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Most doctors responsible about prescription analgesics for migraines…except when they’re not.  In a study on analgesic prescription errors, a startling number of doctors made severe, possibly life-threatening mistakes in filling out prescriptions for migraine treatments like ibuprofen and Sumatriptan to patients of migraine headaches and other chronic pain disorders.

Researchers double-check doctor’s orders

Scientists from the Albany Medical Center wanted to find out how competent most doctors are in filling out painkiller prescriptions for their patients of chronic illness, including migraines.  So, for five years, they gathered prescription information provided by a teaching hospital in New York.  The results, published by The Journal of Pain, indicated a need for better patient-doctor communication, a foolproof system for chronicling patient therapies, and perhaps a more stringent check system for under-experienced doctors.

Sorry about that…

• Out of 714,290 analgesic prescriptions, 2,044 (.29%) were prescribed incorrectly.
• Out of the medical errors identified by researchers, 22% could have resulted in severe injury.
• Roughly, 14% of potentially serious drug mix-ups involved children.
• The error rate among pediatric prescriptions is twice as high as the error rate for drugs prescribed to adults.

Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Top 10 Mistakes Doctors Make

Doctors prescribing analgesics to children and adults made mistakes on many different levels.  Below are some of the most common slip-ups:

1. Oops! Wrong drug

Sometimes, doctors made mistakes in prescribing the wrong painkiller for pain symptoms like migraines, confusing oxycodone with morphine or methadone.

2. Oops! Wrong dose

Overdoses of drugs like fentanyl or morphine, or underdoses of gabapentin for neuropathic pain were also recorded.

3. Oops! Wrong patient

Sometimes, pharmacists catch errors resulting from mixing-up of patient files.

4. Oops! Wrong frequency

In certain situations, physicians looking over medical records fail to notice dosage modifications, and prescribe incorrect instructions.

5. Oops! Wrong route

Dosing instructions for triptans for migraine headaches were written inconsistently of its route of delivery.

6. Oops! Wrong dosage form

Dosages for morphine and oxycodone were erroneously prescribed.

7. Oops! Wrong administration directions

Researchers notes instances where doctors gave incorrect instructions for administering analgesics to patients of migraine.

8. Oops! Forgot about contraindications

Patient-specific conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding were overlooked in prescribing pain medication.

9. Oops! Forgot about drug interactions

Interactions between one drug and another contributed to several errors.

10. Oops! Forgot about drug sensitivities

Ibuprofen was ordered for a patient who is allergic to NSAIDs, and morphine was prescribed to a patient with a recorded adverse reaction to morphine.

Rude Headaches, Ruder Pharmacists- 6 Ways to Avoid Conflict

Which analgesics are often prescribed incorrectly?

For the investigation, scientists classified prescribed analgesics by drug class and drug delivery method.  The following pain medicines were prescribed in error for migraine headache relief and other chronic pain symptoms.

Acetaminophen

Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs): Nabumetone, Naproxen,  Celecoxib, Ibuprofen

Combination products: Aspirin/caffeine/Butalbital, Acetaminophen/Propoxyphene

Immediate release (IR) oral opioids: Buprenorphine, Codeine, Propoxyphene

Long acting/controlled release (LA) oral opioids: Oxycodone SR, Morphine SR

Transdermal Fentanyl

Injectable opioids: Meperidine, Morphine

Tramadol

Patient-controlled analgesics (PCA): Morphine, Fentanyl, and Hydromorphone

Adjunctive agents– Gabapentin, Pregabalin

Triptan for migraines: Sumatriptan

Topical local anesthetics– Capsaicin, Phenazopyridine, Benzocaine

Which analgesics have the highest error rate?

Of all the analgesic drugs included in this study, the ones most often prescribed incorrectly are:

• LA opioids: 19.7%
• Combination drugs: 13.2%
• Injectable opioids: 13.1%
• Oral NSAIDs: 11.2%

Read more about migraine medications:

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information

Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part I, Pain Relief

Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part II, Preventative Medications

Source:

Analgesic Prescribing Errors and Associated Medication Characteristics

Image credits, from top:

Alex E. Proimos, digitalart, Ambro, griffithchris

Which migraine drugs are best for relieving migraine headaches and preventing migraine attacks? Below are the most popular migraine medications, including possible dangerous side effects.

From Part I:

Two strategies for migraine relief

• Pain relief– Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
• Preventative– Prophylactic migraine drugs are taken regularly, usually every day, in order to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.  Most prophylactic migraine medicines do not treat other migraine symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, light sensitivity, migraine aura), but instead aid in preventing migraines by controlling vascular swelling.

Natural Migraine Remedies Surge with Prescription Drug Deaths

Migraine medications that prevent migraine attacks

If you suffer frequent debilitating migraine attacks that do not respond to pain relievers, then your doctor may wish to prescribe migraine prophylaxis treatments.  Also, “migraine with aura” patients qualify for preventative migraine treatments that reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks, in addition to significantly reducing the severity of migraine symptoms.

