Reduction Of Migraine Attacks Research Articles

CGRP Antagonism and Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Migraine.

The study of migraine is based on the complexity of the pathology, both at the pathophysiological and epidemiological levels. Although it affects more than a billion people worldwide, it is often underestimated and underreported by patients. Migraine must not be confused with a simple headache; it is a serious and disabling disease that causes considerable limitations in the daily life of afflicted people, including social, work, and emotional effects. Therefore, it causes a daily state of suffering and discomfort. It is important to point out that this pathology not only has a decisive impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it but also on their families and, more generally, on society as a whole. The clinical picture of migraine is complex, with debilitating unilateral or bilateral head pain, and is often associated with characteristic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Hormonal, environmental, psychological, dietary, or other factors can trigger it. The present review focuses on the analysis of the physiopathological and pharmacological aspects of migraine, up to the correct dietary approach, with specific nutritional interventions aimed at modulating the symptoms. Based on the symptoms that the patient experiences, targeted and specific therapy is chosen to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Specifically, the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathogenesis of migraine is analyzed, along with the drugs that effectively target the corresponding receptor. Particularly, CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants) are very effective drugs in the treatment of migraine, given their high diffusion in the brain. Moreover, following a ketogenic diet for only one or two months has been demonstrated to reduce migraine attacks. In this review, we highlight the diverse facets of migraine, from its physiopathological and pharmacological aspects to prevention and therapy.

Patent foramen ovale closure reduces migraine burden: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in selected patients. On the other hand, the efficacy of PFO closure in reducing migraine attacks remains a matter of debate. Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared PFO closure plus medical therapy to medical therapy alone for the management of migraine. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed through December 10, 2022. The main efficacy endpoints were the complete cessation of migraine, the mean reduction in monthly migraine days and the mean reduction in monthly migraine attacks. The main safety outcome was the occurrence of major procedure related adverse events. Results Our search retrieved 667 results. Three randomized controlled trials including 448 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 231 patients (mean age 43.4±10.5 years) underwent PFO closure, while 217 (43.7±10.6) were treated conservatively with medical therapy. In the medical treatment group, 190 patients underwent a sham procedure. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 months. Overall, no significant association between PFO closure and complete migraine cessation was observed [Hazard Ration 3.31, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.72 – 15.17 – Figure 1). On the other hand, PFO closure was associated with a significant reduction in the mean number of migraine days per month [mean difference (MD): 1.23, 95% CI: 0.44-2.10, p=0.024, Figure 2A] as well as with a significant decrease in monthly migraine attacks (MD: 0.58, 95%CI : 0.25-0.91, p=0.017, Figure 2B). In respect of efficacy endpoint, a total of 9 transient, procedure related adverse events, including access-site bleeding, hematoma and tachycardia were reported in the implantation group. Conclusions PFO closure plus medical treatment compared to medical treatment alone was related with fewer and shorter migraine attacks. These results suggest clinical benefit of PFO closure in selected patients with migraine.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Prophylactic Treatment for Patients with Migraine Using Blue Cut for Night Glass

Objectives Migraine is a disease that leads to social loss due to a decrease in productivity since it is a primary headache with a high prevalence and readily occurs in working-age persons. As described in the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version), migraine causes hypersensitivity, especially photosensitivity, during attacks, suggesting that light is an inducer of headaches. We developed Blue Cut for Night (BCN) glass, which reduces light stimulation to intrinsically photosensitive continental ganglion cells (ipRGCs), photoreceptors that can lead to exacerbation of migraine attacks. Methods Ten patients with migraine participated in the study. Each participant was made to wear BCN glasses only at night for four weeks. The number of headache days and Headache Impact Test-6 values before and after using the BCN glasses were compared. Results When the 10 patients with migraine wore the BCN glass at night only for 4 weeks, the number of headache days within that time tended to decrease (7.0±4.37 days) compared to before wearing the glasses (8.7±5.03 days). No participants had any side effects. Conclusion BCN glass, which reduces light stimulation to ipRGCs, was suggested to be a tool for reducing migraine attacks.

