Headache
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Migraine increases the risk of stroke, particularly in young and otherwise healthy adults. Being the most frequent neurological condition, migraine prevalence is on a par with that of other common stroke risk factors, such as diabetes or hypertension. ⋯ The severe stroke phenotype in migraine mutant mice can be prevented by suppressing spreading depolarization. If confirmed in the clinical setting, inhibiting spreading depolarization might protect migraineurs at stroke risk as well as decrease attacks of migraine.
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A number of observations have suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in migraine pathophysiology. This study investigates whether variants in the BDNF gene are associated with migraine in an Australian case-control population. ⋯ This study confirmed previous studies that the functional BDNF SNP rs6265 (Val66Met) is not associated with migraine. However, we found that rs2049046, which resides at the 5' end of one the BDNF transcripts, may be associated with migraine, suggesting that further investigations of this SNP may be warranted.
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Onabotulinumtoxin type A (onabotA) has shown efficacy in chronic migraine (CM). Its precise mechanism of action, however, is unknown. ⋯ Interictal CGRP and, to a lesser degree, VIP levels measured in peripheral blood are of great help in predicting response to onabotA.
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The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge about medication overuse headache (MOH) among pharmacy staff. ⋯ The knowledge on MOH is insufficient among pharmacy staff, but with the proper knowledge, pharmacy staff is well positioned to effect both primary and secondary prevention of MOH. We suggest not only increasing educational efforts about MOH within pharmacy programs but also continuing education at the pharmacies for all staff. Further, it is also important to increase knowledge among pharmacy customers.
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The aim of this study is to compare daily Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS)-based scores for headaches occurring on school days vs non-school days and during the school year vs the summer holiday. ⋯ Given similar headache intensities and frequencies, daily PedMIDAS-based scores significantly underestimate headache disability on non-school days. Accordingly, PedMIDAS scoring during the school year may not be comparable to assessments done during the summer holiday. These potential differences must be considered when using the instrument as an outcome measure for clinical trials.