Challenging Migraine

October 2010 Issue 10
Challenging Migraine
The newsletter from Migraine Action
Mitochondrial DNA - is
migraine all in the genes?
Page 5
FDA Approved Device for
Dental Migraine
Page 6
Migraine Heroes
Healthcare Awards
Page 16
www.migraine.org.uk
Migraine Action: your charity caring for you
www.migraine.org.uk/youngmigraineurs
Registered charity number: 207783
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
PG2
Charity Information & Migraine Clinics
MIGRAINE CLINICS
Patients must first obtain a referral letter from their GP
before requesting an appointment for many of these
clinics or hospitals.
LONDON -
Address: 4 Floor, 27 East Street, Leicester, LE1 6NB.
Helpline: 0116 275 8317
Fax: 0116 254 2023
Email: info@migraine.org.uk
Web: www.migraine.org.uk
Children’s web: www.migraine.org.uk/youngmigraineurs
Our mission statement is: To relieve the burden of headache by
facilitating informed awareness and encouraging research.
Migraine Action was founded in 1958 as the British Migraine
Association by the late Peter Wilson MBE. Its objectives
include:
• the provision of understanding, reassurance and
information to migraineurs, their families and friends;
• raising general awareness of the condition;
• the support of specialist migraine clinics;
• research and investigation into migraine, its causes,
diagnosis, prevention and treatment;
• facilitating the exchange of information relating to
migraine.
President:
Mary Ayres
Committee: The Committee members are the trustees of the
charity. They are responsible for the governance of MA and
the management of its affairs.
Association Chairman:
Adrian Peasgood
Association Deputy Chairman: Linda Hunter
Trustee Members: Zoe Addie, Michael Albinson, Colin Berry, Jenny Hennah,
Heather Lally, Graham Smith, Margaret Walker
Management Team: The management team undertakes the
day to day running of MA and is directly responsible to the
Committee.
Director:
Lee Tomkins
Head of Membership:
Demelza Burn
Head of Fundraising
Jane Holden
Office Team:
Membership Support Officer: Reena Kanabar
PR Manager: Rachel Markham
Finance & Admin Support:
Roshni Mistry
Membership Support Officer:
Fazila Patel
Admin & Marketing Support: Stella Powell
th
Please address all correspondence to the office.
The views and opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of MA or of the
Editor. The right is reserved to edit items submitted. This publication provides information
only. Unless otherwise stated, the authors have no medical qualifications whatsoever.
Migraine Action and its officers can accept no responsibility for any loss, howsoever caused,
to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in the publication or
any information given. Medical advice should be obtained on any specific matter.
City of London Migraine Clinic (a referral is not required at this clinic)
Tel: 020 7251 3322
Princess Margaret Migraine Clinic, Charing Cross Hospital
Tel: 020 8846 1303
The National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Tel: 020 7837 3611
Headache Services, King’s College Hospital
Tel: 020 3299 8355
The Headache Clinic, The Royal London Hospital
Tel: 020 7377 7359
ABERDEEN - Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Tel: 0845 456 6000
BATH - Royal United Hospital
Tel: 01225 821 907
BRIGHTON - Royal Sussex County Hospital
Tel: 01273 696955
CANNOCK - Hednesford Street Surgery
Tel: 01543 503 121
CARDIFF - University Hospital of Wales
Tel: 029 2074 7747
CHELTENHAM - Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 08454 222 222
COVENTRY - University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire
Tel: 02476 96 4000
EDINBURGH - Western General Hospital
Tel: 0131 537 1000
EXETER - St. Thomas Health Centre
Tel: 01392 676 678
GLASGOW Southern General Hospital
Tel: 0141 201 1100
Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital
Tel: 0141 211 1600
GLOUCESTER - Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 08454 222 222
GUILDFORD - Merrow Park Surgery (private clinic)
Tel: 01483 450 755
HULL - Hull Royal Infirmary
Tel: 01482 328541
LEICESTER - General Hospital
Tel: 0116 249 0490
LIVERPOOL - The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Tel: 0151 525 3611
MARGATE - The East Kent PCT Headache Service
Tel: 01843 209300
MIDDLESBROUGH - James Cook University Hospital
Tel: 01642 854108
NEWCASTLE - Royal Victoria Infirmary
Tel: 0191 256 3111
NORTHAMPTON - Northampton General Hospital
Tel: 01604 545 850
NORWICH - Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Tel: 01603 286286
OXFORD - John Radcliffe Hospital
Tel: 01865 741166
PRESTON - Royal Preston Hospital
Tel: 01772 716 565
PLYMOUTH - Derriford Hospital
Tel: 0845 155 8155
SHEFFIELD - Park Health Centre
Tel: 0114 279 5565
STOKE-ON-TRENT - North Staffordshire Hospital
Tel: 01782 715 444
YORK - York Hospital
Tel: 01904 631 313
Many Neurology departments in NHS hospitals see migraine patients. We know that the following
hospitals do so:
BANBURY - Horton Hospital
Tel: 01295 275 500
BASILDON - Basildon University Hospital
Tel: 01268 533 911
BIRMINGHAM - The Queen Elizabeth Neurosciences Centre
Tel: 0121 414 3943
CAMBRIDGE - Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Tel: 01223 245 151
CHESTER - Countess of Chester Hospital
Tel: 01244 365 000
COLCHESTER - Colchester General Hospital
Tel: 01206 747 474
HALIFAX - Calderdale Royal Hospital
Tel: 01422 357 171
LEEDS - St. James’s University Hospital
Tel: 0113 243 3144
LONDON - Whipps Cross University Hospital
Tel: 020 8539 5522
MANCHESTER - Manchester Royal Infirmary
Tel: 0161 276 8671
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE - Royal Victoria Infirmary
Tel: 0191 232 6161
NOTTINGHAM - Nottingham University Hospital
Tel: 0115 924 9924
PORTSMOUTH - Queen Alexandra’s Hospital
Tel: 023 9228 6000
REDDITCH - Alexandra Hospital
Tel: 01527 503 030
ROMFORD - Essex Neurosciences Unit, Oldchurch Hospital
Tel: 01708 435 000
STAFFORD - Stafford & Cannock Chase Hospitals
Tel: 01785 230 238
SOUTHAMPTON - Southampton General Hospital
Tel: 02380 796793
SURBITON - Surbiton Hospital
Tel: 020 8399 7111
SURREY - Frimley Park Hospital
Tel: 01276 604 604
SWANSEA - Morriston Hospital
Tel: 01792 702222
WAKEFIELD - Pinderfields General Hospital
Tel: 0844 811 8110
CHILDREN’S CLINICS:
ESSEX - Goodmayes Hospital
Tel: 0208 590 6060
FALKIRK - Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary
Tel: 01324 624 000
GLASGOW - Royal Hospital for Sick Children
Tel: 0141 201 0000
LIVERPOOL - Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Tel: 0151 228 4811
LONDON City of London Migraine Clinic (a referral is not required at this clinic)
Tel: 020 7251 3322
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Tel: 020 7405 9200
NOTTINGHAM - Queen’s Medical Centre
Tel: 0115 823 0850
PLYMOUTH - Derriford Hospital
Tel: 0845 155 8155
STOKE-ON-TRENT - North Staffordshire Hospital
Tel: 01782 715 444
STIRLING - Stirling Royal Infirmary
Tel: 01786 434 000
YORK - York Hospital
Tel: 01904 631 313
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
PG3
From the Director
sections for employers too, so they
can better understand the issues
you face every day in managing
your migraines.
