MedWorm: Migraine

Coping with Antidepressant Side Effects

Psych Central — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:26 +0100

All types of antidepressants can cause some side effects. The most common problems are sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea and sexual problems. Some people react badly to antidepressants; in others side effects can be quite mild. Different drugs have different risks: SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) may cause you to feel sick or more anxious during the first couple of weeks. Some types of SSRI can cause indigestion, but this can usually be avoided by taking them with food. They may interfere with sexual function, and there have been reports of episodes of aggression, although these are rare. Side effects of SSRIs tend to become less obvious after the first few weeks, while the body adapts to the drug. The exception is sexual side effect...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Migraine Action supports migraineurs across the UK, offering advice and information on all aspects of migraine. During Migraine Awareness Week (6th-12th Sept) the charity will be launching new resources and websites for the 10% of children with migraine.

Phase II study of oral fingolimod (FTY720) in multiple sclerosis: 3-year results

Multiple Sclerosis — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:48:12 +0100

The objectives were to monitor the 36-month, interim efficacy and safety results of the ongoing extension of this study. In the extension (months 7—36), placebo-treated patients were re-randomized to either dose of fingolimod; fingolimod-treated patients continued at the same dose. During months 15—24, all patients receiving fingolimod 5.0 mg switched to 1.25 mg. Of the 250 patients who entered the extension study, 173 (69%) continued to month 36. Most patients were free from gadolinium-enhanced lesions (88—89%) or new T2 lesions (70—78%) at month 36. Patients receiving continuous fingolimod treatment had sustained low annualized relapse rates of 0.20—0.21, and 68—73% remained relapse-free at month 36. Over 36 months, nasopharyngitis (34%), headache (30%...

Federal hospital audits boost Claimtrust’s bottom line

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The federal government is about to send out letters to hospitals around the country, examining as much as 2 percent of each one’s revenue, to determine whether any of Medicare charges were ill-gotten. It’s expected to be a tremendous headache for local hospitals, which got a taste of the so-called RAC — Recovery Audit Contractor — in 2007 during a pilot project involving just a few states. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

CoLucid in money hunt for migraine drug

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

DURHAM – CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, which aims to start phase III clinical trials on its migraine drug candidate in the second half of this year, is now weighing which route to take to get there. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

High incidence of severe cyclosporine neurotoxicity in children affected by haemoglobinopaties undergoing myeloablative haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: early diagnosis and prompt intervention ameliorates neurological outcome

BioMed Central — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our experience suggests that paediatric patients with haemoglobinopaties have a high incidence of CSA related neurological events with no correlation between serum CSA levels and neurotoxicity. Prognosis is good following CSA removal. Specific prodromes such as arterial hypertension, headache or visual disturbances occurring in the early post-transplant period should be carefully evaluated with electrophysiological and MRI-based imaging in order to intervene promptly and avoid irreversible sequels. (Source: BioMed Central)

Diagnostic Testing for Encephalitis, Part II

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:49:22 +0100

Abstract: Encephalitis is characterized by both its pleomorphic clinical presentation and its diagnostic challenges. Fever, headache, and alteration of consciousness are classically present, however, the diversity of neurological symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish encephalitis from other infectious and non-infectious central nervous system conditions. Identification of a specific pathogen has important therapeutic and prognostic implications for an individual patient and has broader public health significance in potentially identifying a need for prophylaxis of contacts or environmental control of arthropod vectors. In Part I of this article, the basic features of encephalitis and aspects of diagnostic testing for encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus, the non-simplex...

Postural Headache in Marfan Syndrome Associated with Spinal Cysts and Liquor Hypotension

Neuropediatrics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:49:48 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 201-204DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243164AbstractWe here report a 13-year-old Marfan patient who suffered from severe, medication-resistant, intermittent headache, which was provoked when getting into an upright position and immediately relieved by lying down or after intravenous rehydration. The postural benefit and the sudden relief after intravenous hydration suggested (intermittent) intracranial hypotension, although a normal opening pressure on lumbar punction was observed and no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was identified. Imaging studies revealed severe dural ectasia at lumbosacral level, and two intradural cysts and two extradural presacral cysts were detected. Most likely, altered hydrodynamics in intra- and extracranial spinal meningeal cysts caused interm...

Migraine Headaches May Not Affect Cognitive Decline

Medscape Med Students Headlines — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:55:50 +0100

Results from the Maastricht Aging Study show that neither migraine headaches nor migraine-related medications are linked to risk for or protection against cognitive dysfunction. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Med Students Headlines)

[Case Report] A life-threatening sore throat masquerading as swine flu

LANCET — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A previously healthy 17-year-old woman presented to our emergency department in August, 2009, complaining of sore throat, headache, neck stiffness, and left ear pain. Her symptoms had started 10 days earlier with sore throat, fever, and vomiting. On day 2 she telephoned the national Swine Flu Helpline and was advised to stay at home and take oseltamivir for suspected pandemic H1N1 influenza infection, which she declined. She attended her general practitioner's surgery with purulent left ear discharge (day 6), but was sent home in view of potential influenza infection. Her doctor assessed her later that day, and prescribed gentamicin ear drops and later oral ciprofloxacin (day 8). On day 10 she attended our emergency department. (Source: LANCET)

Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: a randomized controlled trial.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:12:03 +0100

In conclusion, our study suggests that 1 month of acupressure treatment is more effective in reducing chronic headache than 1 month of muscle relaxant treatment, and that the effect remains 6 months after treatment. Trigger points help demonstrate the treatment technique recommended if a larger-scale study is conducted in the future. PMID: 20128040 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)

Taking Control of the Little Things: Your computer

Psychology Today Work Center — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:28:34 +0100

I have a headache. My neck has been bothering me for weeks. And my wrists and legs used to chronically ache. Any of this sounding familiar? I spend hours a day on the computer – for work, for play, to help my kids with their homework and to stay in touch with my mother and sisters and friends. But I rarely spend any time thinking about how to set up my environment so that the experience of being at the computer doesn’t hurt my body. I, of all people, should know better. Before I became a psychologist, I was an interior designer. Among other things, interior designers spend a lot of time learning about ergonomics: the science and art of making objects work well with the human body and with our own patterns of work. Good ergonomics is why my new ...