Heart disease medications

• Beta blockers- Propranolol (Inderal La, Innopran XL)
• Calcium channel blockers- Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors-  Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Caution: Cardiovascular medications for migraines may cause drug and alcohol interactions, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, wheezing, depression, vivid nightmares, cold hands and feet, asthma, diarrhea, nausea, slow heartbeat, and swollen ankles.

Antidepressants

• Tricyclic antidepressants- Amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)- Paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine HCl (Prozac), Celexa
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)- Venlafaxine (Effexor, Venlafaxine HCL)

Caution: Antidepressants may cause drug interactions.  Side effects include irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, weakness, weight gain, increased appetite, reduced sex drive, and dry mouth.

Anti-seizure medications

• Valproate (Depacon)
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Caution: Anti-seizure medications for migraine may cause drug interactions.  Long-term use of anti-seizure medications may cause pancreatitis, liver damage, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, cramps, weight gain, impaired vision, hair loss, and dizziness.  Some epilepsy drugs like Depacon may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Migraine Medications That are Dangerous During Pregnancy

Antihistamines

• Cyproheptadine

Caution: Antihistamines may cause drug interactions.  Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, irritability, disorientation, hallucinations, insomnia, allergic reactions, impaired vision, tinnitus, low heartbeat, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, hepatitis, anorexia, sore throat, chest pains, respiratory congestion, increased appetite, chills, and headache.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox)

Caution: Botox injections may cause side effects like difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, muscular weakness, muscular pain, visual impairments, itching, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, bruising, bleeding, swelling, redness, sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, flu symptoms, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, dry mouth and eyes, tinnitus, increased sensitivity to light, and headache.

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Thinking outside of the Botox

Alternative migraine nutrients

Natural ingredients for migraine headaches improve neurological functioning without dangerous side effects.

Herbs and vitamins for migraines

• Butterbur
• Magnesium
• Coenzyme Q10
• Riboflavin

Caution: Butterbur supplements may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids- seek butterbur extracts that are free of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As with all medications, allergic reactions may occur.  Seek advice from a doctor before starting any new migraine treatment, including natural migraine remedies.

Read more about migraine medications:

Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part I

How long will my Migraine Headache Last? A Migraine Symptom Chart

Sources:

Migraine, the National Migraine Association: Current Treatment Methods

Medications for Preventing Migraine Attacks

Drugs That Stop or Prevent Migraines

Migraine: Treatments and drugs – MayoClinic.com

Image credits, from top:

bored-now, Kris Kesiak Photography, amortize

Which migraine drugs are best for relieving migraine headaches, and which migraine treatments are best for preventing migraine attacks? Below are the most popular migraine medications, including possible dangerous side effects.

Part I: Migraine pain relievers

Two strategies for migraine relief

• Pain relief– Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
• Preventative– Prophylactic migraine drugs are taken regularly, usually every day, in order to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.  Most prophylactic migraine medicines do not treat other migraine symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, light sensitivity, migraine aura), but instead aid in preventing migraines by controlling vascular swelling.

Medications that relieve migraine symptoms

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and simple analgesics

• Ibuprofen- (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
• Acetaminophen- (Tylenol)
• Aspirin- (Bufferin, Bayer)
• Ketoprofen- (Orudis)
• Naproxen- (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• Combination migraine painkillers- (Excedrin for Migraines)

Caution: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are not strong enough to relieve severe migraine headaches.  Long-term side effects may include ulcers, internal bleeding, and rebound headache.

Are You on the Rebound with Your Headache?

Narcotic painkillers for migraines

• Codeine
• Meperidine HCl (Demerol)
• Darvocet
• Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine (Fioricet)
• Fiorinal
• Percocet
• Vicodin

Caution: Narcotic painkillers are habit forming and a high risk for fatal overdose; side effects include allergic reaction, seizure, feebleness, loss of consciousness, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, anxiety, and increased sweating.

Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Triptans

• Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• Almotriptan (Axert)
• Naratriptan (Amerge)
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
• Frovatriptan (Frova)
• Eletriptan (Relpax)

Caution: Triptans may cause nausea, dizziness, and muscular feebleness, not recommended for patients of heart disease or stroke

Ergot

• Ergotamine (Ergomar)
• Dihydroergotamine (DHE, Migranal)

Caution: Side effects of Ergot may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, hypertension, chest pain, sneezing, sore throat, fever, visual impairments, numbness in hands and feet, cold hands and feet, weakness in legs, muscular pain, itching, dry mouth, disorientation, anxiety, and fatigue.

Anti-nausea

• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Prochlorperazine (Compro)

Caution: Anti-nausea medications may cause fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, joint pain, restlessness, sleep difficulties, hair loss, anxiety, constipation, impaired vision, and headache.