Course of Preexisting Migraine Following Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BackgroundOur objective was to observe the course of preexisting migraine following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with and without craniotomy.MethodsWe designed an exploratory analysis and hypothesis-generating study of prospectively collected data starting by recruiting patients suffering from SAH with the Hunt and Hess scale score of ≤ 4. Out of 994 cases, we identified 46 patients with preexisting active migraine defined by at least four attacks in the year before SAH. According to the treatment, we subdivided the patients into two groups: the first group included patients with surgical aneurysm clipping with transection of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and accompanying trigeminal nerve branches and the second group included patients with endovascular aneurysm coiling or without any interventional treatment. During the follow-up, we recorded the course of migraine frequency, duration, intensity, and character.ResultsFor both groups (craniotomy n = 31, without craniotomy n = 15), a significant improvement regarding the preexisting migraine during a mean follow-up of 46 months (min. 12 months, max. 114 months) was seen regarding complete remission or at least >50% reduction in migraine attacks (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01). On comparing the groups, this effect was significantly more pronounced in patients with craniotomy (for no recurrence of migraine: p = 0.049). After craniotomy, 77.4% of the patients had no further attacks of migraine headache and 19.4% showed a reduction of >50% while only 2.2% did not report any relevant change. In the non-surgical group, 46.7% had no further migraine attacks, 20% had a reduction of >50%, while no change was noted in 33.3%.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that the dura mater might be related to migraine headaches and that transection of the MMA and accompanying trigeminal dural nerve branches might disrupt the pathway leading to a reduction of migraine attacks. However, coiling alone ameliorated migraine complaints.

Review on Headache Related to Dietary Supplements.

The lifetime prevalence of headaches is 96%. Approximately 11% of the adult population worldwide has a migraine headache. Migraine is a complex disorder that is more than a simple headache. So far, many underlying mechanisms, i.e. inflammatory, vascular, neurogenic have been hypothesized. In recent years evidences proposed that an energy deficit due to changes in mitochondrial function contributes to migraine pathophysiology as an upstream disorder. Recent insights suggested that the coexistence of sensory-stimuli surplus and energy-reserve shortage activate the trigeminovascular system. Some nutrients are considered as essential elements in mitochondrial bioenergetics and some others are known as natural immuno-modulatory components. Also, evidence showed their beneficial effect in headache prophylaxis and treatment. In present study, we aimed to review the available data in this field. Vitamin B group, magnesium, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are well-known for their function in mitochondrial energy metabolism. On the other hand, studies support their beneficial role in controlling migraine headache symptoms. For instance, daily intake of 400-milligram riboflavin for 3 months resulted in more than 50% reduction in migraine attacks in more than half of the consumers. According to recent evidence, vitamin D and Omega-3 which are considered as famous immune-modulatory compounds are also reported to be effective in migraine prophylaxis. For example, every 22% reduction in migraine headache occurrence was reported for every 5 ng/ml rise in serum vitamin D. Supplementation with vitamin B group, CoQ10, magnesium, vitamin D and Omega-3 could be considered as an effective, less costly strategy in headache/migraine prophylaxis.

Migraine and atrial fibrillation: a systematic review

Patients with migraine are at increased risk of stroke. The aim was to systematically review the current literature on the association between migraine and atrial fibrillation, which is a relevant risk factor for stroke. PubMed was searched for 'migraine' AND 'atrial fibrillation' and selected original investigations on the association of migraine and atrial fibrillation for our analysis. Articles without original data, such as guidelines, narrative reviews, editorials and others, were excluded. In all, 109 publications were found. Twenty-two were included and analysed for this review. The population-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study showed a significant association of migraine with visual aura and incident atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.62, p = 0.02), but not for migraine without aura, compared to non-headache persons after multivariable adjustment for vascular risk factors. An even larger population-based study in Denmark confirmed this association (odds ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.36). Studies investigating patients with ischaemic stroke and migraine are methodologically insufficient and provide contradictory results. Ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation in patients with migraine might reduce migraine attacks, but transient post-ablation new-onset migraine-like headaches in persons without a history of migraine have also been reported. Population-based studies indicate a significant association of migraine with aura and atrial fibrillation. In practical terms, screening for atrial fibrillation in patients who have a long history of migraine might be reasonable, whereas in patients with stroke or other disorders and migraine extensive screening for atrial fibrillation should be performed as in all patients without migraine.