Intraoperative microrecordings in the posterior hypothalamus of anaesthetized humans with aggressive behaviour

Neurological Sciences — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:11:44 +0100

Abstract Two patients with uncontrollable aggressive behaviour underwent the placement of stimulating leads in the posterior hypothalamus (pHyp). One patient had also multifocal refractory epilepsy. Microrecordings were obtained in both patients during surgery under general anaesthesia. Firing rate, interspike intervals and oscillatory discharge patterns were analysed in 14 neurons. A mean discharge rate of 19 Hz, and oscillatory activity at 7–8 Hz were recorded in the first patient with aggressiveness and epilepsy. In the second patient the mean firing rate was 10 Hz, with evidence of both tonic and random firing patterns. Previous studies in patients with cluster headache showed that a discharge rate around 20 Hz and lack of a specific rhythmic patt...

Headache pill could save earthquake crush victims

New Scientist - Health — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:06:39 +0100

A single dose of Tylenol or paracetamol could help prevent kidney failure in people rescued from rubble (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Neonatal and Infant Pain

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:01:27 +0100

Abstract Health care professionals caring for neonates (birth to 28 days of life) and infants up to 1 year of age have a professional and ethical responsibility to provide safe and effective pain management during painful procedures. Despite 14 years of research reports highlighting that sick infants are exposed to large numbers of painful procedures with minimal or no provision of pain management strategies, and generation of abundant evidence to support effectiveness of pain reduction strategies, insufficient practice changes have been made. As untreated pain in infancy has both immediate and longer-term negative consequences, such as increased sensitivity and responses to subsequent pain, it is imperative that widespread sustained practice changes are mad...

Grapefruit juice interaction with nilotinib

NeLM - News — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: J Clin Pharmacol Area: News According to the findings of a pharmacokinetics study, the concurrent administration of nilotinib with grapefruit juice is not recommended due to the risk of increase in nilotinib exposure. The study evaluated the effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of nilotinib in 21 healthy male subjects who received a single oral dose of 400mg nilotinib with 240mL double-strength grapefruit juice or 240 mL water in a crossover fashion. Grapefruit juice increased the nilotinib peak concentration by 60% and the area under the serum concentration-time curve by 29% but did not affect the time to reach Cmax or the elimination half-life of nilotinib. The most common adverse events were headache and vomiting, the frequency of which appeared to be s...

Immunogenicity and safety of human papillomavirus-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine in healthy Indian women

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 cervical cancer vaccine was highly immunogenic and generally well-tolerated making it a potential tool for prevention and control of cervical cancer in India. (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A survey of practices and concerns of pediatric medical and surgical specialists and a summary of available safety data

Pediatric Rheumatology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Traditional and selective COX-2 NSAIDs were perceived as safe by pediatric specialists. The data were compared to the published pediatric safety literature. (Source: Pediatric Rheumatology)

Sporadic hemiplegic migraine and CREST syndrome

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:54:05 +0100

We report the case of a woman with sporadic hemiplegic migraine associated with CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia). Since there is a close relationship between migraine and Raynaud’s phenomenon, it could be speculated that the sporadic hemiplegic migraines in our patient might be secondary to CREST syndrome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s10194-010-0188-1Authors Martin Pablo Grecco, Hospital de Clínicas Neurology Av. Córdoba 2351 1120 Buenos Aires ArgentinaMiguel Pieroni, Hospital de Clínicas Neurology Av. Córdoba 2351 1120 Buenos Aires ArgentinaMarcela Otero, Hospital de Clínicas Neurology Av. Córdoba 2351 1120 Buenos Aires ArgentinaJorge Luis Ferreiro, Hospital de Cl�...

Eco-friendly way of decomposing BPA-containing plastic

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Just as cooking helps people digest food, pretreating polycarbonate plastic -- source of a huge environmental headache because of its bisphenol A content -- may be the key to disposing of the waste in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Distinct Pharmacokinetic Profile and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Tablet of Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium for the Acute Treatment of Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion.[mdash] The combination tablet of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium has unique pharmacokinetic properties. The rapid absorption of sumatriptan with the delayed-release properties of naproxen sodium from sumatriptan/naproxen sodium might contribute to its therapeutic advantage over monotherapy with either component. No clinically meaningful effects of food, administration during a migraine attack, or administration of a second tablet (2 hours after initial dose) on the pharmacokinetics or safety of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium were observed. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

International Headache Society 2010 Fellowship--Clinical or Basic Research

ScanGrants feed — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The IHS fellowship award aims to encourage the mobility of researchers and physicians within different institutions worldwide, and to actively increase the knowledge base on headache disorders. The fellowships are open to any original investigation in the headache field whether it is clinical, basic or a combination of both. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2010, which should be at least 6 months prior the proposed starting date. Applications received by the IHS Administrative Office will be checked to ensure they fulfil all the required eligibility criteria and elements. Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered further. Complete and correct applications will be submitted for evaluation to the IHS Science and Research Standing Committee. Applicants will be info...

Help! What Can I Do for My Vertigo?

U.S. News - Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:06:00 +0100

The ear pain, room spinning, light sensitivity, and headache is becoming a nuisance. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

Neurological manifestations of Behçet’s disease in Japan: a study of 54 patients

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:47:32 +0100

Abstract The type and frequency of neurological manifestations of Behçet’s disease (BD) vary with ethnicity. We analyzed the neurological manifestations of BD in Japanese patients. All patients undergoing treatment at one of the two Yokohama City University hospitals from July 1991 to December 2007 and who fulfilled the Japanese criteria for BD revised in 1987 were studied retrospectively by chart review. Patients had been neurologically assessed by neurologists. We recorded neurological signs and symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography findings, and results of cerebrospinal fluid examinations from the records of each patient. We studied 412 patients with BD, of whom 54 (13%) had neurological involvement (neuro-Behçet’s disease: NB). NB patients i...