We were also very pleased to be
associated with Mediview and
their relaunch of Migralens. Many
of you may remember a clinical
trial conducted over five years
ago which demonstrated that
migraineurs were very sensitive to
the blue and red light in the white
light spectrum, and Mediview
produced a specialist range of
lenses to help combat this light
sensitivity. This range has now been
updated with new designs and
is available through pharmacies
at a much reduced cost, with
a recommended retail price of
£35 - £50.
I do hope those of you who are light
sensitive might try these lenses
as other members have fed back
to us that they can make a huge
difference in controlling any light
related problems. This initiative is
also new
to us for
another
reason
in that
we have entered into a licensing
agreement with Mediview which
means that we receive a percentage
of the purchase price for every pair
sold, which will be a very valuable
addition to our fundraising efforts.
I do hope you all have an enjoyable
autumn and I hope we will see
many of you at our AGM and
education day on 30th October
2010 in London – see page 11 for
details.
Lastly, see our new range of
Christmas cards also on page 11 more contemporary designs as you
have requested, but we do have
limited stocks, so order early!
became widely known nationally
and internationally as a writer,
lecturer and pioneer of research
into this disabling condition having
written his first paper on migraine in
1955. He maintained that he gained
a huge amount of information from
his patients and some members
will remember his lively reports
on current trends in research at
the end of the annual general
meetings. His nimble and inquiring
mind meant that he always had a
“project” and an audience provided
him with excellent material. He
was indefatigable in his researches,
particularly in the realm of cluster
headache.
Music played an important part in
his life and he played the cello with
the London Medical Orchestra.
A persuasive and influential
fundraiser, he was responsible
for arranging successful concerts
within the City of London, for the
City of London Migraine Clinic. Throughout his career he gave
freely and generously of his time in
the passionate pursuit of treatment
and care for the millions who
suffer from migraine, improving
lives and changing attitudes in his
own profession and the general
arena. This Association was truly
fortunate to have his unstinting
help and advice for 30 years. He
will be sorely missed.
Page 4 Fundraising is Fun
Page 7 - 10 Botox and migraine
Page 13 Current Research
Page 5 Mitochondrial DNA
Page 11 MA Education Days
Page 6 The Fakirpillow
Page 12 Current Research
Welcome to our latest autumn
edition of Challenging Migraine
and I hope you find the front
cover as uplifting as all the staff
and volunteers in the office do.
It’s been a very busy summer
with a hard hitting campaign for
Migraine Awareness Week with our
workplace theme, which has
generated a lot of calls from
members and employers seeking
more help to make the workplace
a
kinder
environment
for
migraineurs.
If you are having problems at work
please call us in the office for our
new 40 page booklet which is full of
practical advice on how to manage
migraine in the workplace and has
Dr J.N. Blau 1928 – 2010
Members of the
Association will
be sorry to hear
of the death of
Dr J N Blau on the
26th June 2010.
We offer our
condolences to his wife Jill and the
family.
In 1980 Dr Blau became Honorary
Medical Adviser to the Association,
then known as The British Migraine
Association. In that same year
he became one of the founder
Directors of the City of London
Migraine Clinic with Dr Marcia
Wilkinson.
A neurologist with a special interest
in migraine, he was a sufferer, he
Lee Tomkins
Director
(A full obituary can be found in the City
of London Migraine Clinic’s August
Newsletter at www.migraineclinic.org).
Mary Ayres
President
Contents
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
Page 14 - 15 Member Feedback
Page 16 Migraine Heroes Awards
PG4
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
Fundraising is Fun - Fundraising news, views and updates
First things first: let me introduce
myself! My name is Jane Holden
and I am happy to be the new Head
of Fundraising at Migraine Action.
Welcome to Migraine Action’s
fundraising page.
I don’t mean to
be gloomy but
this year, times
are hard! We all
have to tighten
our belts and look
at our outgoings.
Our country has
a new coalition
government and with anything new,
we can expect changes. These may
not be for the benefit of the Third
Sector, so it is more important than
ever before that we continue to
promote Migraine Action, the work
that we undertake to improve the
lives of migraineurs and continue
our research into this debilitating
condition.
Fundraising is a great excuse for
bringing people together for a good
cause. The more fun it is the more
money you will raise. If you can make
someone smile then you are halfway
there.
Corporate support
This year MA is planning lots of new
fundraising activities, as well as
continuing with all of our old trusted
favourites. We aim to engage with
more corporate supporters and
become the charity of the year
for several companies, engaging
with their staff and helping with
their corporate social responsibility
policies.
MA’s work is becoming increasingly
dependant on the generous support
of organisations and their employees
across the UK. Without corporate
support, MA would not be able to
continue with the work we do at
national, regional and local levels.
There are many different ways for
both companies and staff to support
MA.
How your company can get involved
Depending on your company and
motivations, we offer a variety of
ways for you and your company to
get involved:
• Charity of the year
• Sponsoring MA
• Exhibition opportunities
• Corporate contributions
How employees can get involved
Staff fundraising for MA is a
fantastic way to facilitate both
interdepartmental teamwork and
communication, enabling a company
to benefit from newly established
relationships across its organisation.