Integrative Medicine Clinical Centers Keys to Success: Innovative Programming, Education, and Collaboration

Integrative Medicine Clinical Centers Keys to Success: Innovative Programming, Education, and Collaboration

The Efficacy of Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure on Migraine: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

Objectives Whether patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is effective on migraine is controversial. This article was aimed at assessing the efficacy of PFO closure on migraine based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to October 2020 evaluating PFO closure versus control in patients with migraine, then conducted a meta-analysis of all RCTs and observational studies, respectively. The main outcomes were (1) respond rate: complete cessation of migraine; (2) reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks per month; and (3) reduction in migraine days per month. Results Seven studies (3 RCTs and 4 observational studies), containing 887 migraine patients, were identified. (1) The respond rate of PFO closure on migraine was significantly higher than control group both in RCT subgroup and observational studies subgroup (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.35-11.04, P = 0.01 in RCTs; OR 8.28, 95% CI 2.31-29.67, P = 0.001 in observational studies). (2) Reduction in frequency of migraine attacks was higher in PFO closure group compared with control group in the RCT subgroup analysis (mean difference (MD) = 0.57, 95% CI 0.23-0.90, P = 0.0009). (3) Reduction in migraine days was also higher in PFO closure group compared with control group in the RCT subgroup analysis (MD = 1.33, 95% CI 0.35-2.31, P = 0.008). Conclusions PFO closure might be suitable for migraine patients, especially for migraine with aura, by cessation of migraine headaches or reducing migraine attacks and migraine days.

Mild systemic inflammation enhances response to OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraineurs

The anti-inflammatory effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) has been a matter of discussion for many years. In chronic migraine, however, increased pro-inflammatory state is associated with good response to OnabotA. We aimed to investigate whether a mild systemic inflammatory state elicited by a common oral infection (periodontitis) could enhance treatment response to OnabotA. In this study, we included 61 chronic migraineurs otherwise healthy treated with OnabotA of which 7 were poor responders and 54 good responders. Before receiving OnabotA therapy, all participants underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination and blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Periodontitis was present in 70.4% of responders and 28.6% of non-responders (P = 0.042). Responders showed greater levels of inflammation than non-responders (IL-6: 15.3 ± 8.7 vs. 9.2 ± 4.7 ng/mL, P = 0.016; CGRP: 18.8 ± 7.6 vs. 13.0 ± 3.1 pg/mL, P = 0.002; and hs-CRP: 3.9 ± 6.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.003). A linear positive correlation was found between the amount of periodontal tissue inflamed in the oral cavity and markers of inflammation (IL-6: r = 0.270, P = 0.035; CGRP: r = 0.325, P = 0.011; and hs-CRP: r = 0.370, P = 0.003). This report shows that in presence of elevated systemic inflammatory markers related to periodontitis, OnabotA seems to reduce migraine attacks. The changes of scheduled inflammatory parameters after treatment and subsequent assessment during an adequate period still need to be done.

Migraine Preventive Therapy; Focus on β-blockers; Literature Review

Migraine is an unpleasant neurological disorder characterized by frequent severe headache attacks associated with nausea, phonophobia, or photophobia with or without aura. Preventive treatment is an essential part of migraine management if it is indicated in certain circumstances. &beta;-blockers are widely used for reducing migraine attacks frequency and severity for a long time with favorable adverse effects profile.&nbsp;The prevalence of migraine is approximately 12% in the general adult pop

The potential danger of blocking CGRP for treating migraine in CADASIL patients.

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited small vessel disease characterised by recurrent ischemic stroke, cognitive decline progressing to dementia, psychiatric disturbances and apathy. More than half of mutation carriers suffer from migraine, most often migraine with aura. Recently, a CADASIL patient was treated with a monoclonal antibody targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. Monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP system have been demonstrated to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in reducing migraine attacks. There is, however, abundant evidence that CGRP is important in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis under (patho)physiological conditions. CGRP may act as a vasodilatory safeguard during cerebral and cardiac ischemia and blockage of the system could, therefore, potentially worsen ischemic events. Therefore, we caution against treating patients with small vessel diseases, such as the monogenic disorder CADASIL, with these drugs until relevant safety data and long term follow up results are available. Alternative preventive migraine treatments in CADASIL may be acetazolamide, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, verapamil, or flunarizine.

Manual acupuncture versus sham acupuncture and usual care for prophylaxis of episodic migraine without aura: multicentre, randomised clinical trial

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of manual acupuncture as prophylactic treatment for acupuncture naive patients with episodic migraine without aura.DesignMulticentre, randomised, controlled clinical trial with blinded participants, outcome assessment, and statistician.SettingSeven...

Effect of Propranolol with and without Rosuvastatin on Migraine Attacks: A Triple Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim: To investigate the effect of rosuvastatin in combination with propranolol in reducing migraine attacks. Patients &amp; methods: In a clinical trial study with census method, 120 patients with migraine headache were included. Patients were randomly assigned (using block randomization) to either propranolol (10 mg twice a day) with rosuvastatin (10 mg daily; intervention group [n = 60]) or propranolol (10 mg twice a day) with placebo (control [n = 60]). Results: The numbers of attacks were significantly decreased in the intervention group at the end of second, third and fourth weeks from the beginning of the intervention (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with migraine, concomitant administration of propranolol (10 mg twice a day) and rosuvastatin (10 mg daily) is effective in reducing migraine attacks.