Parenteral corticosteroids

• Dexamethasone (Baycadron, Cortastat, Decadron, DexPak)

Caution: Dexamethasone may cause difficulty sleeping, disorientation, dizziness, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, depression, mood swings, allergic reaction, changes in menstruation, seizures, muscular pain, joint pain, unusual swelling, fever, sore throat, cough, pressure behind eyes, and headache.

Next: Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part II, Preventative Medications

Read more about migraine medications:

Natural Supplements and Herbs for migraines

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information

Sources:

Migraine, the National Migraine Association: Current Treatment Methods

Medications for Preventing Migraine Attacks

Drugs That Stop or Prevent Migraines

Migraine: Treatments and drugs – MayoClinic.com

Image credits, from top:

psyberartist, Destinys Agent,

Which migraine headache therapy do you believe is most effective for migraine prevention– exercise, relaxation, or Topamax?  Well, some researchers from Sweden compared the individual effect of each of the three migraine remedies on patients, with some surprising results.

What’s your migraine trigger?

Anybody who has ever known the agonizing symptoms of a migraine is willing to try almost anything to make them go away.  Throbbing, excruciating head pain, nausea, eye sensitivity, vomiting, and visual impairments plague millions of migraine sufferers around the world.

And because migraine triggers vary greatly by patient, determining the cause of your migraines can take considerable time, effort, and patience.  Headache specialists have the task of isolating individual triggers from food, hormones, weather, and lifestyle habits before they can recommend the most efficient cure for migraines.

Exercise: Migraine trigger or migraine treatment?

If you suffer exercise headaches, then the last thing you want to do is hop on the treadmill. Exertional migraines are triggered by strenuous exercise, in addition to sneezing, coughing, strong bowel movements, and sexual intercourse.  But for many other people afflicted with chronic illness, daily exercise can be therapeutic in relieving stress, pain symptoms, depression, and fatigue.

Scientists in Sweden began to wonder if leading an active lifestyle would benefit migraine patients, and if exercise therapy could hold up on its own against relaxation therapy and migraine drug therapy, such as Topamax (topiramate).

Scientific study on migraines and exercise

October, 2011:  A study focusing on exercise, relaxation, and Topamax as migraine prevention proposed the following hypothesis:

Can exercising for 40 minutes, three times per week, relieve migraines as effectively as using guided relaxation or Topamax (up to 200 mg) every day?

• In a three-month period, ninety-one migraine headache patients were observed by researchers for migraine symptoms, quality of life, fitness levels, and oxygen resuscitation.
• Their aim was to compare any changes in migraine frequency between the first and last months of treatment.
• In the group that received exercise therapy, migraine symptoms decreased in frequency by 95%.
• Migraine patients who received relaxation therapy or Topamax treatments also saw a 95% reduction in migraine frequency.
• Conclusion: Exercise is just as effective as relaxation and Topamax medication in preventing migraines.
• Results of the University of Gothenburg study are available in Cephalalgia.

Why are these results important?

Anybody trying to wean off prescription migraine treatments should be heartened by the news that healthier, more natural alternative migraine remedies are available, and the scientific research is there to prove it.

Topamax produces harmful side effects with long-term use.  Side effects of Topamax may include:

• Short-term memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constantly being at a loss for words
• “Brain fog”
• Decreased reasoning skills
• Difficulty putting your thoughts together

Fortunately, the harmful side effects of Topamax disappear once you get the drug out of your system.

Additional natural migraine treatments

A growing body of research confirms the beneficial properties of other natural ingredients for migraines, such as vitamin supplements and herbs.

• Coenzyme Q10: This powerful nutrient is effective at providing antioxidant protection, maintaining heart health, regulating already healthy blood-sugar levels, and maintaining the body’s natural defenses.
• Butterbur: For hundreds of years, herbalists have used butterbur clippings to relieve minor pain, support healthy muscle and  joint functioning, promote a healthy response to inflammation, and maintain proper immune system health.
• Magnesium: Many doctors believe that magnesium deficiency correlates with migraine attacks.  In a recent study, migraine patients who received magnesium supplements experienced dramatic benefits.
• Riboflavin: In a study published by Neurology, 400 mg of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) administered for three months resulted in significantly more favorable results than the placebo.

Read more about migraine prevention:

8 Ways to Avoid Exercise Headaches after Working Out

Sources:

Exercise as migraine prophylaxis: A randomized study using relaxation and topiramate as controls- PubMed, NCBI

Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis- A randomized controlled trial-PubMed, NCBI

Image credits:

Exercise shots- lululemon athletica, Butterbur- amortize

Can alcohol cause migraine headaches? We all know that hangovers produce some of the worst headaches known to humanity.  But what if you don’t plan to overindulge in alcohol use this New Year’s Eve?  Here are some compelling arguments to lay off the booze, stick to sparkling cider drinks, and have a migraine-free year.