Health Tip: Foods That May Spur Migraines

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

A list of common culinary triggers Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Migraine (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Preventive Steps Helped Summer Campers Avoid Swine Flu

MedicineNet Migraine General — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Preventive Steps Helped Summer Campers Avoid Swine FluCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/1/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/2/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Health Tip: Foods That May Spur Migraines

MedicineNet Migraine General — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: Foods That May Spur MigrainesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/2/2010 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/2/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone quality in mandible and cervical vertebrae

Clinical Oral Implants Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to make a comparison between mandibular and cervical vertebral bone quality (BQ) using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cervical MRI images included in this study belonged to 36 patients (23 women, 13 men; mean age 54 years) who had various clinical symptoms (e.g., headache, vertigo, imbalance). The mandible and cervical vertebrae BQ measurements were performed by the same investigator on these sections. Mandibular and cervical vertebral T2* axial cross sections were performed following receipt of consent from each patient. T2* relaxation time values were determined in the trabecular area. The relationship between cervical vertebral and mandibular BQ was revealed by regression and correlation analysis. The correlation coefficient was r=0.04, ...

Neurofeedback and biofeedback with 37 migraineurs: a clinical outcome study

BioMed Central — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: All combined neuro and biofeedback interventions were effective in reducing the frequency of migraines with clients using medication resulting in a more favorable outcome (70% experiencing at least a 50% reduction in headaches) than just medications alone (50% experience a 50% reduction) and that the effect size of our study involving three different types of biofeedback for migraine (1.09) was more robust than effect size of combined studies on thermal biofeedback alone for migraine (.5). These non-invasive interventions may show promise for treating treatment-refractory migraine and for preventing the progression from episodic to chronic migraine. (Source: BioMed Central)

Distinct Pharmacokinetic Profile and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Tablet of Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium for the Acute Treatment of Migraine.

Headache — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion.- The combination tablet of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium has unique pharmacokinetic properties. The rapid absorption of sumatriptan with the delayed-release properties of naproxen sodium from sumatriptan/naproxen sodium might contribute to its therapeutic advantage over monotherapy with either component. No clinically meaningful effects of food, administration during a migraine attack, or administration of a second tablet (2 hours after initial dose) on the pharmacokinetics or safety of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium were observed. PMID: 20132340 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Headache)

Phase 1 Study of Combination Treatment with PTK 787/ZK 222584 and Cetuximab for Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics Analysis.

Neoplasia — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the combination of PTK/ZK and cetuximab is well tolerated with only slightly overlapping toxicity profiles and has antitumor activity. PMID: 20126478 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neoplasia)

Large vessel vasculitides

Medicine — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The two major primary large vessel vasculitides are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis (TA). Both are idiopathic systemic inflammatory conditions characterized by granulomatous inflammation of large and medium-sized arteries. Although they share similar histological features, the demographics and clinical presentation of the two diseases are quite different. TA affects a younger age set, predominantly affects the aorta and its main branches and tends to be a two-phase disease with inflammatory and occlusive stages. GCA increases in prevalence with age and classically affects the temporal and other cranial arteries, although the aorta and its primary branches can be affected. Constitutional symptoms are a feature of both diseases. Vascular symptoms are dependent o...

Focus on therapy of primary stabbing headache

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:13:07 +0100

In this report, we focus on the therapy of PSH summarizing the information collected from a systematic analysis of the international literature over the period 1980–2009. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory TutorialDOI 10.1007/s10194-010-0189-0Authors Enrico Ferrante, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital Department of Neuroscience Milan ItalyPaolo Rossi, Headache Clinic INI Grottaferrata Rome ItalyCristina Tassorelli, IRCCS “Neurological Institute C. Mondino” Foundation, University Centre for Headache and Adaptive Disorders (UCADH), University of Pavia Headache Science Centre Pavia ItalyCarlo Lisotto, S. Vito al Tagliamento Hospital Department of Neuroscience, Headache Centre Pordenone ItalyGiuseppe Nappi, IRCCS “Neurological Institute C. Mondino” Foundation, University Centre f...

A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Effect of Eszopiclone 2 mg on Sleep/Wake Function in Older Adults with Primary and Comorbid Insomnia

Sleep — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:32:31 +0100

Conclusion: In this Phase IV trial of older adults with insomnia, eszopiclone significantly improved patient-reported sleep and daytime function relative to placebo. Improvements occurred within the first week and were maintained for 3 months, with no evidence of rebound insomnia following discontinuation. The 12 weeks of treatment were well tolerated. Clinical Trial Information: A Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Study of Eszopiclone in Elderly Subjects With Primary Chronic Insomnia; Registration #NCT00386334; URL - http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00386334?term=eszopiclone&rank=24 Keywords: Eszopiclone, primary insomnia, elderly, sleep, next day function (Source: Sleep)

Distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions study with individuals of a fitness gym

Revista CEFAC — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:58:09 +0100

CONCLUSION: this study shows that individuals exposed to electronic amplified music, may have hearing loss complaints and have signs of such loss. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

Migraine-Associated Psychosis and Subsequent Renal Transplant [CASE REPORTS]

Psychosomatics — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:22:42 +0100

CONCLUSION: Because the neuroleptic medication resolved psychotic symptoms, the patient became a successful candidate for renal transplant. (Source: Psychosomatics)

Patient Money: Migraines Force Sufferers to Do Their Homework

NYT > Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:02:14 +0100

People with the painful and complicated condition sometimes have to go beyond their primary care doctor and over-the-counter treaments to get relief. (Source: NYT > Health)

Antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a patient with multiple myeloma

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:16:46 +0100

In conclusion, meropenem is useful to treat bacterial meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes. This agent is indicated when ampicillin shows inadequate effect or if the patient has an allergy to ampicillin. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10156-009-0014-3Authors Sadaya Matano, Tonami General Hospital Department of Hematology Tonami Toyama 939-1395 JapanShigehiko Satoh, Tonami General Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Tonami Toyama 939-1395 JapanYukari Harada, Tonami General Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Tonami Toyama 939-1395 JapanHajime Nagata, Tonami General Hospital Department of Clinical Laboratory Tonami Toyama 939-1395 JapanTatsuho Sugimoto, Tonami General Hospital Department of Internal Medicine Tonami Toyama 939-1395 Japan J...