Effects of Perceived Social Support, Depression and Anxiety Levels on Migraine.

The aim of the current study was to assess the levels of anxiety and depression and to determine relationships between perceived social support and other factors in migraine patients and to compare with the control group. The study was a cross-sectional study with 37 migraine patients and 40 control patients. The diagnosis of migraine was established according to the International Headache Society criteria. Patients completed a questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic characteristics, migraine severity (frequency and visual analogue scale score) and scales which are used for the determination of depression, anxiety and social support. Correlation analyses revealed that Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were positively correlated with anxiety scores; however, they were not correlated with the clinical characteristics of migraine. Whereas, anxiety scores were correlated with the number of days with migraine pain and the number of migraine attacks in a month. However, VAS scores were not correlated with anxiety scores. Furthermore, social support scores were found to be negatively correlated with depression and anxiety scores. In the migraine group, median BDI score was 10.0 (0.0-44.0), median STAI score was 81.0 (44.0-131.0), in the control group, median BDI score was 6.0 (0.0-24.0), median STAI score was 75.0 (62.0-95.0). BDI, STAI-Trait and STAI-Total scores were higher in the migraine group than in the control group. The MSPSS score was found to be lower in the migraine group than in the control group. Depression and anxiety scores higher in the migraine group than control group. We believe our results support the suggestion that anxiety and depression are associated with migraine. Additionally, social support may be critical in the prevention or reduction of migraine attacks as it was found to affect the anxiety and depression scores of patients with migraine.

Increased Hemoglobin and Plateletcrit Levels Indicating Hemoconcentration in Pediatric Patients with Migraine.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Fluid intake was reported to reduce migraine attacks. This may be due to its effect on hemoconcentration. Hemoconcentration may manifest itself by increasing in the hemoglobin and platelet-related values. This study aimed to reveal hemoconcentration by evaluating complete blood cell counts in attack-free periods of pediatric patients with migraine.Materials and Methods:Consecutive children with migraine (n = 70) and tension-type headache (TTH) (n = 65) were compared with the control groups. Control 1 (n = 70) and control 2 (n = 60) groups consisted of age- and gender-matched patients, respectively. Control 2 group patients had gastrointestinal symptoms leading to fluid loss, which may have caused hemoconcentration. To evaluate hemoglobin and platelets together, the M1-value was created by multiplying hemoglobin level by plateletcrit.Results:The M1-value was higher in the migraine group than in control 1 and TTH groups (P = 0.017 and 0.034) and the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were also higher in the migraine group than in control 2 group (P = 0.013 and 0.012). Female patients with migraine had higher hemoglobin levels as compared to the female patients in control group 1 (P = 0.041). Male patients with migraine had higher M1-values than the male patients in control group 1 (P = 0.034). In the subgroup of migraine with aura (n = 10), folic acid was significantly lower than the other patients with migraine (P = 0.02).Conclusion:This study suggests that migraine may be accompanied with hemoconcentration in children.

Manual therapy as a prophylactic treatment for migraine: design of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPeople with migraine often experience disability with serious consequences for their social life and work productivity. The pharmacological prophylactic management of migraine is effective in reducing migraine attacks. However, many people are reluctant to use daily prophylactic medication, leading to a demand for non-pharmacological treatment options. We present the design for and discuss the feasibility of a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a multimodal manual therapy (MT) treatment compared to usual care by the general practitioner (GP) for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.MethodsEligible participants will be recruited in primary care using the International Classification of Headache Disorders III criteria for migraine of the International Headache Society. Participants will be randomized to either multimodal MT treatment or usual care provided by the GP. GPs will be asked to treat the usual care group according to the Dutch GP guideline for headache. The multimodal MT intervention will include manual pressure techniques, neck muscle-strength exercises and mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine.The trial will consist of a 12-week treatment period and follow-up measurements at 12, 26 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the number of migraine days per 4 weeks, assessed with a headache diary. Secondary outcome measures are the number of migraine attacks, medication use, disability due to headache, headache intensity, number of participants reporting a 50% migraine reduction, measurement of cervical pressure pain thresholds, presence of allodynia, endurance of cervical flexor muscles, days of absence of work and global perceived effect.DiscussionThe results of the trial will show whether a multimodal MT intervention is an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for people with migraine.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register, NL7504. Registered on 7 February 2019.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials on percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for prevention of migraine

