As we approach the Fourth of July, it's important to remember those who have served our country amidst our celebrations. Veterans face a higher risk of health issues as a result of deployment, and migraines are no exception. Various aspects of deployment can increase the risk of migraine headaches in veterans. Many combat veterans and active military personnel have suffered some form of head injury. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reported that more than 499,852 U.S. servicemen were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) from 2000 to 2023. It is estimated that 45% of veteran ..read more

The phrase "have you tried exercise?" is all too familiar to any chronically ill person, including migraine sufferers. Well-meaning friends, family members, and even health professionals often make this suggestion to help combat the pain or discomfort one experiences routinely. So, what about migraines and exercise—do they actually help? How Exercise Can Help Exercise is a helpful tool when it comes to alleviating certain levels of pain and mental health issues associated with migraines. Studies show that people who suffer from migraines and exercise have less frequent migraines that are less ..read more

Introduction: Migraines are more than just headaches; they are complex neurological disorders that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While environmental factors such as stress, diet, and sleep can trigger migraines, genetics also play a crucial role in predisposing individuals to this condition. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of migraines is essential for developing more effective treatments and improving the lives of millions of people who suffer from this condition. Genetic Factors in Migraines Research has shown that migraines tend to run in families, suggesting ..read more

Introduction: Migraines are more than just headaches; they are complex neurological disorders that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While environmental factors such as stress, diet, and sleep can trigger migraines, genetics also play a crucial role in predisposing individuals to this condition. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of migraines is essential for developing more effective treatments and improving the lives of millions of people who suffer from this condition.   Genetic Factors in Migraines: Research has shown that migraines tend to run in families, sug ..read more

If you believe stress triggers your migraines, you are not alone. Four out of five people who suffer migraines report stress as a primary cause of migraine attacks.  Sometimes a migraine occurs during a period of relaxation after a period of high stress. In fact, a study in 2014 found that migraineurs who experienced stress reduction from one day to the next were significantly more likely to have a migraine the next day, which seems totally not fair! Researchers believe changes in the level of certain brain chemicals, like serotonin, that regulate pain may cause migraines. Stress ca ..read more

Most people spend the majority of their day at work. Because one in four women and one in sixteen men suffer from migraines, the probability is high that you have employees who are migraineurs — people who get migraines. Upwards of 113 million workdays are lost to migraines annually, and the total indirect costs associated with migraine is around $19.3 billion, 81% of which can be attributed to absenteeism. However, migraines also impact “presenteeism.” An employee may be at work, but their productivity lags. Over three-quarters of migraineurs report a migraine makes them less productive at w ..read more

Migraine attacks are no joke. Even if you suffer chronic migraines and use lifestyle choices and preventative medication, you can still suffer an attack that requires abortive treatment. Abortive treatment is an acute migraine treatment to shorten or stop the symptoms of a migraine attack. Acute treatments are meant to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible so you can go about your day or at least get you home in one piece for further head pain resolution.  Acute migraine treatments should relieve your pain within two to four hours and have you functioning normally in three to ..read more

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord. Some of the symptoms in the early stages are similar to migraine attacks, leading to diagnosing challenges and suggesting a potential connection between MS and migraines. Some research shows people with MS experience more headaches, including migraines, compared to the general population. Around 30%  of people with MS report experiencing migraine, while the percentage for the general population is about half that. There is a higher prevalence of migraine and MS in American and Af ..read more

What if stopping a migraine in its tracks was as simple as inhaling? Abortive migraine medication in the form of a nasal spray makes it a possibility. Nasal mist medications are nothing new, and sprays containing migraine treatment have been available for some time. The list includes triptans, ergotamine, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory called ketorolac.  Here is an overview of migraine treatments in nasal spray form. Types of Migraine Medication Migraine medication consists of two types - abortive and preventative. Abortive medications begin to ease migraine symptoms during an acut ..read more

We've long known about dietary triggers for migraines. Still, in a spot of good news, research suggests a link between dietary fiber and migraine attacks. A study published in Frontiers of Nutrition shows that lacking dietary fiber could contribute to migraines.  Unfortunately, most people take in less than the daily recommended volume of fiber, which could increase the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks among the 18% of the global population who experience migraines.  Skipping meals and poor eating habits can drive migraine attack frequency and severity. If you f ..read more