Putting Our Heads Together

Hemicrania Continua - What Is It?

Hemicrania continua is considered a primary headache disorder, meaning that it's not caused by another condition. It's a rare but treatable disorder. According to the International Headache Society's (IHS) International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition, hemicrania continua is a "persistent strictly unilateral headache responsive to indomethacin."

Hemicrania continua usually presents a mild to moderate daily headache. However, along with the daily, one-sided headache, it also causes exacerbations of more severe headache... Read the article.

Tension-Type Headaches - What Are They?

Tension-type headaches (TTH) are the most common form of headache. According the the World Health Organization and International Headache Society, up to 78% of the population experiences this type of headache, and 60% of TTH sufferers experience reductions in social activity and work capacity.

Tension-type headaches most commonly last from 30 minutes to seven days. The pain is commonly described as "a band around the head" or vise-like... Read the article.

An Open Challenge To DEA Officials

To all DEA officials:

Do you recognize the image to the left? It was the cover image of a document issued by the FDA in August of 2004, Prescription Pain Medications: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals, and Law Enforcement Personnel.

The FAQ was also very abruptly withdrawn without any comment. Then in November of 2004, there was a statement in the Federal Register that said, in part, "...chronic pain is a serious problem for many Americans..." and, "...DEA plans to address the subject of dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of pain in a future Federal Register document..."

Here's a reminder for you people at the DEA. It's been more than two years, and you have yet to address the subject in another issue of the Federal Register. You have yet to address the epidemic of people who are in pain, many of whom can't get adequate care because doctors are in fear of persecution and prosecution.

Shame on you! You are supposed to serve the American people. Instead, you are doing us a great disservice. It's far beyond time for the DEA to get it together and replace this FAQ, and I challenge you to do so.

For more information on the DEA FAQ and its withdrawal, see:

• DEA and Pain Experts Issue FAQs
• DEA Finally Speaks To Withdrawal of FAQ

Thyroid Disease Can Be Cormorbid To Headaches & Migraine

Comorbid conditions are conditions that occur at the same time as but independently of each other. With Migraine disease, perhaps the most common comorbid condition is major depressive disorder (clinical depression). Approximately 47% of Migraineurs also experience major depressive disorder, but neither causes the other.

Comorbid conditions can have significant impact on effective treatment of the individual disorders. Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, are among the conditions now know to often be comorbid with headaches and migraines. A strong connection has been found between hypothyroidism and new daily persistent headache (NDPH) and chronic migraine. Continue reading...

Migraine Disease Linked to Cardiovascular Disease in Men

Earlier this year, we learned that there's a connection between Migraine with aura in women and cardiovascular disease. Now a study has shown that men with mingraine have an increased risk of cardiovascular events, mostly myocardial infarction (heart attack).

This information highlights the need to recognize and control lifestyle issues that increas the risk of cardiovascular disease. Feature article.