Background: The role of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for prevention of migraine is controversial.Methods: We performed a computerised search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases through December 2017 for randomised trials evaluating PFO closure versus control in patients with migraine headaches (with or without aura). The main study outcome was the reduction in monthly migraine attacks after PFO closure compared with the control group.Results: The final analysis included three randomised trials with a total of 484 patients. Reduction in monthly migraine attacks was higher in PFO closure compared with the control group (standardised mean difference-SMD = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06–0.43; p = .01). There was higher reduction of monthly migraine days in PFO closure group compared with control group (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.08–0.53; p = .01). There was no statistically significant difference in complete resolution of migraine attacks (OR: 3.67; 95% CI: 0.66–20.41; p = .14) and in responders’ rate (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 0.76–4.85; p = .17) between PFO closure and control groups. In patients whose majority of migraine attacks are with aura, there was an observed reduction in migraine attacks in PFO closure compared with control groups (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.07–1.65; p = .03).Conclusion: PFO closure might be beneficial in migraine patients by reducing migraine attacks and migraine days, especially in patients whose majority of migraine attacks are with aura. However, those benefits were not associated with an improvement in responders’ rate or complete resolution of migraine; raising concerns on the magnitude of clinical benefit of PFO closure in migraine prevention.

Can special tinted soft contact lenses help to reduce migraine attacks?

Can special tinted soft contact lenses help to reduce migraine attacks?

Migraine attacks among medical students in Soochow University, Southeast China: a cross-sectional study.

PurposeMigraine is one of the most common primary headache disorders and is burdensome to both the individual and society, influencing the academic performance and quality of daily lives of medical students worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the migraine prevalence in a sample of university medical students in China and to examine the features and typical trigger factors of migraine among these students.Patients and methodsFrom May 2016 to August 2016, a total of 1,060 medical students who were enrolled in Soochow University in Jiangsu Province in China were chosen through stratified random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire that included the ID Migraine™ for screening of migraine cases was used to collect data. The frequency, severity, duration of migraine attacks, and relevant trigger factors were measured for migraine cases. In total, 986 students completed the questionnaire.ResultsThe overall migraine prevalence among students was 7.91%, with 4.64% in male and 9.84% in female students. Junior-grade students had a higher migraine prevalence than senior students (prevalence of migraine of year 1 to year 5 undergraduates: 10.83%, 8.9% vs. 6.25%, 4.42%, 5.33%, P<0.05; prevalence of migraine of year 1 to year 3 graduates: 9.68%, 9.71% vs. 6.38%, P<0.05). Students with a positive family history were more likely to suffer migraine than those without (OR=8.48, 95% CI: 4.33–16.59). Stress (n=73, 93.59%), lack of sleep (n=72, 92.31%), and change of sleeping time (n=68, 87.18%) were the top three trigger factors among the students.ConclusionMigraine was common among medical students from a university in China, and especially higher in female and junior-grade students, and those with a family history of migraine. Reducing stress and improving sleep quality might be effective to reduce migraine attacks in this population.

Volumetric abnormalities of the brain in a rat model of recurrent headache.

Voxel-based morphometry is used to detect structural brain changes in patients with migraine. However, the relevance of migraine and structural changes is not clear. This study investigated structural brain abnormalities based on voxel-based morphometry using a rat model of recurrent headache. The rat model was established by infusing an inflammatory soup through supradural catheters in conscious male rats. Rats were subgrouped according to the frequency and duration of the inflammatory soup infusion. Tactile sensory testing was conducted prior to infusion of the inflammatory soup or saline. The periorbital tactile thresholds in the high-frequency inflammatory soup stimulation group declined persistently from day 5. Increased white matter volume was observed in the rats three weeks after inflammatory soup stimulation, brainstem in the in the low-frequency inflammatory soup-infusion group and cortex in the high-frequency inflammatory soup-infusion group. After six weeks’ stimulation, rats showed gray matter volume changes. The brain structural abnormalities recovered after the stimulation was stopped in the low-frequency inflammatory soup-infused rats and persisted even after the high-frequency inflammatory soup stimulus stopped. The changes of voxel-based morphometry in migraineurs may be the result of recurrent headache. Cognition, memory, and learning may play an important role in the chronification of migraines. Reducing migraine attacks has the promise of preventing chronicity of migraine.