Charity involvement also helps
develop employees’ leadership
skills, confidence, communication
and creativity:
• Staff fundraising
• Payroll giving
• Taking part in MA events
• Volunteering
What we are doing at MA
We have recently promoted MA
with the FSI Small Charity Car Draw,
hopefully you will have all purchased
a raffle ticket for this!
We hope to arrange our first annual
“Ball” and also a glitzy “Fashion
Show”, so you can see, we are not
standing still!
Having looked back at the fundraising
events that our supporters have
held in the past I see that there
have been a wide variety, including
pub darts nights and fun days, cycle
tours and races, runs and walks, golf
days, bungee jumps, treasure hunts,
parachute jumps, musical evenings,
slimming feats and
church collections. This
would indicate to me
that our members and
supporters are a fun
loving and outgoing
group who appear to be willing to
participate in all things “fun” and this
fills me with hope for the future!
We are happy to supply you with all
the material and support you need
to make your fundraising successful
- posters, leaflets, t-shirts, running
vests and any information you need.
Before you begin raising funds for
Migraine Action, please contact us
and let us know. We will be able
to give you fundraising material
specifically for your fundraising
venture, including personalised
sponsorship forms, if appropriate.
There’s more to fundraising than
sponsorship
Whatever type of supporter
you may be, we are sure
that there is a fundraising
activity for you! You don’t
have to run a marathon for us
(although we would be very happy
if you did!). Here are a few more
relaxing suggestions of how you can
help us:
A big night in
Get all of your friends together for a
big night in – the money
you all save by staying
in can be donated to
Migraine Action.
Pamper yourself
Get your friends to donate their
expertise and invite people round
for a pampering session in return for
a donation to MA.
Take a hike
Spend a week walking to work /
school / university instead of taking
the car or bus and send the money
you save on fares and petrol to MA.
Enjoy a cuppa
Why not hold a coffee morning at
work or at home.
Migraine Action team up
with the Leicester Tigers
Rugby Club
By purchasing tickets for the
Leicester Tigers v London Wasps
game on Saturday 19th February
2011, not only will you get the
opportunity to experience the
thrill of a live Aviva Premiership
match at Welford Road, Leicester,
you can also help us to raise vital
funds for our charity.
We will be selling tickets for the
game at a special purchase price
of £25 for adults, £16 for students
and £10 for juniors; for every ticket
purchased through MA the Tigers
will donate £5 to us.
Anyone can buy tickets, so
why not use this fantastic offer
as a part of your Christmas
shopping? For further information
please contact Jane Holden
on 0116 249 5777 or email
janeholden@migraine.org.uk
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
PG5
Mitochondrial DNA - Is migraine all in the genes?
functional
disorders
include
depression, migraine, irritable
bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue
syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other
chronic pain syndromes. According
to Dr Boles functional disorders
tend to cluster together in the
same individuals and families. For
example, a woman with migraine is
about two to three times more likely
to have depression, and / or a son
with irritable bowel syndrome. [1.].
Dr Richard Boles a geneticist,
(Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles,
USA) with a special interest
in mitochondrial disease and
functional disorders, suggests that
some of the genetic components
of various functional or autonomic
conditions such as migraine, chronic
fatigue syndrome, tinnitus and
cyclic vomiting syndrome reside on
the mitochondrial DNA.
What are mitochondria?
Mitochondria are minute structures
inside all our cells that produce 90%
of our energy. If they fail to produce
enough energy, the body is unable
to function properly and can cause
diseases. They are inherited in a
totally different way to the more
familiar nuclear DNA (which are
carried on chromosomes inherited
from both parents) as mitochondria
are solely inherited from the
mother. Research conducted by
Dr Boles into conditions inherited
from the maternal side has found
that mistakes in the mtDNA code
(mutations) which are transmitted
down the mother’s line in families
tend to cause neurological
disorders.
Many migraineurs tend to suffer
from other conditions. A recent
study featured in the online Journal
of Neurology, Neurosurgery and
Psychiatry (JNNP), found that
people with chronic migraine were
twice as likely to be diagnosed with
a number of other conditions such
as depression, anxiety and chronic
pain and also suffer from unrelated
conditions such as asthma,
bronchitis and diabetes. [2.].
Dr Dowson from Migraine Action's
Medical Advisory Board comments:
"We have identified previously that
depression, anxiety and chronic pain
are more common in high frequency
headache
(chronic
migraine)
patients and that there is a two
way relationship, i.e. depression
increases headache and vice versa.
This study widens the number
of comorbid conditions in the
chronic migraine group to include
respiratory disease, hypertension,
high cholesterol, diabetes and being
obese”.
Mitochondrial DNA and migraine
Research conducted by Dr Boles
has found that functional disorders
Functional disorders
These are a large group of conditions
where people suffer from a range of
symptoms that can sometimes go
unrecognised by medical experts.
Some of the more common
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
are maternally inherited in many
families. A recent study has found
two genetic changes, 16519T
and 3010A, in the mtDNA that
are far more frequent in patients
with common migraine (migraine
without aura). Only 11% of patients
without 16519T had migraine, but
74% of those with both genetic
changes had migraine.
What treatments are there?
Mitochondrial treatment needs to
be directed at decreasing energy
demand and increasing energy
supply; with defective energy
metabolism having been found in
several of the functional disorders.
Therefore, lifestyle factors such
as eating regularly, taking special
care during viral illnesses, avoiding
excessive exercise and fasting are
known to help.
Vitamins such as Coenzyme
Q10, L-carnitine and riboflavin
(Vitamin B2) which stimulate
energy productions have also been
suggested to help with migraine,
when taken in doses higher that
what is normally recommended.
Preventative medications such as
amitriptyline may also give benefit
using the same energy mechanism.
MA would like to
thank CVSA (Cyclical
Vomiting Syndrome
Association) for the
information they
supplied for this
article.
References
1. Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome
Association. Mitochondria and
medical mysteries. Newsletter
36, Spring 2010; 4-5.
2. Buse D C; Manack A; Serrano
D; Turkel C; Lipton R B; 2010,
A
Sociodemographic
and
comorbidity profiles of chronic
migraine and episodic migraine
sufferers, Journal of Neurology,
Neurosurgery & Psychiatry with
Practical Neurology, 81:428-432.
3. Mitochondrial Dysautonomia
& Functional Disorder Alliance,
Research update at CHLA.
Available at www.curemito.org/
index.html.