Red, red wine goes to my head…

If drinking dark alcoholic drinks like red wine, champagne, brandy, bourbon, or beer gives you a migraine, then you might be reacting to tyramine, one of the most common…and vicious migraine triggers that occur in food.  Tyramine is an amino acid that increases with age, and produces throbbing head pain for many a migraine headache patient. In addition to wine and beer, you should also avoid cured meats (salami, smoked turkey), olives, and aged cheeses (brie, Swiss, Blue cheese).

Other preservatives in alcohol that triggers migraines are tannins (extracted from grape skins) and nitrites.

It’s a rush of blood to the head…

Alcohol causes vasodilation, a widening of the arteries. When this happens, blood flow increases, and rushes to the head, as there is no resistance within the arteries.  For some migraine patients, vasodilation triggers migraines.

You left me standing here just high and dry

Alcohol is a natural diuretic.  As you drink, your body expels salt, vitamins, and other nutrients.  The more wine and beer your drink, the more fluids your body loses. Often, the severe headache you get after a night of binging and alcohol results from dehydration, depletion of vitamins, and chemical imbalance.

It’s a chemical reaction

When alcohol ferments, it produces toxins called congeners that produce hangover symptoms.  Certain alcoholic beverages like dark beer, bourbon, red wine, and tequila have higher concentrations of congeners than lighter-colored drinks, like white wine, rum, and gin.  Congeners may contain chemicals such as acetone, acetaldehyde, esters, and aldehydes (propanol, glycols, and ethylacetate).  Mixing congeners from drinks like beer and whiskey together cause the most severe hangover headaches.

You’re too sweet…

If you’re sensitive to sugar, then alcoholic drinks should be on your list of things to avoid, right next to cotton candy and Coca-Cola.  Sugary foods and drinks may trigger migraine headaches  for such individuals.

You leave me breathless

Alcohol contains histamines, chemicals that your body releases whenever you have an allergic reaction.  Symptoms of histamine sensitivity include sinus headache, stuffy head, runny nose, sore throat, and ear fullness.  Other foods that contain migraine-triggering histamines include bananas and citrus fruits.  If chronic sinus headaches are an issue, then your doctor might prescribe antihistamines.

Read more about migraine headache triggers:

Top 35 Foods and Preservatives that Trigger Migraines

34 Migraine-Inducing, Stomach-Turning Toxic Chemicals in Perfume

Migraine Headache Frequently Asked Questions- the Top Ten List

Sources:

How Hangovers Work

Discovery Health- Could alcohol cause my headaches?

Alcohol and Headaches- National Headache Foundation

Image credits, from top:

Philippe Put, KellBailey, Enokson

Anything that causes a migraine headache is a migraine trigger.  For some migraine sufferers, foods and preservatives have the most impact on migraine attacks.  There are over 100 migraine triggers, including food, hormones, weather, and lifestyle habits.  Below are some of the most common foods that trigger migraines.

The Migraine Triggers…

1- Tyramine: Tyramine is one of the most notorious migraine food triggers known to chronic headache sufferers around the world.  Tyramine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in many protein-based food staples, including olives, red wine, and aged meats and cheeses.  Because tyramine levels increase as foods age, special care must be taken to avoid eating overripe fruits and leftovers.

2- Tannins:  Researchers believe that plant-based tannins are a common trigger for many migraine sufferers.  Tannins occur naturally in the skins of beans, red wine grapes, chocolate, teas, and many red-skinned fruits.  Tannins give many foods a sour, mouth-puckering sensation.

3- Sulfites: Sulfites are preservatives found mostly in dried fruits and red and white wine.  Check food labels carefully before buying any processed food item, as it may contain this migraine-triggering ingredient.

4- Nitrites: Nitrites are preservatives found in processed meats, including most preserved beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and soy.  Nitrites are known to trigger migraines, so check food labels before buying any preserved meat product that has been canned, smoked, pickled, or cured in any other way.

5- Histamine: By avoiding histamines, many people suffering from sinus headaches have found relief from constant headaches.  Bananas and citrus fruits are among other foods that contain histamine.

6- Coumarin: Although banned as a food additive, many products like artificial vanilla extract and sweet woodruff continue to use coumarin for its pleasant odor.  Coumarin, a carcinogen, is also a common ingredient in cigarettes and many perfumes.  Conversely, coumarin is also prescribed as a blood thinner, and some believe it is helpful for relieving headaches.

7- Choline: Choline occurs naturally in sour cream and whole milk; many migraine sufferers have found relief from daily headaches by cutting milk products from their diet.

8- Casein: Another dairy ingredient, the casein in many milk products has convinced many migraine patients to pursue a casein-free diet as a means of controlling their migraines.

9- Phenylethylamine: Like tyramine, phenylethylamine is another amino acid that provokes migraine attacks.  If chocolate triggers headaches, then phenylethylamine is probably a trigger.