Headache in cerebral venous thrombosis: incidence, pattern and location in 200 consecutive patients

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:16:46 +0100

Abstract We analyzed the incidence, pattern and location of headache in consecutive 200 patients with proven diagnosis of CVT to identify an association between localization of headache and site of sinus involvement. Headache was present in 136 (68%) patients. The duration of headache (reported in 128 patients) was reported as acute (1–3 days), 81 patients (60%); sub-acute (4–14 days), 33 patients (24%); and chronic (more than 14 days), 14 patients (10%). The quality of headache (reported in 72 patients) was reported as throbbing 12 (9%), band like 27 (20%), thunderclap 7 (5%), and other (pounding, exploding, stabbing, etc.) 26 (20%). The location of headache (reported in 101 patients) was reported as unilateral (one side of head) 48 (37%), localized (fr...

Comorbidity between headache and epilepsy in a pediatric headache center

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:16:46 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyse the comorbidity between headache and epilepsy in a large series of children with headache (1,795). Fifty-six cases (3.1%) suffered from idiopathic headache and idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy or unprovoked seizures. There was a strong association between migraine and epilepsy: in migraineurs (46/56) the risk of epilepsy was 3.2 times higher when compared with tension-type headache, without significant difference between migraine with and without aura (P = 0.89); children with epilepsy had a 4.5-fold increased risk of developing migraine than tension-type headache. In cases with comorbidity, focal epilepsies prevailed (43/56, 76.8%). Migraineurs affected by focal epilepsies (36/56) had a three times higher risk ...

Decomposing BPA-Containing Plastic In An Eco-Friendly Way

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Just as cooking helps people digest food, pretreating polycarbonate plastic - source of a huge environmental headache because of its bisphenol A (BPA) content - may be the key to disposing of the waste in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. Their new study is in ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal. Mukesh Doble and Trishul Artham note that manufacturers produce about 2.7 million tons of plastic containing BPA each year. Polycarbonate is an extremely recalcitrant plastic, used in everything from screwdriver handles to eyeglass lenses, DVDs, and CDs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Decomposing BPA-Containing Plastic In An Eco-Friendly Way

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Just as cooking helps people digest food, pretreating polycarbonate plastic - source of a huge environmental headache because of its bisphenol A (BPA) content - may be the key to disposing of the waste in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. Their new study is in ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal. Mukesh Doble and Trishul Artham note that manufacturers produce about 2... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Atrial Septal Aneurysm and Patent Foramen Ovale Are Less Prevalent in the Indo-Asian Than in the Caucasian or Afro-Caribbean Population

Angiology — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:04:27 +0100

Conclusions: There was a lower prevalence of ASA and PFO and their combination in Indo-Asians and a higher rate in Afro-Caribbeans than in Caucasians. The higher prevalence in the Afro-Caribbean participants may contribute to the high incidence of stroke in black participants. (Source: Angiology)

[Case Report] What lurks in the sellar?

LANCET — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In June, 2008, a 44-year-old immunocompetent man presented to us with sinusitis associated with headache, transient diplopia, and dizziness. He had a 7-year history of chronic sinusitis occasionally treated with pseudoephedrine and antibiotics. CT of the sinuses showed opacification of the paranasal sinuses which were filled with high density material, erosion of the sphenoid bone, and propagation of the pathological process to the sellar region, with a large sellar mass (). MRI confirmed a giant hypointense lesion in the sellar region. The pituitary gland was displaced upwards. Physical examination was unremarkable, except for obesity (BMI 38 kg/m2). Computerised visual-field examination, and visual acuity and motility were normal. The insulin hypoglycaemia test showed a peak growth hormo...

Upper Cervical Facet Joint and Spinal Rami Blocks for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] C1/2, C2/3 facet joint injections and C2, C3 spinal rami blocks were effective and well tolerated for the treatment of cervicogenic headache in this study. The procedures provided significant and prolonged pain relief in the majority of patients. Larger controlled studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality in cervicogenic headache. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

[German Pain Questionnaire for Children, Adolescents and Parents (DSF-KJ) : A multimodal questionnaire for diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents suffering from chronic pain.]

Schmerz — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The DSF-KJ provides a standardized assessment and comprehensive description of paediatric chronic pain problems and facilitates medical and psychological diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The preliminary results suggest that the questionnaire is a clinically useful and practical assessment tool for children and adolescents with chronic pain. PMID: 20108103 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Schmerz)

Pharmacotherapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Respiratory Research — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Treatment of PAH with prostanoids reduces mortality and improves multiple other clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. ERAs and PDE5 inhibitors improve clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, but have no proven effect on mortality. The long-term effects of all PAH treatment requires further study. (Source: Respiratory Research)

The role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lupus — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction is not present in the majority of subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of stroke and transient ischaemic attack in systemic lupus erythematosus merits further investigation. PMID: 20118160 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)

Feasibility Trial of Letrozole in Combination With Bevacizumab in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer [Breast Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:04:01 +0100

Conclusion Combination letrozole and bevacizumab was feasible with expected bevacizumab-related events of hypertension, headache, and proteinuria. Phase III proof-of-efficacy trials of endocrine therapy plus bevacizumab are in progress (Cancer and Leukemia Group B 40503). (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Wind turbine sound ‘needs research’

NHS News Feed — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:14:00 +0100

Conclusion This is a non-systematic review of literature. There are several points to be made about this research: There is no clear description of the methods the researchers used to search for available research, nor how they rated the quality of the research they found. Therefore, it is not possible to say that all relevant research was identified, or comment on the reliability of the research that was included. This review panel was commissioned by an industry group, and included a variety of academic perspectives, but not an epidemiologist. Someone with this specific skill set should be included when environmental health hazards are assessed. The link between psychological distress and physical symptoms has not been explored by this report. The acknowledgment that some people...

UCLA researchers image earliest signs of Alzheimer's, before symptoms appear

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0100

In this study, they tracked atrophy from the CA1 as it spread to the subiculum, which matched disease progression from the MCI state to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. They split the MCI subjects into those who had no noticeable hippocampal atrophy other then what is expected from normal aging alone, and those who had atrophy greater than expected for normal aging. Three years later, the researchers followed up and compared the MCI group with no visual change to the one with premature change. They found 10 to 30 percent greater atrophy in the CA1 and subiculum of those MCI patients with premature atrophy who were later diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "In looking at the longitudinal changes, we could see there was definitive evidence of a progression from...