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
PG6
Treatment News
Free member prize draw for
a Fakirmat and a Fakirpillow
Migraine Action has had four
Fakirmats and Fakirpillows donated
to us and we’d like to offer our
members the opportunity to own
a set. With 6200 plastic spikes on
a 68 x 42 cm soft foam mattress
and 1200 plastic spikes on the
acupressure pillow, the Fakirmat
and the Fakirpillow aims to improve
blood flow and aid relaxation.
The Fakirmat has a similar effect to
acupuncture; by putting pressure on
the skin and muscles it helps with
the pain endorphins, stimulates
Arlevert - treatment
vertigo of mixed origin
To enter into this free prize
draw, please call the office
on 0116 275 8317 or email
info@migraine.org.uk specifying
which colour you would prefer from
pink, orange, black and white.
The closing date for this free prize
draw is 1st November 2010. The
winner will be announced on the
latest news section of website
by
points where energy can be blocked www.migraine.org.uk/news
th
the
12
November
2010
and
will
and allows tense muscles to regain
their volume and flexibility. Many be contacted directly. The judge's
people like to use just the mat decision is final. No correspondence
before going to bed as it helps them will be entered into.
to relax.
for combination tablet that contains an attack begins, during the aura
two active ingredients, cinnarizine
(20mg) and dimenhydrinate (40mg).
Relaunched in the UK by Hampton It works by blocking histamine and
Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Arlevert is now muscarinic receptors in the brain to
licensed to treat vertigo symptoms prevent the symptoms of vertigo.
of peripheral and / or central origin. According to Andrew Trouton,
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that General Manager of Hampton
involves a false Pharmaceuticals: “By prescribing
sensation of you Arlevert (which treats both central
feeling that you and peripheral vertigo), doctors are
and / or your immediately targeting the possible
s u r r o u n d i n g s cause of the problem.” Arlevert is
are moving or a prescription only treatment that
spinning often has been suggested to be taken 3
associated with times a day for 4 weeks.
nausea
and
loss of balance. Vertigo can often be associated with
Arlevert is a migraines occurring either before
phase, during the migraine itself,
and / or afterwards. Dr Dowson
from Migraine Action's Medical
Advisory Board comments: “This
combination drug is just coming
here but has been used in Germany
for many years. It appears to have
good efficacy with a low side effect
potential. This is a useful addition
to our armamentarium for the
treatment of migraine symptoms
and in particular the dizziness /
vertigo that although not present in
all migraineurs can be debilitating
for some.”
FDA approved device for according to Dr Khaira give an “80% are prescribing the wrong type of
reduction in symptoms within 6 appliance. The NTI device has been
dental migraine
Many migraineurs often wake up
with tension headaches, according
to Dr Pav Khaira, a dentist with
a special interest in migraine:
“Teeth clenching and grinding
whilst sleeping prevents people
from sleeping properly, fatigues
the muscles and causes tension
headaches. With correct dental
treatment, the intensity at which
this occurs can be reduced.”
Dr Khaira has received extensive
training from US based headache
treatment centres and has helped
treat many patients with migraine
and tension headaches. The
treatment he offers include the
use of FDA approved devices which
weeks for 75% of people, all without
the need for medication.”
In some patients he has fitted a
bite guard (NTI device) which helps
to reduce muscular activity and
eliminate pain. He mentions: “There
are numerous different types of
appliances available, not all of them
work and in some instances dentists
found to be the most effective
method of controlling migraine
and tension headaches, including
morning headaches by the FDA.”
An open day is being held by Dr
Khaira on 30th of October 2010,
offering MA members a free
consultation (normally £75), 10%
discount off treatment and a money
back guarantee.
For more information please
visit
www.redskydentalspa.com
or contact Dr Khaira on
01302 325678.
(FDA is the American regulatory
authority which assesses medical
devices and medications).
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
Migraine and BOTOX®
Newsletter feature from Challenging Migraine
Who benefits from
BOTOX®?
A pull out and keep supplement looking
at how BOTOX® can help treat
chronic migraine
BOTOX® NHS centres
BOTOX® FAQs and
diagnostic screening
questionnaire
www.migraine.org.uk
www.migraine.org.uk/youngmigraineurs
Migraine and BOTOX®
BOTOX® is not for all
by Dr Susan L Lipscombe
The news that BOTOX® (Botulinum
toxin type A) has received a licence
for treatment of chronic migraine
and headaches, in July 2010,
must have brought hope for many
migraineurs with these conditions.
There is no doubt that BOTOX® may
be of considerable benefit for some
migraineurs and the PREEMPT trial
was impressive with large numbers
of patients and long assessment
periods. Benefits of decreasing
numbers of days with headache
grew over the two-year study
period.
Who would benefit?
The trial has targeted people
who were suffering more than 15
headache days each month and had
at least half of the days on which
they suffered, were migrainous.
People in the trial had tried at least
one preventative treatment and
nearly two-thirds were over-using
medication. The trial was double
blind placebo controlled, so one
group of patients had BOTOX® and
the second group had identical
treatment (just saline plus inactive
ingredients) but without the active
BOTOX® in it. Neither the patient
nor the investigator knew which
treatment they were receiving.
Interestingly, everyone improved
after one set of injections but
throughout the trial those
having BOTOX® continued to get
progressively fewer headache days
month after month. However,
deciding who to treat and who will
benefit is difficult to predict. There
is no doubt that chronic migraine
is debilitating and for many
inextricably linked with medication
over-use. If one is in constant pain,
but various painkillers bring some
sort of relief, it is totally reasonable,
and understandable, that regular
pain-relieving medicines are used
on days when headaches are
present. The really great thing
about the PREEMPT programme
is that medication over-use wasn’t
excluded.
Key Facts about BOTOX® from the
PREEMPT research programme
• At baseline, patients in the
BOTOX® treatment group had an
average of 19.1 days per month
with migraine. Patients in the
placebo group had an average
of 18.9 migraine days. Following
treatment with BOTOX®, patients
had an average of 8.2 fewer
migraine days at week 24, which
was significantly greater than the
change from baseline observed
in placebo treated patients (6.2
days);
• Patients treated with BOTOX®
had significantly fewer headache
days compared to those patients
treated with placebo (47.1%
of BOTOX® treated patients
compared to 35.1% of placebo
treated patients achieved >50%
reduction from baseline in the
number of headache days at the
week 24 primary timepoint);
• At the end of the second phase
of the trial (week 56), nearly 70%
of patients treated with BOTOX®
experienced >50% reduction
from baseline in migraine days;
• Patients treated with BOTOX®
experienced improvements in
their ability to complete normal
everyday activities as well as
a reduction in their sense of
frustration and helplessness.
