The Migraine Relief Center Blog

Many migraine sufferers find that their headaches are often associated with feelings of anxiety or depression, and wonder if the two conditions are related. Plenty of research has been done to investigate the likelihood of either anxiety or depression leading to migraine, with results indicating that there is actually a connection.

Cluster headaches are one of the most debilitating conditions you can experience, particularly if you get them often. They’re also one of the most frustrating to identify and diagnose, and medical science is unclear as to the real cause. It’s believed that overstimulation of the hypothalamus is the primary cause, however. This is the section of the brain that regulates our sleep patterns, and its disturbance results in the development of headaches.

On the popular television sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, a recent episode dealt with a physiological issue that affects millions of people around the world, but not most of them are barely aware of it. One very interesting aspect of The Big Bang Theory is the way it cleverly makes fun of scientific topics, particularly those dealing with physics, but a recent episode actually dealt with an anatomic condition that is known to be a trigger of migraine attacks.

Some migraine specialists believe that most of their patients are not aware that they suffer from sleep breathing disorders. These are patients who tend to blame their migraines whenever they don't get a good night's sleep or when they feel restless and anxious. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a temporary cessation of breathing when patients are in a soporific state; the most severe cases are obstructive and result in harsh snoring and gasping for air that may interrupt sleep several...

Despite its growing popularity worldwide, the National Football League (NFL) seems to be in a constant state of turmoil. One of the NFL's most complicated legal challenges is the ongoing lawsuit filed by former and current players who accuse the league of not doing enough to prevent serious concussions and the high incidence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that have become an unfortunate staple of the most popular spectator sport in the United States. 

When summer comes around and the temperatures become warmer, perfume designers and manufacturers tend to switch their marketing efforts away from fragrances that have earthy, musky, woodsy, and spicy overtones in favor of fruity and flowery scents that are lighter. There is a clinical reason behind this change from full scents such as pine to lighter ones such as citrus, and it has to do migraines.

Epidural anesthesia is applied in nearly half of all births in the United States and the United Kingdom; however, there has been a surging interest in natural, drug-free deliveries in the last few years. Many expecting mothers are now considering giving birth at home and with the assistance of midwives and doulas. Such is the case of singer Kimberley Walsh of the pop musical group Girls Aloud, who has combined singing lessons with breathing exercises to help her during labor. 

A recent case reviewed by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) involves employees from a national auto parts retailer who claim that their boss did not accommodate their requests to accommodate their health conditions; specifically, a herniated disc and chronic migraines. What makes this alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interesting is that the health conditions of the complaining employees are often related to each other. After all,...

Monosodium glutamate, frequently abbreviated as MSG, is one of the most widely misunderstood food ingredients. It is an excellent flavor enhancer and industrial food additive that helps to augment the shelf life of processed food, but it has also been named in several studies that link MSG to cardiac issues, obesity and other health issues. MSG is also believed to trigger migraine episodes in many patients, but it is important to understand the basis for this belief.

The migraine condition is not defined or treated in a singular manner. Headache specialists recommend a range of treatments that may be preventative, symptomatic or both; the approach and treatment strategies will largely depend on the diagnosis and various other factors. There is no cure for migraines, but there is a considerable range of treatment options. Blood pressure medications are often prescribed to migraine patients, but the link between hypertension and migraines is a bit intricate.