10- Caffeine: Researchers differ on the inclusion of caffeine as a migraine trigger.  While some migraine sufferers claim that drinking coffee and caffeinated sodas trigger severe headaches, others have the opposite effect, maintaining that the caffeine in many migraine headache painkillers provides ultimate migraine relief.

11- MSG (monosodium glutamate): Glutamate is an excitotoxin, a group of amino acids that researchers believe causes various neurological disorders, including migraine headaches, seizures, and infections.  MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate.

12- Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, known as NutraSweet and Equal, also contains excitotoxins.

13- Capsaicin: Like caffeine, capsaicin is a controversial topic in the field of migraines.  While some believe that the chemical that puts the “hot” in your hot sauce might cause migraine headaches, still others argue that chili peppers contain powerful properties that relieve migraine headaches and arthritis pain.

…and the foods to avoid

14- Beans: All dried beans, string beans, and soybeans contain tannins.

15- Pickles: all pickled items, including dill pickles, pickled eggs, okra, squash, watermelon rinds, beets, olives, patty pans, and peppers.

16- Chili peppers: If capsaicin is a migraine trigger, then avoid all products containing hot peppers.

17- Olives: Olives are cured, and contain tyramine, a common migraine trigger.

18- Red plums: Ripened red plums also contain high levels of tyramine.

19- Red apples and pears: Tannins are a migraine culprit in red-skinned fruits, apple juices, red grape wines, and apple ciders.

20- Dried fruits: Dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, figs, and prunes contain sulfites.

21- Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruit, and lemon contain both histamines and tyramine.

22- Bananas: Ripened bananas are also high in histamines and tyramine.

23- Avocado: The riper the avocado, the higher the percentage of tyramine contained.

24- Yeasted breads: For some, yeast triggers migraines.  Avoid foods like pizza crusts, sourdough bread, and soft pretzels.

25- Processed meats: Many migraine headache sufferers cannot handle the tyramine level in many processed meat products, including hot dogs, bacon, sausages, jerky, deli meats, and smoked or canned fish.

26- Aged cheeses: Cheeses that contain the highest tyramine levels are blue cheeses, cheddar, brie, stilton, feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, Muenster, parmesan, Swiss, and assorted processed cheeses.

27- Sour cream: For some chronic headache patients, the choline in sour cream is the migraine trigger.

28- Whole milk: Migraineurs avoiding choline and casein need to avoid all whole milk products.

29- Alcoholic beverages: In addition to red wine, other alcoholic drinks that contain tyramine are beer, sherry, and vermouth.  Tannin and sulfites are also a factor.

30- Red and balsamic vinegar: Tyramine occurs in high concentrations in red vinegar and balsamic wine vinegar, but not in white vinegar.

31- Chocolate: Also disputed as a migraine trigger, chocolate contains tannins, phenylethylamine, and caffeine.

Chocolate for Curing Migraines- 10 Astonishing Cocoa Facts

32- Coffee: The caffeine in a cup of coffee may trigger a migraine, or it may relieve it.  Food triggers vary for each person, so one headache sufferer’s poison may be another patient’s migraine remedy.

33- Tea: Tea contains caffeine, but it may also contain tannins.  Check labels.

34- Chinese food: Unless labeled otherwise, all Chinese cuisine contains MSG, a common ingredient in soy sauces.

35- Diabetic desserts: The artificial sweeteners in sugarless treats, candies, and sodas may contribute to migraine headaches.

Read more about migraine triggers:

34 Migraine-Inducing, Stomach-Turning Toxic Chemicals in Perfume

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today

Migraine Weather Triggers- Seasonal Migraines in the Fall

Sources:

9 Common Migraine Triggers

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Triggers, Migraines, and Headaches

EXCITOTOXINS

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elphaber, Demion, jurvetson, Darwin Bell

Try as you might to prevent migraines from ruining your day, some migraine triggers such as perfumes are unavoidable.  Fragrances found in synthetic perfumes, scented shampoos, lotions, and detergents permeate your atmosphere, triggering migraine headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even slurred speech.  That’s because many leading perfumes contain actual poisons that endanger your health, chemicals proven to cause central nervous system disorders, and damage to reproductive organs.

Do perfume labels include a list of all ingredients?

No. Current federal law allows perfume companies like Calvin Klein and Christian Dior a special loophole for trade secrets- the right to list  harmful headache-inducing chemicals as  “fragrances”- an undisclosed cocktail of ingredients, thus protecting their top-secret formula.  Most popular perfumes contain chemicals that the EPA recognizes as carcinogens, allergens, and narcotics– some of which the FDA banned years ago, and many of which are identical to the toxins cigarette manufacturers put in their tobacco to hook consumers.

What are the side effects of perfume exposure?

