  That’s because I want you to focus on what you need to focus on first – noting your symptoms, and getting to a doctor.  It’s not a solution, but it’s critical to start there.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Help! I have a Headache!

Class: Migraine Preventative

Possible Benefits:

• General migraine attack preventative
• Reduce Pain
• Anti-inflamatory
• Reduce sensitivity to light/noise

Suggested dose: 100mg – 300mg / day

Tips:  Look for a supplement which contains 0.2% or higher parthenolides.

Warnings: If you’re using blood thinners or other prescription medications, talk to your doctor.

For more information, read Can you get feverfew migraine relief?

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Feverfew for Migraine