prevention

New Drugs to Help Prevent Migraine in Development

by

Earlier this year at the American Academy of Neurology’s 66th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, two studies were presented which may be intriguing for those who suffer from migraine headaches. The studies explored the use of potential drugs to prevent migraine attacks from occurring. In both studies monoclonal antibodies were explored which target the calcitonin gene related peptide CGRP. Researchers have believed that CGRP is useful for migraine but drugs were never developed for it previously. One of the studies looked at 163 people who suffered from migraine between 5 and 14 days per month. These individuals received either a placebo or a IV dose of a drug ALD403. The individuals were followed for a period of 24 weeks. Those who received ALD403 had an average of 5.6 fewer migraine days per month compared to 4.6 fewer migraine days per month for … Read more

Melatonin may be more effective than Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention

by

Melatonin is an over the counter supplement and it has shown to be more effective than placebo for migraine prevention. In addition, it has a more favorable adverse effect profile than the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. A study from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed that 3 mg of melatonin was more effective than placebo and had similar efficacy as 25 mg of amitriptyline. In addition, melatonin is better tolerated then amitriptyline without as much daytime sleepiness and no side effects of weight gain. Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep and wake cycle. It is often used to aid with sleep and help with jet lag. I have used melatonin (3mg or more most nights) to aid with falling asleep when it was suggested by a physician due to trouble falling asleep ever since having a … Read more

Daily Preventative Therapies Can Reduce Migraine

by

The American Academy of Neurology/American Headache Society Guidelines released earlier in April 2012, provide evidence-based and effective treatments that can prevent migraine attacks and lessen their severity. They state 38% of migraine sufferers require preventive therapy, but just 3%  to 13% currently use any preventatives. Some patients are taking preventatives that have never been shown to work. The guidelines show that prevention of migraines requires daily medication. Mark Green, MD, director of the Headache Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York says “If these guidelines are used widely, we will be able to up the odds of reducing headaches by 50 percent…Evidence is building to suggest that if we allow migraines to progress, the frequency of attacks may increase, and they may also become harder to treat.” The guidelines panel found the following: • The anti-seizure medications … Read more

How to Prevent Gum Disease and Cavities

by

The following is a Guest Post by Dr. Richard Mitchell who has been a dentist for over 30 years and has experience in 6 different countries. Dr. Richard Mitchell has a website with excellent dental advice at  dental-health-advice.com It’s impossible to guarantee problem-free teeth,  but you can stack the odds in your favor by following a short routine each day! FIFTEEN MINUTES A DAY. That’s all it takes to really make a difference.  Can you find 15 minutes? Here’s a bonus. You don’t have to spend those fifteen minutes in the bathroom – with a little practice,  you can do most of the work sitting on the couch watching TV! OK,  what are the things to do? First of all,  don’t worry about the brand of toothbrush.  Like Lance Armstrong said,  “it’s not the bike”.  When we’re talking about getting … Read more