Toxins from perfumes seep into your skin, permeate your lungs, cause damage to your nervous system and ailments like severe headaches, skin rashes, and respiratory illnesses.   Here are some of the most common reactions:

• Headaches- Strong scents are a common migraine trigger for many patients of chronic headaches. Some other migraine triggers are bright lights, loud noises, food ingredients, sleep irregularities, hormones, and weather changes.  Read Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Confusing speech, talking “gibberish”
• Chest tightness and wheezing
• Diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in babies
• Sinus inflammation
• Reduced pulmonary function
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Rhinitis and airway irritation
• Sense organ irritation
• Contact dermatitis

Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

Study clears the air about secret toxins in perfumes

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group recently conducted a study that focused on 17 leading perfume labels.  Lab testing revealed 38 undisclosed ingredients, which they published in their article Not So Sexy: The Health Risk of Secret Chemicals in Fragrances. Some of the biggest offenders included American Eagle Seventy Seven, Chanel Coco, Britney Spears Curious, and Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio.

Chemicals found in perfume

Over 1500 chemicals are used in most perfumes and fragrances.

Here are some of the most common ingredients:

1. Acetone- EPA hazardous waste list, and central nervous system depressant
2. Amylcinnamaldehyde- Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin
3. a-Pinene- Sensitizer, inhalation exposure to high concentrations associated with irritation of the respiratory airways.
4. a-Terpineol- May cause ataxia, headaches, depressed central nervous system
5. Benzaldehyde- Harmful if swallowed, exposure causes sore throat, rash, and eye pain
6. Benzophenone- Disruptive to hormones and thyroid
7. Benzyl Acetate- Carcinogen, possibly a cause of pancreatic cancer
8. Benzyl Alcohol- Causes headache, nausea, and dizziness
9. Benzyl benzoate- Disruptive to hormones
10. Benzyl cinnamate- Irritant, dangerous for the environment
11. Benzyl salicylate- Disruptive to hormones
12. Beta ionone- Possible carcinogen
13. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)- Disruptive to hormones and thyroid, possible carcinogen
14. Cinnamyl alcohol- Irritating to skin and eyes,
15. Coumarin- Carcinogen, toxic to liver and kidneys, used to kill rodents, common ingredient in cigarette tobacco products
16. Diethyl phthalate (DEP)- causes abnormal development of reproductive organs in male babies and sperm damage in adult men
17. Ethanol- EPA hazardous waste list, causes central nervous system disorder
18. Ethyl Acetate- Narcotic, on EPA hazardous waste list
19. Eugenol- Sensitizer, allergen
20. Farnesol- Skin irritant, allergen
21. Formaldehyde- Air pollutant, carcinogen, exposure causes wheezing, allergic reactions, skin rash
22. Galaxoide- toxic to the endocrine system
23. g-Terpinene- Causes central nervous system disorder
24. Lilial (Butylphenyl methylpropional)- Disruptive to hormones, allergen
25. Limonene- Carcinogen, causes central nervous system disorder
26. Linalool- Narcotic, causes central nervous system disorder
27. Lyral- Allergen, causes eczema
28. Methylene chloride- Banned by the FDA, carcinogen, EPA hazardous waste list, causes central nervous system disorder
29. Musk ketone- Disruptive to hormones
30. Myrcene- possible carcinogen
31. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) – Disruptive to hormones and thyroid
32. Oxybenzone- Disruptive to hormones
33. Toluene- Carcinogen
34. Tonalide- toxic to the endocrine system

Which perfumes should I avoid?

Here is a list of perfumes that contain dangerously high levels of toxins that may cause migraine headaches, dermatitis, respiratory illness, hormonal disorders, and organ failure:

• Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce
• American Eagle Seventy Seven
• AXE Bodyspray For Men – Shock
• Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom
• Britney Spears Curious
• Calvin Klein Eternity (for men)
• Calvin Klein Eternity (for women)
• Clinique Happy
• Coco Mademoiselle Chanel
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
• Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio
• Halle by Halle Berry
• Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity
• Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow
• Old Spice After Hours Body Spray
• Quiksilver (for men)
• Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Heavenly

Read more about migraine headache triggers:

What’s that Smell? Migraine Sensitivity and Olfactory Auras

Migraine Weather Triggers- Seasonal Migraines in the Fall

Sources:

Perfumes filled with unknown chemicals, group alleges

The Good Scents Company

Not So Sexy: The Health Risk of Secret Chemicals in Fragrances

“I feel a killer of a migraine coming up,” you say offhandedly, but consistent research suggests that if you get frequent migraines with aura, your mortality rate might be higher than non-migraineurs.  Find out why migraine headache sufferers are more likely to suffer from stroke or heart attack, and what you can do about it.

December 1993- woman dies of migraine symptoms

Amanda Livingstone, age 25, went to two different doctors, complaining of severe headache, uncontrolled vomiting, and visual distortions.  Both times, doctors diagnosed her with migraine headaches and instructed her to take painkillers.  After one week of debilitating headaches, Amanda went into a coma and died of brain hemorrhage.  Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might be alive today.