I believe that all doctors would
expect people who are to be
considered
for
BOTOX®
to
have tried several preventative
drugs at maximum tolerated
doses for a minimum of three
months.
Preventatives
would
include propranolol, topiramate,
sodium
valproate,
valproic
acid, amitriptyline, gabapentin,
pregabalin and pizotifen. So people
who have tried these and are still
suffering migraine type headaches
on more than 15 days of the month
and wanting to try the treatment,
may be suitable.
The obstacles
Although use of BOTOX® is licensed,
this doesn’t mean it is available on
the NHS for all suitable patients. The
cost is one of the major stumbling
blocks for hospitals; the cost of
the ampoules of BOTOX® needed
is currently around the £300 mark.
The injections are needed every 3 - 4
months amounting to around £1200
for a year’s treatment. Add into this
the half hour of a practitioner’s
time it takes to give the injections
and the cost of a nurse to draw up
the injections and the syringes and
needles, and one can appreciate
that the Hospital Committees have
to weigh up this cost against many
others.
Another obstacle is needle phobia.
The procedure uses 31 injection
sites and for some people this is
frightening and causes more panic
than suffering and taking tablets.
Currently there are few practitioners
who can do the procedure in the
UK, but others are in the process
of being trained. I am really looking
forward to having the training but
am very much in the hands of the
Hospital Administrators to agree
that we can use BOTOX® for suitable
patients.
Time is an obstacle for both patients
and healthcare professionals. As
the treatment takes about 30
minutes, this time has to be found
from somewhere. If it involves extra
clinics this will also become a hurdle
for everyone involved.
Migraine and BOTOX®
The discussions
Making a correct diagnosis is vital
in order that this treatment is used
wisely and benefits appropriate
migraineurs. Nearly all people with
chronic migraine will have a past
history of episodic migraine with
episodes of typical migraine lasting
up to 3 days and periods of time
when they have been headache
free. Over time, in a small group
of people, these episodes become
more frequent and eventually
people may find that they are
troubled by migrainous pain on
more than 15 days a month and
often every day. Associated with
this may be constant need to
take medication to alleviate the
symptoms.
If there is no history of episodic
migraine then the diagnosis of
chronic migraine needs to be
reconsidered since something
more sinister may underlie the
constant headaches. I believe that
an experienced doctor is needed to
make this diagnosis.
The loss of quality of life to people
with chronic headache and migraine
is considerable. Most days are
blighted by pain, nausea, dislike of
light, fatigue and often depression
because of the constancy of the
symptoms. People may have to give
up jobs, lose relationships and end
up with hardly any income, whilst
feeling that no-one understands
their degree of suffering.
The prospects of improving quality
of life, together with returning
people to work and allowing them
to use progressively less expensive
medicine over time, are fierce.
Economic and compassionate
arguments for trying to convince
those who hold hospital purse
strings to open up the strings and
use monies on BOTOX® for suitable
patients will be challenging.
The bottom line
BOTOX® may well be a very useful
treatment for people with chronic
migraine. It offers hope where up
until now there has been nowhere
to go and no help available. It
should gain a place in the hospital
formulary in the foreseeable future
and may have a major impact for
a lot of people who are suffering
at present. Allergan, who have
brought BOTOX® to this point,
deserve much credit for spending
lots of their resources on trials to
show how effective this treatment
can be.
Botox isn’t helpful in stopping
wrinkles as injections are done in
different areas. Side effects seem
to be few and are mainly related
to neck pain in a few. The benefits,
on paper, are not dramatic when
viewed totally objectively, as
headaches and migraine do
continue in many but, subjectively,
after years of pain, finding that after
only 8 weeks on average people had
7 days less suffering per month may
be miraculous.
BOTOX® NHS centres
BOTOX® will only be available in the New Year in NHS centres that have been trained to give the series of
treatments. There are currently 7 centres where this is available, although we anticipate that more will open as
they receive the training. Current centres include:
Migraine specialist
Clinic name and address
Dr Fayyaz Ahmed
The Migraine Clinic, Hull Royal Infirmary, Analby Road, Hull. HU3 2JZ.
Dr Brendan Davies
Migraine Clinic, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary, Prince’s Road, Stoke on Trent. ST4 7LN.
Dr Paul Davies
The Migraine Clinic, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton. NN1 5BD.
Dr Manjit Matharu
National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London. WC1N 3BG.
Dr Alok Tyagi
Migraine Clinic, Southern General Hospital, Govan Road, Glasgow. G51 4TF.
Dr Mark Weatherall
Princess Margaret Migraine Clinic, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London. W6 8RF.
Dr Stuart Weatherby
Peninsula Headache Clinic, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth. PL6 8DH.
Your GP will need to refer you to a centre which offers this treatment.
Migraine and BOTOX®
FAQs
What ingredients do BOTOX® injections contain? Is
BOTOX® a poison?
BOTOX® is short for botulinum toxin, a protein that is
toxic to humans. When used in humans for medicinal
purposes, like helping chronic migraine, it is diluted to a
safe level so that little of the toxin itself is injected into
the body, but it is still effective as a neurotoxin, and has
been proven to help chronic migraineurs.
How does it work?
BOTOX® paralyses muscles when injected into specific
sites and the theory is that it may also affect nerve
endings that are often over sensitive in people with
chronic migraine.
How do I know if this is the right treatment for me?
Approximately 80% of people in the UK that suffer
from chronic migraine are not diagnosed so it is vitally
important that you initially consult with your GP and
then obtain a referral to a neurologist, to obtain the
correct diagnosis. Keeping a diary of your symptoms,
headache days and the treatments that you use will
be key to helping the neurologist make the correct
diagnosis. Once you receive this diagnosis, then you
can discuss with the neurologist if this is an appropriate
treatment for you.
How much BOTOX® is used for treatment in chronic
migraine?
The recommended BOTOX® dose for treating chronic
migraine is 155 U to 195 U administered intramuscularly
(IM) using a 30-gauge, 0.5 inch needle as 0.1 ml (5 U)
injections to between 31 and 39 sites. Injections are
divided across 7 specific head / neck muscle areas as
specified in the diagrams below.
How long does BOTOX® last for and how many
injections will I have to take?