Topical nifedipine with lidocaine ointment versus active control for pain after hemorrhoidectomy: results of a multicentre, prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Pain Physician — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:50:10 +0100

CONCLUSION: Although there was no difference between groups for time of administration of rescue analgesic after open hemorrhoidectomy, the patients' assessment of pain using ACCS showed that the use of topical nifedipine with lidocaine may provide a slight significant difference in favour of the study group at 6 hours and at day 7 after surgery. Narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration should continue to be recommended. Further research focusing on these outcomes is warranted. PMID: 20100408 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Pain Physician)

Stress

MedicineNet Migraine General — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: StressCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 2/24/2002Last Editorial Review: 1/28/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome with co-enzyme Q10 and amitriptyline, a retrospective study

BMC Neurology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our data suggest that the natural food supplement Co-Q is potentially efficacious and tolerable in the treatment of CVS, and should be considered as an option in CVS prophylaxis. Our data would likely be helpful in the design of a double-blind clinical trial. (Source: BMC Neurology)

Outpatient Home-Based Continuous Intravenous Dihydroergotamine Therapy for Intractable Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Efficacy and safety of our outpatient home-based intravenous dihydroergotamine program compared favorably to that of established inpatient intravenous pulse injection and continuous infusion protocols for the treatment of intractable migraine. The use of outpatient continuous intravenous dihydroergotamine is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for intractable migraine but without the added cost and inconvenience of hospitalization. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Microembolic Air Load During Contrast-Transcranial Doppler: A Trigger for Migraine With Aura?

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Microembolic air load could act as a trigger of MA attack. According to recent studies and to the clinical characteristics observed in our patients, microembolization because of MB injection might provoke a decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation, thus triggering cortical spreading depression and, thereafter, MA attack. Larger and prospective studies will be necessary to confirm our data and observe a wider correlation. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Triptan Exposure During Pregnancy and the Risk of Major Congenital Malformations and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Results From The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Triptan therapy during pregnancy was not associated with an overall increased risk of congenital malformations. It cannot, however, be excluded that a difference in the risk between triptan use and individual or rare congenital malformations may exist. A slight increase in the risk of atonic uterus and hemorrhage was associated with triptan use during the second and/or third trimesters. Although the present findings are reassuring, confirmation in independent studies is warranted. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Reversible hearing impairment: delayed complication of murine typhus or azithromycin toxicity? A case report and literature review.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lin SY, Wang YL, Lin HF, Chen TC, Chen YH, Lu PL Delayed and reversible hearing loss occurred in a 55-year-old male patient with murine typhus infection. The patient had the initial symptoms of headache, fever and chills, followed by the occurrence of bilateral hearing loss on day 9 from fever onset. Murine typhus was diagnosed with high titer of IgM by indirect immunofluorescent assay. After treatment with azithromycin and prednisolone, the fever and other symptoms subsided gradually and bilateral hearing loss improved three weeks later. Though an adverse reaction to azithromycin could not be ruled out, delayed onset of hearing loss is more likely a complication of murine typhus, mainly because the hearing loss did not occur during azithromycin usage period. Although hearing ...

Triptan Exposure During Pregnancy and the Risk of Major Congenital Malformations and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Results From The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.

Headache — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.- Triptan therapy during pregnancy was not associated with an overall increased risk of congenital malformations. It cannot, however, be excluded that a difference in the risk between triptan use and individual or rare congenital malformations may exist. A slight increase in the risk of atonic uterus and hemorrhage was associated with triptan use during the second and/or third trimesters. Although the present findings are reassuring, confirmation in independent studies is warranted. PMID: 20132339 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Headache)

Microembolic Air Load During Contrast-Transcranial Doppler: A Trigger for Migraine With Aura?

Headache — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.- Microembolic air load could act as a trigger of MA attack. According to recent studies and to the clinical characteristics observed in our patients, microembolization because of MB injection might provoke a decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation, thus triggering cortical spreading depression and, thereafter, MA attack. Larger and prospective studies will be necessary to confirm our data and observe a wider correlation. PMID: 20132338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Headache)

Outpatient Home-Based Continuous Intravenous Dihydroergotamine Therapy for Intractable Migraine.

Headache — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.- Efficacy and safety of our outpatient home-based intravenous dihydroergotamine program compared favorably to that of established inpatient intravenous pulse injection and continuous infusion protocols for the treatment of intractable migraine. The use of outpatient continuous intravenous dihydroergotamine is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for intractable migraine but without the added cost and inconvenience of hospitalization. PMID: 20132337 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Headache)

Upper Cervical Facet Joint and Spinal Rami Blocks for the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache.

Headache — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.- C(1/2), C(2/3) facet joint injections and C(2), C(3) spinal rami blocks were effective and well tolerated for the treatment of cervicogenic headache in this study. The procedures provided significant and prolonged pain relief in the majority of patients. Larger controlled studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality in cervicogenic headache. PMID: 20132336 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Headache)

Headache, anxiety and depressive disorders: the HADAS study

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:29:28 +0100

The objective of this paper was to assess prevalence and characteristics of anxiety and depression in migraine without aura and tension-type headache, either isolated or in combination. Although the association between headache and psychiatric disorders is undisputed, patients with migraine and/or tension-type headache have been frequently investigated in different settings and using different tests, which prevents meaningful comparisons. Psychiatric comorbidity was tested through structured interview and the MINI inventory in 158 adults with migraine without aura and in 216 persons with tension-type headache or migraine plus tension-type headache. 49 patients reported psychiatric disorders: migraine 10.9%, tension-type headache 12.8%, and migraine plus tension-type headache 21.4%. T...