October 2011- woman dies of migraine symptoms

In Malaga, Spain, prosecutors are investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman who had been receiving treatments for migraines and hypertension for the past year.  On October 13, after numerous visits to the hospital and referrals to migraine specialists, she died of brain hemorrhage.  Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might also be alive today.

Studies confirm high mortality rate among migraine sufferers

According to numerous scientific studies, there is a high correlation between migraine with aura and increased risk for stroke and heart disease.

University of Iceland study, 2010

The following study on migraine with aura included over 18,000 men and women from Reykjavik, Iceland, and followed them for a 40-year period.

• Scientists categorized headache symptoms into three groups- migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and non-migraine headaches.
• By the end of the study, over 10,000 participants had died.
• Out of the 10,000 fatalities, approximately 4,000 resulted from cardiovascular illness.
• Compared with non-headache sufferers, patients of migraine with aura have a higher mortality rate, and are more likely to die of heart attack or stroke, say researchers.
• Sufferers of migraines without aura and non-migraine headaches are no more likely to die of stroke or heart disease than individuals who don’t get chronic headaches at all.
• Scientists concluded that migraine auras are the most common risk factor among headache sufferers.

Harvard University study, 2011

This more recent study on migraines and mortality determined that people who suffer migraines with aura have a higher mortality risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).  The same researcher, Dr. Tobias Kurth, also determined in his study on Migraine and stroke that women who suffer active migraine with aura are twice as likely to suffer hemorrhagic stroke as women who get migraine headaches without the prodrome phase that includes aura.

What are the symptoms of stroke and heart attack?

If you suffer from chronic migraine headaches, then health experts recommend you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of stroke and heart attack, so that you may recognize the beginning stages head-on and seek emergency care immediately.

To determine if somebody is suffering from a stroke, think FAST:

• Face: Ask the person in question to smile- is one side of the face looks droopier than the other side, that person might be having a stroke.  Numbness may occur on one side of the body in the face, arms, and legs.
• Arms: Ask her to hold up both arms, and note if one arm drifts downward.  Loss of coordination, dizziness, and difficulty walking are symptoms of stroke.
• Speech: Is his speech garbled, nonsensical, or incomprehensible?  Stroke victims may have difficulty understanding what people are saying and communicating with them.  (Note- speech difficulties are also a symptom of migraine aura.)
• Time: Take note of the time when first symptoms occurred, and call 911 emergency services right away.  An FDA-approved medication may prevent long-term damage, but only if a doctor is available to administer it during the first three hours of symptoms.

Prevent Suffering a Stroke- Follow these 5 Simple Rules

Heart attack symptoms:

• Chest pain that may also spread to the rest of the upper body, including face, shoulders, back, and arms
• Stomach pain that mimics heartburn
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting

If you suspect you might be suffering a heart attack, but don’t have all of the symptoms described, call 911 anyways.  Not all heart attack sufferers experience all the symptoms at the same level of severity.

Prevention

The best way to prevent suffering heart disease or stroke is by lowering your risks.  If you smoke, then quit.  Exercise regularly, even for just 30 minutes each day, and at a comfortable pace.  If you’re significantly overweight, then try to control your weight by following a sensible diet.  Keep checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  If you suffer from depression or anxiety, then seek treatment; not only will you feel better, but the decreased stress will also lower your mortality rate.

Read more about migraine symptoms:

When Migraine Aura with Aphasia leaves you Lost for Words

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity

Sources:

Migraine and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis- PubMed- NCBI

Migraine with aura and risk of cardiovascular and all cause mortality in men and women: prospective cohort study- PubMed- NCBI

Migraine and stroke: a complex association with clinical implications- PubMed- NCBI

Woman died after migraine diagnosis

Probe into death of woman diagnosed with migraine

Migraine With Aura Linked to Increased Mortality From Stroke and Heart Disease

National Stroke Association: Stroke Symptoms

Heart attack symptoms: Know what’s a medical emergency

Image credits

Deborah Leigh (Migraine Chick), quinn.anya

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) provides antioxidant protection that is beneficial for migraine patients and people suffering from heart disease symptoms.  CoQ10 has many other healthful properties- it also yields significant results in maintaining a healthy immune system and regulating your body’s response to inflammation.

What is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone-Q10) is a nutrient that occurs in protein food sources such as meat and fish.  CoQ10 levels decrease with age, causing CoQ10 deficiency. Low CoQ10 levels are directly correlated with cardiovascular health, neurological functioning, and normal immune system.

CoQ10 dosage

CoQ10 has been the focus of many clinical studies on heart patients, hypertension, migraine headaches, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.  Scientists have found that daily supplements of CoQ10 support healthy cell production and serve as an effective tonic when taken in the following doses:

To maintain healthy levels of Coenzyme Q10 and reap maximum health benefits, take 150 mg daily.

Got your Vitamin Q?