The clinical trial programme showed that BOTOX® is very
effective at reducing headache days. After treatment for
nearly a year, over 70% of people using BOTOX® found
that their headaches reduced by 50%, reducing days of
headache from an average of nearly 20 per month to
under 10. In the trial, patients received up to 5 courses
of BOTOX® every 12 weeks.
What are the side effects?
Reported side effects include headache, migraine,
facial paresis (partial loss of movement), eyelid
ptosis (drooping), pruritus (itching), rash, neck pain,
musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal stiffness, muscle
spasms, muscle tightness, muscular weakness and
injection site pain. Side effects were mild to moderate
and resolved without further problems.
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
PG11
Migraine Action Education Days
Various patient education
days have taken place this
year with migraineurs, their
friends and families.
they are not alone.
Topics covered at the meetings
ranged
from
acute
and
preventative treatments, the role
of
complementary
medicine,
The feedback from the meetings hormonal issues and managing
highlighted just how much your migraine.
the doctors’ attendance and
presentations were appreciated, in People were also able to learn
particular the information provided more about areas which were
on migraine which was found by of interest to them during the
many to be invaluable. Many people workshops that took place in
were glad of having the opportunity the afternoon. Many workshops
to speak to medical professionals were based around alternative
and ask specific questions. They therapies, such as The Bowen
also really valued being able to Technique, reflexology and tai chi;
speak to other migraineurs and people found them to be extremely
share experiences – knowing that useful.
To attend future events please book
early to avoid disappointment.
Booking forms and event details can
be downloaded from our website
www.migraine.org.uk/events.
Alternatively, you can email us
at info@migraine.org.uk, or call
0116 275 8317.
Future migraine education days are to
take place in:
London (AGM)
30th October 2010
Milton Keynes
13th November 2010
Guildford
29th January 2011
Newcastle
5th March 2011
Leicester
9th April 2011
Limited places left.... Book now for our annual AGM and migraine education day!
This year Migraine Action’s AGM
and education day is to be held on
Saturday 30th October 2010 at the
NCVO, London. N1 9RL.
From 11am to 4pm, it provides
you with the perfect opportunity
to meet migraine specialists, share
2.
1.
experiences, discuss treatments
and ask questions.
Topics to be covered on the day
include: the latest developments
in migraine clinical research and
migraine associated dizziness and
vertigo.
Don’t miss out
To book your place(s) please
call 0116 275 8317, email
info@migraine.org.uk or visit
www.migraine.org.uk/events.
Tickets cost only £10 (this includes
a buffet lunch).
Christmas is coming.....
Migraine Action’s new 2010 Christmas card
selection, are now available to order. To purchase,
please return the form below or alternatively
call 0116 275 8317 or visit our website at
www.migraine.org.uk/shop.
Item
No. of packs Total
(10 per pack)
1. Winter robin (126 x 126mm)
2. A warm welcome (126 x 126mm)
3.
3. Dreaming of a white Christmas
(100 x 152mm)
4.
5.
4. Twinkling tree (126 x 126mm)
5. Christmas sprouts (126 x 126mm)
Postage and packaging (P&P)
1 - 3 items: £1.50
4 or more: £2.50
Greeting inside card: With best wishes
for Christmas and the New Year
(All cards are only £2.95 per pack)
Total goods
£
P&P /
donation
TOTAL
£
£
I enclose a cheque for £........... payable to Migraine Action.
Name: ..............................................................................................
Address: ..........................................................................................
Email: ..............................................................................................
Tel no: ..............................................................................................
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
PG12
Current Research
Genetic link to
migraine found
common seems to be associated with the developing migraine and of genetic
DNA variant that regulates levels of
glutamate - a chemical, known as a
neurotransmitter, which transports
messages between nerve cells in
the brain. The results suggest that
an accumulation of glutamate in
nerve cell junctions (synapses) in
the brain may play a key role in the
initiation of migraine attacks.
“This is the first time we have been
Researchers have found the first able to peer into the genomes of
ever genetic risk factor associated many thousands of people and
with common types of migraine. find genetic clues to understand
By carrying out a genome-wide common migraine,” said Dr Aarno
association study (GWAS) the team Palotie, Chair of the International
found that patients with a particular Headache Genetics Consortium at
DNA variant on chromosome 8 the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.
between two genes - PGCP and Dr Andy Dowson, Chairman of
MTDH/AEG-1 - have a significantly Migraine Action’s Medical Advisory
greater risk of developing migraine. Board comments: “Patients often
A potential explanation for this link ask about risk to their children of
Migraine
sufferers
who
experienced childhood abuse
may have a greater risk of
cardiovascular disease
links in general. We have been
able to refer to epidemiological
studies but only limited evidence
regarding genetic studies. Until now
researchers had identified several
genes for familial hemiplegic
migraine but of course this was a
very small subgroup of migraine in
general.
Glutamate has been a target for
migraine research in the past but I
am sure that this study will cause a
greater focusing of effort into this
area.
We now have a study that will be
quoted in many consultations when
discussing migraine and the way it is
present in the family of individuals.
The potential for the future is that
novel treatments will emerge based
on the specific glutamate target.”
or sexual abuse, or physical or
emotional neglect.)
Patients in the study completed
a self-administered electronic
questionnaire which collected
information on things such as age,
gender, race, highest education
level attained, body mass index,
smoking status, history of childhood
maltreatment, as well as selfreported physician-diagnosed CV
"It is clear from this work that early
adverse experiences influence a
migraine sufferers' cardiovascular
health in adulthood," said Dr
Gretchen Tietjen (The University of
Toledo College Of Medicine), who
Scientists presenting data at the
led the team from 11 neurology
American Headache Society's (AHS)
centres in the U.S. and Canada.
52nd Annual Scientific Meeting in
"Other work has shown a link
Los Angeles, have disclosed that
between childhood maltreatment
migraine sufferers who experienced
and migraine and now we know
abuse and neglect as children have
that early abuse puts these adults
a greater risk of cardiovascular
at a greater risk of cardiovascular
(CV) disease including stroke and
and cerebrovascular disease.”
myocardial infarction (MI) among
others.