Chronic Headache: The Role of the Psychologist

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:01:18 +0100

This article reviews the literature on the importance of psychological issues in headache management and provides suggestions for how to address behavioral and cognitive factors and their potential for improved headache care. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11916-009-0087-9Authors Robert A. Nicholson, Saint Louis University School of Medicine Department of Neurology & Psychiatry Monteleone Hall, 1438 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis MO 63104 USA Journal Current Pain and Headache ReportsOnline ISSN 1534-3081Print ISSN 1531-3433 (Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports)

A Cupful of Health Benefits

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Patients coming to the Whitaker Wellness Institute sometimes express surprise that we serve coffee. Doesn't it increase the body's acidity? Aren't health-conscious people supposed to drink tea instead? Isn't caffeine bad for you?If coffee were harmful, then every morning emergency rooms around the world would be choked with people suffering the ill effects of our favorite breakfast beverage. Of course, this isn't the case. Coffee is not harmful. On the contrary, I consider it to be a health food, and hundreds of studies bear this out.From Protection Against Parkinson's...Research shows that drinking coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease by as much as 80 percent and protects against other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's. It increases insulin sensitivit...

Brucellosis

MedicineNet Migraine General — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: BrucellosisCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 1/27/2010 5:01:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/27/2010 5:01:36 PM (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

The fungus among us: An eco-friendly way of decomposing BPA-containing plastic

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Chemical Society) Just as cooking helps people digest food, pretreating polycarbonate plastic -- source of a huge environmental headache because of its bisphenol A content -- may be the key to disposing of the waste in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. Their new study is in ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Phase 2 study of intrathecal, long-acting liposomal cytarabine in the prophylaxis of lymphomatous meningitis in human immunodeficiency virus-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Cancer — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) develop central nervous system (CNS) progression or recurrence during the course of their disease. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-NHL often develop CNS progression despite the use of prophylaxis. Liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyte) has shown activity in lymphomatous meningitis, but there are limited data for prophylaxis.Between May 2006 and December 2008, a phase 2 study of intrathecal liposomal cytarabine was performed at the dose of 50 mg in 30 patients with HIV-NHL, with the aim of evaluating feasibility and activity for prophylaxis.Liposomal cytarabine was well tolerated, with headache grade I to III being the most frequent side effect in 40% of patients. With a median follow-up of 10.5 months, only 1 (3%) patient develo...

Petrous apex cephalocele and empty sella/arachnoid cyst coexistence: a clue for cerebrospinal fluid pressure imbalance?

Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology : The Turkish Society of Radiology — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Coexistence with empty sella-arachnoid cyst raises the possibility of cerebrospinal fluid inbalance in the etiology. PMID: 20108203 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology : The Turkish Society of Radiology)

A mutation in the first intracellular loop of CACNA1A prevents P/Q channel modulation by SNARE proteins and lowers exocytosis [Physiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:48:29 +0100

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM)-causing mutations in the gene encoding the P/Q Ca2+ channel 1A subunit (CACNA1A) locate to the pore... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

BMJ Feature Story Peers Into MIST Controversy

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:59:12 +0100

The four-page article chronicles the acrimonious falling-out between cardiologist Dr Peter Wilmshurst and NMT Medical over the Migraine Intervention with STARflex Technology trial, including details on the after-the-fact echocardiographic review that didn't appear in the published manuscript. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

BMJ feature story peers into MIST controversy

theHeart.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:30:36 +0100

The four-page article chronicles the acrimonious falling-out between cardiologist Dr Peter Wilmshurst and NMT Medical over the Migraine Intervention with STARflex Technology trial, including details... For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Crayons And Choice: A Headache In 120 Colors

NPR Health and Science — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:13:00 +0100

It's hard to make choices because our brains get tired, and yet we have more and more and more choices all the time. For example, how are we supposed to choose from 120 different crayon color options?» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Paper round: Tuesday

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Reigniting the case for euthanasia, women needing their beauty sleep, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaNew Dementia Tzar appointed by Department of HealthWHO issues health priorities for Haiti Study finds rain and migraine link Gene test could predict cancer relapseEmotional support offered to Britons in Haiti (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Indigenous use and bio-efficacy of medicinal plants in the Rasuwa District, Central Nepal

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Tamang people possess rich ethnopharmacological knowledge. This study allowed to identify many high value and high priority medicinal plant species, indicating high potential for economic development through sustainable collection and trade. (Source: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine)

Lipoastrocytoma: Case report and review of the literature

Neuropathology — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of an astrocytoma involving the upper part of the cerebellar-pontine angle and the right portion of the clivus starting from the brainstem with a diffuse lipomatous component in a 39 year-old man. The patient was admitted with headache of 1 year's duration and diplopia over the previous 3 months. MRI revealed a ponto-cerebellar lesion that showed irregular enhancement after contrast administration. Subtotal excision of the tumor was accomplished. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy were not administered. Histologically the tumor showed the classical histology of low-grade astrocytoma and a portion of the lesion was composed of lipid-laden cells. Immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acid and S-100 proteins clearly demonstrated the glial nature of these cells....

New FDA Approval in Diabetes Drug (NVO)

BioHealth Investor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:53:35 +0100

The FDA has announced the approval of Victoza made and marketed by Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO). The approval is listed as being an approval to treat type-2 diabetes in come adults. This has been a pending approval and is Novo Nordisk’s once-daily injection. The drug is intended to help lower blood sugar levels along with diet, exercise, and selected other diabetes medicines; but it is not recommended as an initial therapy in patients who have not achieved adequate diabetes control on diet and exercise alone. Victoza is in a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that help the pancreas make more insulin after eating a meal, and this was part of our own “Next $180 Billion in Drug Opportunities” from last year. The company has noted ...

Headaches and the blues: A shared genetic association between migraine and depression

Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:04:05 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Shared genetic factors in migraine and depression: Evidence from a genetic isolate

Neurology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:04:05 +0100

Conclusions: There is a bidirectional association between depression and migraine, in particular migraine with aura, which can be explained, at least partly, by shared genetic factors. (Source: Neurology)

Health IT Roundup: Provider-Vendor Relationships An Issue, Group Uses Racial Info To Customize Care

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Health News Florida/Kaiser Health News: "A group of Broward County doctors looking to switch to electronic medical records say the result has been a massive headache: surprise charges, inadequate training and even blocked access to patient files." Meanwhile, a local health IT vendor says doctors have been late in paying for his services, even though their orders have been filled. The local row highlights a broader problem of "mismatched expectations" between vendors and doctors that could stall government efforts to promote health IT (Mack, 1/22).The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: Republican Sen... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health IT Roundup: Provider-Vendor Relationships An Issue, Group Uses Racial Info To Customize Care

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Ulipristal acetate taken 48-120 hours after intercourse for emergency contraception.

Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:55:22 +0100

CONCLUSION:: Ulipristal acetate is effective and well-tolerated for emergency contraception 48-120 hours after unprotected intercourse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: II. PMID: 20093897 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Study finds rain and migraine link

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Children report more headaches when humidity is highRelated items from OnMedicaNew cognitive test detects early dementiaLight therapy may help dementia patientsHigh levels of 'good' cholesterol may help MS patients Celebrities back brain donation campaignHuge increase in emergency stroke calls, due to Act FAST campaign (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Temperature Twist

The American Journal of Medicine — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:28:50 +0100

This case illustrates how certain minor problems, like a viral fever, can unmask symptoms or signs of potentially grave preexisting abnormalities. The patient was a 36-year-old Caucasian man who presented with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and headache without dyspnea, cough, dysuria, diarrhea, skin rash, or arthralgia. He had no known cardiac or other medical problems and specifically denied palpitations or syncope. He had been a smoker for 10 years but denied any use of alcohol or recreational or over-the-counter drugs. His family medical history did not include cardiac problems or sudden unexplained death. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Chronic daily headaches: Cause not always clear

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Chronic daily headaches — Comprehensive overview covers causes, treatment of this debilitating type of headache. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Petrous Temporal Bone: Case Report and Literature Review

Skull Base — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:42:11 +0100

Skull BaseDOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1246224ABSTRACTEwing's sarcoma, which accounts for 6 to 9% of malignant bone neoplasms in children, typically affects the trunk and long bones and less often affects the skull (i.e., maxilla, frontal, parietal, ethmoid, temporal bones). Adding to literature of five previously reported cases, we now describe the case of the oldest child, a 16-year-old boy, with a primary Ewing's sarcoma of the petrous temporal bone. When this patient presented after 1 week of right-sided facial paralysis and new-onset headache, imaging studies showed a mass that originated in the right petrous temporal bone. During biopsy and surgical excision, the mass was found to involve the facial nerve, which then required nerve grafting. Postoperatively, he then underwent radiotherapy wit...

Recent insights into cerebral cavernous malformations: a complex jigsaw puzzle under construction

FEBS Journal — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are common vascular malformations with an unpredictable risk of hemorrhage, the consequences of which range from headache to stroke or death. Three genes, CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3, have been linked to the disease. The encoded CCM proteins interact with each other within a large protein complex. Within the past 2 years, a plethora of new data has emerged on the signaling pathways in which CCM proteins are involved. CCM proteins regulate diverse aspects of endothelial cell morphogenesis and blood vessel stability such as cell[ndash]cell junctions, cell shape and polarity, or cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Although fascinating, a global picture is hard to depict because little is known about how these pathways coordinate to orchestrate angiogenesi...

It's True: Humidity, Rain Linked to Kids' Headaches

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:32:02 +0100

Many people with chronic headaches believe that weather changes trigger their woes. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Children's Health, Headache (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Adult Male With Altered Mental Status and New-Onset Seizures

Annals of Emergency Medicine — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:15:24 +0100

[Ann Emerg Med. 2009;10;55:225.] A 60-year-old man with a history of hypertension and renal insufficiency presented to the emergency department (ED) after a single generalized tonic-clonic seizure. On awakening, he complained of a headache and blurred vision. According to his family, he was lethargic and vomited that morning and had not taken his blood pressure medications for several days. In the ED, the patient's blood pressure was 220/130 mm Hg. He was arousable to voice and displayed no neurologic deficits. A computed tomographic scan revealed bilateral posterior hypodensities without mass effect (). Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased fluid-attentuated inversion recovery signal in the same region (). (Source: Annals of Emergency Medicine)

[Clinical Picture] Impaled head

LANCET — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Although case reports of trauma describe single events only, they can contain very useful scientific information for applied surgery. The portrait of Gregor Baci from the collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria () provokes the question: is the legend that Baci survived a piercing injury with a lance only a myth, or does medical fact indicate that such severe impalement of the head and neck can be survived? We were able to provide the answer, when a similar case of impalement presented to us. The patient, a craftsman, was injured when a metal bar fell from the ceiling of a church with an altitude of about 14 m, impaling his head in an anterior-posterior direction (). The track of the metal bar followed a mediocaudal line that was near parallel to the Frankfort horizontal line. The ba...

Cytokine Polymorphism in Patients with Migraine: Some Suggestive Clues of Migraine and Inflammation

Pain Medicine — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. In conclusion, the present results indicate the possible contribution of TNF-[alpha] and IL-1[beta] gene polymorphisms to migraine headache generation in MwoA patients. (Source: Pain Medicine)

A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold™) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection

Phytomedicine — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of KalmCold™, an extract of Andrographis paniculata, in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The assessment involved quantification of symptom scores by Visual Analogue Scale. Nine self evaluated symptoms of cough, expectoration, nasal discharge, headache, fever, sore throat, earache, malaise/fatigue and sleep disturbance were scored. A total of 223 patients of both sexes were randomized in two groups which received either KalmCold™ (200 mg/day) or placebo in a double blind manner. In both the treatments, mean scores of all symptoms showed a decreasing trend from day 1 to day 3 but from day 3 to day 5 most of the symptoms in placebo treated grou...

Intracranial plasmacytoma with apoplectic presentation and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: Case report and review of the literature

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:36:25 +0100

Abstract: Involvement of the nervous system is not uncommon in patients with multiple myeloma, with polyneuropathy and myelopathy predominating. Intracranial involvement producing neurological symptoms, however, is distinctly uncommon. Massive intraparenchymal hemorrhage from a previously unrecognized intracranial plasmacytoma is exceedingly rare. The authors report the case of a 57-year-old male who presented with sudden onset of severe headache, rapid onset of right-sided weakness and deterioration in level of consciousness while at work. Two years earlier the patient had completed treatment for multiple myeloma and was considered to be in remission, with a recent bone marrow biopsy that was negative, and complete normalization of serum protein electrophoresis. Imaging studies revealed a...