Though the evidence is still pending, many practitioners of natural ingredients swear by many other beneficial properties CoQ10:

• Boosts stamina

Many people take CoQ10 to revitalize and increase endurance in sports performance.  Because Coenzyme Q10 aids in producing ATP, an energy-giving molecule, people who suffer from everyday low energy production find that CoQ10 supplements have a rejuvenating effect.

• Promotes healthy gums

Operating under the assumption that gum health correlates with CoQ10 deficiency, many people find periodontal health benefits in  applying CoQ10 directly to the teeth and gums.

• Hair growth

A growing body of evidence suggests that CoQ10 may stimulate hair follicle growth while using the blood-thinning medication warfarin (Coumadin).

Are there any drug reactions to CoQ10?

People taking the following medications or treatments should seek a doctor’s approval before taking CoQ10 for the first time:

• Chemotherapy for cancer- the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 might interfere with chemotherapy results.
• High blood pressure medications- CoQ10 helps to maintain already healthy blood pressure, so taking the two medications in combination could result in excessively low blood pressure.
• Warfarin (Coumadin) – Since CoQ10 increases platelet aggregation, taking it in conjunction with a blood thinning medication could impede results.

Read more about Coenzyme Q10 for migraines:

Natural Ingredients and Herbs for migraines

Sources:

Coenzyme Q-10: MedlinePlus Supplements

Coenzyme Q10- University of Maryland Medical Center

Coenzyme Q10- Mayo Clinic

Image credits, from top:

qthomasbower, Lel4nd, jmayer1129, fayemozingo

Complex migraine with aura, like the basilar migraine, causes stroke-like symptoms that literally take your words away- aphasia is one of several disturbing symptoms of migraine aura. Learn all about aphasic migraine causes and treatments.

A migraine attack is not just a headache

Millions of people suffer debilitating migraine headaches, but few non-migraineurs understand that the throbbing headache, as disabling as it is, is one of many migraine symptoms.  When migraine attacks strike, they often cause stomach-clenching nausea, uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, sharp sensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents, fatigue, and irritability.  So debilitating is migraine illness that many long-time chronic migraine sufferers have difficulty keeping a job, performing daily chores, and making appointments.  Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities of migraine illness.

Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?

Migraine aura- an assault on the senses

Migraines are split into two general categories- migraines with aura (MA), and migraines without aura.  An aura happens in the prodrome phase of a migraine attack- the minutes leading up to a migraine.  Auras serve as a warning to the patient of the impending migraine, and usually occur about fifteen minutes before the migraine strikes.  Migraine auras can cause visual hallucinations, usually described as bright flickering lights, glowing crescent-shaped forms, and rainbow zigzag images. Other migraine aura symptoms are vertigo (dizziness), olfactory hallucinations (imagined burnt scents), temporary partial paralysis, and aphasia.

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Aphasia- what is it?

Aphasia is defined as a communication disorder that impairs one’s ability to process language, both in written and spoken words.  People with aphasia have trouble putting words together to speak or write, understanding what others are saying, and comprehending what they read.  When they try to speak, words come out garbled and unintelligible. This does not mean they are unintelligent- aphasia usually results from damage to the left hemisphere of the brain.  Many stroke victims suffer aphasia causing partial or complete loss of speech.

Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent

Aphasic migraines

Migraines that cause aura with aphasia are usually complex basilar migraines caused by a disorder of a major artery at the brainstem or base of the brain.  TV reporter Serene Branson suffered a complex migraine (also called a complicated migraine) with aura on the air while covering the Grammys.  Spectators believed her to be having a stroke, so common are the symptoms of migraine aura aphasia.  Other names for basilar migraines are:

• Basilar artery migraines
• Basilar migraine headache
• Basilar-type migraine
• Bickerstaff syndrome
• Brainstem migraine
• Vertebro-basilar migraine

Complex Migraine Behind CBS Reporter’s On-Air Health Scare

Symptoms of complex migraine often include pounding headache, blurred vision, temporary partial blindness, temporary partial paralysis on one side, loss of muscular strength, difficulty walking in a straight line, and garbled speech.

Aphasia treatments

If you suffer any of the symptoms of aphasia- difficulty talking clearly or understanding what others are saying- contact emergency services immediately so that a stroke may be ruled out.  If migraines are the cause of aphasia, then a headache specialist might prescribe preventative or abortive migraine treatments to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Additionally, natural nutrients for migraines may significantly improve neurological health. Some excellent sources of natural migraine nutrients include coenzyme Q10, butterbur, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and magnesium.

Read more about migraine with aura:

Migraine Headaches and Dizziness- Stop the Ride, I want to get off!

Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10

Migraine Aura and Hot Flashes- Treat that Hot Head ASAP

What’s that Smell? Migraine Sensitivity and Olfactory Auras

Sources:

Basilar Artery Migraines: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments

Aphasia

Aphasia symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment on MedicineNet.com

Aphasia and Migraine- In the Fringes

Migraine Chapter, Migraine With Aura, B.Todd Troost

Image:

stockimages