“Dr Tietjen and her teams are
pioneers in understanding the
In a multi-centre, cross-sectional
relationship between negative
study of more than 1,300 headache
childhood
experiences
and
clinic patients diagnosed with
conditions
and
risk
factors
such
as
migraine,”
said
Dr
David
Dodick,
migraine, investigators found a
linear relationship between the risk hypertension, diabetes, obesity, president of the AHS. “Now we need
of stroke, transient ischemic attack and obstructive sleep apnoea. The to drill even deeper to understand
(TIA), MI, or all of these adverse Childhood Trauma Questionnaire the relationship between migraine,
outcomes and the total number was used to assess physical, sexual, aura status, childhood maltreatment
of abuse types they experienced emotional abuse and physical, and CV disease risk.”
as children (physical, emotional emotional neglect.
New medication to prevent a clinical trial to test new medication For
menstrually related migraine that can help to prevent menstrually please
further
information
contact Alison Frith,
related migraine.
Clinical Research Sister. Email
research@migraineclinic.org.uk
The
City
of London If you are 18 years or over, suffer or call direct on 020 7251 8094.
M i g r a i n e from migraine and have regular You can also write to Alison at:
Clinic are monthly menstrual cycles, you may The City of London Migraine Clinic,
c u r r e n t l y be interested in partaking in the 22 Charterhouse Square, London.
EC1M 6DX.
undertaking study.
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
PG13
Current Research
New research helps explain
why sleep deprivation triggers
migraines
Not getting enough sleep or having
poor sleep habits can trigger
migraines or cause occasional
migraines to become frequent. Now
new research may help explain the
biological links between sleep and
headache pain.
A study undertaken at Missouri State
University by Durham et al found
that rats deprived of REM (Rapid
Eye Movement) sleep for three
consecutive nights (as opposed
to the control group who slept
normally) showed changes in the
expression of key proteins p38 and
PKA which help regulate sensory
response in facial nerves thought
to play a key role in migraines
(trigeminal nerves). An increased
expression of the P2X3 protein was
also triggered, which is linked to the
initiation of chronic pain.
Lead researcher Paul L. Durham
says: "In stressful situations such
as sleep deprivation, these arousal
proteins occur at levels that are high
enough to trigger pain. People with
headaches often have a hard time
sleeping, it is
easy to see how
several nights
of interrupted
sleep can make
people
more
susceptible to
developing
a
chronic
pain
state."
Dr Andy Dowson from Migraine
Action's Medical Advisory Board
comments: “The researchers have
found that if rats are deprived of
sleep, proteins increase that might
change the way the trigeminal nerve
works. This is the feeling nerve for
the face, including the forehead
and it is this nerve that is most
important in the pain of migraine.
This is possibly a clue in identifying
how missing sleep can be a trigger.”
Dr
Dodick
highlights
that
change in sleep pattern often
triggers migraine headaches. He
acknowledges that both too little
and too much sleep can also be
important. This is completely in line
with what we hear in clinic and on
the helpline.”
Although getting enough sleep
is important for people with
migraines, having a sleep routine is
even more critical as too much sleep
can also trigger an attack. That's
why 'Saturday morning' migraines
are so common. "If someone with
migraines who gets up during the
week at 6am sleeps in on Saturday,
this can cause a migraine. The same
is true for irregular afternoon naps
or any disruption in the regular
sleep pattern. Sleep routine is very
important," Dodick says.
Prescribing trends for severe headache and Are you taking the correct medication? Have
migraine signal inappropriate medication use you been to see your GP regarding your
A new study assessing trends migraine?

in prescribing has found that
although more patients are being
treated for severe headaches and
migraine than ever before, they
are often not receiving the right
drugs.
Despite the availability of newer migraine-specific
medications, investigators found the use of general
pain relievers did not decrease. In fact, more
opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and barbiturates
were used. Dr Catherine Buettner, from the Harvard
Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, pointed out
that opioids and barbiturates have been linked to an
increased risk of chronic daily headache and are often
not the right choice for patients with severe headaches
or migraine.
"It's very disheartening; patients clearly aren't getting
the right medications," says Dr Alan Finkel, from The
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His sentiments
are echoed by Dr Vijaya Patil, from The Edward Hines
Junior Veterans Affairs Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, who
agrees the trend is worrisome. "I see a lot of patients
who have been having severe headaches for years.
There does seem to be a lack of awareness about the
importance of appropriate treatment," says Dr Patil.
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
We would love to hear about your migraine treatment,
please fill in the questionnaire below and fax your
responses to 0116 254 2023. Alternatively, please email
info@migraine.org.uk, call 0116 275 8317 or post your
feedback to: Migraine Action, 4th Floor, 27 East Street,
Leicester. LE1 6NB.
1) How often do you get migraine? .........................
2) Have you been to see a medical professional
regarding your migraine? (please tick)
Yes (go to Q3)
No (go to Q4)
3) Did they prescribe you any migraine specific
medication?
Yes
No
If you have answered yes to the above question
please specify the drug and dose...............................
...................................................................................
4) What medication and dose have you been taking
to help you with your migraine and how often do
you take them? .........................................................
...................................................................................
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
PG14
Member Feedback
Migraine a result of other (a low dose of antidepressants and taking 75mg of aspirin a day and
beta blockers), but still nothing scheduled for baseline tests. I
medical conditions
L o u i s e
Simpson
tells us her
story of how
after being
diagnosed
with a rare blood disorder her
migraines have stopped.
“About 4 years ago my migraines
seemed to increase in frequency
and intensity, and I couldn’t really
pinpoint a pattern. I kept a diary
and avoided all known triggers. I
was desperate to avoid a migraine
at all costs. I tried lots of different
alternative therapies and took
various supplements such as
magnesium, feverfew etc. I even
went to a migraine clinic, saw a
neurologist, had various blood tests
and tried preventative medication
Mis diagnosis of migraine
Another member tells us how
she has recently discovered her
severe headaches were due to
a hypertensive crises caused by
a rare adrenal tumour called
‘phaeochromocytoma’;
the
tumour causes sporadic release of
massive amounts of adrenaline /
noradrenaline resulting in a sudden
dramatic rise in blood pressure,
profuse sweating, pallor and severe
headache.
Despite being told by neurologists
her symptoms "were not typical of
migraine", unfortunately the tumour
went undetected for many years.
She describes her attack as follows:
“It always starts with a fluttering
sensation in my chest and a feeling of
agitation and anxiety. My heart then
starts pounding and this sensation
Migraine Pen Pals
We have another
member who would
like a migraine pen
pal:
This member is 25 years old and has
suffered from migraines (without
really worked.