Diagnostic Testing for Encephalitis, Part I

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:28:53 +0100

Abstract: Encephalitis is characterized by both its pleomorphic clinical presentation and its diagnostic challenges. Fever, headache, and alteration of consciousness are classically present; however, the diversity of neurological symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish encephalitis from other infectious and non-infectious central nervous system conditions. Identification of a specific pathogen has important therapeutic and prognostic implications for an individual patient and has broader public health significance in potentially identifying a need for prophylaxis of contacts or environmental control of arthropod vectors. Despite the availability of nucleic acid amplification-based tests, a specific pathogen is identified in less than 50% of cases. This two-part review will focus...

Cerebral venous thrombosis: role of CT, MRI and MRA in the emergency setting

La Radiologia Medica — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:08:05 +0100

Conclusions Knowledge of the CT, MRI and MR-venography signs of CVT is crucial and enables an early diagnosis and timely treatment with heparin in the majority of cases. DSA should be reserved for doubtful cases only. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Neuroradiology/NeuroradiologiaDOI 10.1007/s11547-010-0493-4Authors L. Rizzo, Università e A.S.O San Giovanni Battista S.C. Radiodiagnostica C.so Bramante 90 10100 Torino ItalyS. Greco Crasto, Università e A.S.O San Giovanni Battista S.C. Radiodiagnostica C.so Bramante 90 10100 Torino ItalyR. Rudà, Università e A.S.O San Giovanni Battista Servizio di Neuro-oncologia Clinica C.so Bramante 90 10100 Torino ItalyG. Gallo, Università e A.S.O San Giovanni Battista S.C. Neurologia C.so Bramante 90 10100 Torino ItalyE. Tol...

A 56 year old man with headache, fever, and neurological symptoms

BMJ Online First — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:06:14 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Is there progressive cognitive dysfunction in Sjögren Syndrome? A preliminary study

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion [ndash] Preliminary evidence indicates some cognitive deficits in both SS and migraine following a pattern of fronto-subcortical dysfunction without a significant cognitive decline over time. (Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica)

Serotonin, a Catecholamine?

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Antiphospholipid syndrome, migraine and stroke.

Lupus — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hughes G PMID: 20093324 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)

Study: Migraines, Depression Linked by Genes

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:27:25 +0100

Recurrent migraine headaches are enough to drive a person into depression, but new research suggests that the link between the two conditions is even more basic: genes (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

Current approaches to the diagnosis and management of paediatric migraine

NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - News — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:58:20 +0100

(Source: NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - News)

Zolmitriptan Nasal Spray in the Acute Treatment of Cluster Headache: A Meta-Analysis of Two Studies

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:10:00 +0100

This meta-analysis determines the efficacy of zolmitriptan nasal spray in the acute treatment of cluster headache. Headache (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Migraines and Depression: Researchers Seek Genetic Link

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:41:03 +0100

Recurrent migraine headaches are enough to drive a person into depression, but new research suggests the link between the two conditions is even more basic (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

High-Flow Oxygen Effective for Cluster Headache

AccessMedicine Updates — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:30:01 +0100

(Source: AccessMedicine Updates)

Long-Term Follow Up of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Closure with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

Congenital Heart Disease — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. These data indicate that for up to 120 months of patient follow-up, the ASO continues to be a safe device. Residual shunts and arrhythmias have low incidence post-ASO placement. Given the mortality in one high-risk patient, further investigation into anti-platelet therapy after device placement is warranted. (Source: Congenital Heart Disease)

Ophthalmoplegia secondary to raised intracranial pressure after unilateral neck dissection with internal jugular vein sacrifice

Head and Neck — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Neck dissection is commonly performed in the management of head and neck malignancy and may involve internal jugular vein (IJV) sacrifice. Potential complications include intracranial hypertension. This is well documented after bilateral neck dissection, although only scattered reports exist after unilateral IJV sacrifice.A 54-year-old man underwent unilateral left modified radical neck dissection for T1N2b squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base. He presented 13 days postoperatively with symptoms of headache and diplopia.Investigations revealed intracranial hypertension and bilateral abducens nerve palsies. He was treated with serial lumbar puncture, and his symptoms improved over the course of 2 weeks.Intracranial hypertension sufficient to cause visual disturbance is a serious compli...

Coexisting Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias and Hemicrania Continua

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a patient with a history of migraine without aura who developed cluster headache and HC simultaneously. The distinctive clinical features and differential response profiles to various treatments indicates that they are distinct disorders. We then review previous reports of patients with coexisting TACs and HC and discuss the relationship between these families of primary headache disorders. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Migraine, Migraine Features, and Cardiovascular Disease

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] These data suggest that the association between migraine with aura and ischemic stroke may differ by absence or presence of migraine features. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

The Prevalence of Neck Pain in Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] In this representative cross-section of migraineurs, neck pain was more commonly associated with migraine than was nausea, a defining characteristic of the disorder. Awareness of neck pain as a common associated feature of migraine may improve diagnostic accuracy and have a beneficial impact on time to treatment. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Epicrania Fugax: Ten New Cases and Therapeutic Results

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] This description reinforces the proposal of EF as a new headache variant or a new headache syndrome. Anesthetic blockades, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and lamotrigine have been apparently effective in individual patients. Further observations and therapeutic trials are needed. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Higher Prevalence of Psychopathological Symptoms in Adolescents With Headache. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion.[mdash] Previously reported associations between headache and psychopathological symptoms in adolescents could be confirmed, but might vary with type of headache. As psychopathological symptoms may be a precursor for manifest psychiatric disorders, adolescents particularly with migraine and miscellaneous headache appear to be a vulnerable population. (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Cerebrospinal fluid sodium rhythms

Cerebrospinal Fluid Research — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These CSF rhythms are the first reports of sodium chronobiology in the human nervous system. The results are consistent with our hypothesis that rising levels of extracellular sodium may contribute to the timing of migraine onset. The physiological importance of sodium in the nervous system suggests that these rhythms may have additional repercussions on ultradian functions. (Source: Cerebrospinal Fluid Research)

Higher Prevalence of Psychopathological Symptoms in Adolescents With Headache. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.