In 2009 I went to see a new GP
as I had read about a hole in the
heart being linked to migraines and
decided to enquire a bit more. We
spoke at length about my migraines
and my history and I had some
more blood tests. The blood tests
returned with an abnormality and
the doctor mentioned a condition
called “polycythemia”, I had to
ask him to write it down. I did
some research on the internet and
after reading up on what I found, I
called my GP who referred me to a
haematologist.
I got an appointment in May and
my HCT levels were at 61%, they
should be between 42 – 45%. I
also had a high platelet count.
I was immediately told to start
had various blood tests, x-rays, an
ultrasound, a bone marrow biopsy,
and was immediately given my
first venesection (blood letting).
The results were conclusive; I
finally got a diagnosis of Primary
Polycythemia. I continued to have
regular venesections each week,
which I can happily say are now
every few months.
I feel more alive than I have felt
in years and so far so good, I have
been completely migraine-free. This
condition is a rare blood condition
that affects 1 in 1000 and can go
undetected for years as many
people have no real symptoms. A
simple blood test can reveal the
abnormality. I would like my story
to help others who may have the
same condition and not be aware.”
slowly moves upwards through
my neck and jaw finally shooting
around my head resulting in a severe
pounding headache with nausea
and often vomiting. I feel extremely
hot and sweaty and am told that I
look very pale. Even though I feel
a desperate need to lie down, this
makes the headache worse. I often
end up pacing around the room
restlessly and feel that I am going
to die. Eventually I prop myself up
on several pillows in the dark and
usually fall asleep or pass out. The
whole episode lasts on average
about an hour and I feel very weak
and tired for a few days afterwards,
often with a dull headache and
difficulty concentrating. On the
occasions that I am able to check
my blood pressure during an attack,
it is always extremely high”.
Some people do not experience
the
headaches
but have general
anxiety symptoms
and panic attacks.
This
type
of
tumour is said
to be very rare
but well documented and being
discovered more frequently due to
the increased use of ultrasound,
MRI and CT scans.
Getting the correct diagnosis is
extremely important
If you feel that your headaches are
not typical of a migraine try and get
a second opinion or request to have
a scan. Only recently, (April 2010)
the Daily Mail reported on a 14 year
old girl who was diagnosed with
migraine, actually had three brain
tumours which would have gone
undetected if the father had not
insisted on a CT scan.
aura) for about 5 years now, but
has suffered from chronic daily
headache for just over 2 years.
migraine. She would particularly
like to hear from other young
people and share experiences.
Ref: PENPAL005
Please
contact
the
office
on 0116 275 8317 or email
info@migraine.org.uk for further
details.
She would like to chat to someone
who is in or who has been in a
similar position, especially if they
experience menstrually related
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk
PG15
Member Feedback
Magnesium thyroxide
Miss
Mussell contacted us with her
story: “A year ago my chiropractor
suggested Kineaseology (a holistic
way of detecting and correcting
imbalances in your body’s energy),
an area she was
qualified in. After
having tested me
she said that I had
low magnesium. I
told her I had tried
magnesium tablets
before. She said you have to be more
specific and kept dowsing until we
narrowed it down to magnesium
thyroxide. She asked if there was
any thyroid disfunction in my family
and yes there was. She put me on
5 drops of magnesium thyroxide a
day. After which my migraines were
down to one a month, this year I
have only had one for 24 hours and
that is it! I take the drops every day.
I have also not had any chiropractic
treatments for 10 months.”
Butterbur and migraine
Pennie Woodhead has found
butterbur extract from Swanson
Health Products to be really
effective in helping prevent
migraines. She comments: “At
least six people on MA’s web forum
are now on it and doing well.
One has cut her migraines from
almost daily to ten in April and 8
in May. They are much cheaper;
costs £4.12 for 60, 75mg tablets.
You can purchase them online at
www.swansonvitamins.com.
Combining migraine medication
Richard Morris emailed us to say:
“I have experienced headaches
lasting 2 to 5 days, weekly for over
30 years and have tried a number
of therapies, including combining
prescription and OTC drugs.
I identified high blood pressure as
an issue routinely, and recorded
readings over several days (taken
on a battery-powered pressurereading device), and passed these
to my doctor. As a result, single
daily doses of simvastatin 10mg
and lisinopril 10mg tablets were
added to my repeat prescriptions.
I retained nortriptyline 25mg (for
stress) gradually started eliminating
sanomigran tablets which I had
taken long term. This had a very
positive effect and the later addition
of an amlodipine 5mg tablet daily
has been completely successful
now for over 2 months.
These generic pharmaceuticals
appear to work better taken in a
low dose combination, rather than
a higher dose of any one on its
own.”
Oats and migraine
We have heard from many
members after our news piece on
oats in January 2010 when Martin
Mottram mentioned that oats
triggered his migraine. Here is a
selection of the responses.
Sarah Armitage a member found
that having dairy, corn and rye
affected her but she is not intolerant
to wheat and assumed oats were
good for her. After two bad attacks
of basilar migraine she has realised
that she ate oats preceding each
attack, and is now going to try and
exclude them to see if it helps.
Another member commented,
“Although I have several food
triggers I have never linked oats
and migraine myself. However,
about two years ago I stopped
eating oats as an experiment to
see if it affected my chronic daily
headaches. I had hit the jackpot!
Goodbye daily headaches! So I can
well believe
for
some
people oats
are a migraine
trigger.”
Judith Moroz
commented: “I too have suspected
that I have a reaction to oats. After
an hour or so after eating oat meal
porridge I feel really hungry and a
bit depressed. Could oats affect my
mood and my migraines?”
Mary Matthews called to say she
suffers terribly from migraines if
she eats oats or rye, but has solved
the issue by making her own
museli, so she can start the day
with a healthy breakfast.
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
Mrs Vidler called to say she saw the
article about oats and they trigger
her migraines as well and if you are
sensitive to this also be aware that
barley, rye and soya intake might
also trigger migraines.
Driving and migraine
Jenny March contacted us to ask
if anyone has managed to get
disqualified from driving because
of their migraine, either because
of the pain or medication. If
so, did anyone manage to get a
concessionary bus pass?
Acupuncture and migraine
Another
member
who has experienced
migraines for 35
years tell us how
acupuncture
has
helped her.....
“In September 2009 I attended the
migraine education and AGM day in
London. I listened with fascination
to Dr Nicholas Silver’s talk on how
he treats people. He mentioned a
detox of all drugs for about 10 days.
I did exactly what he said plus I had
4 treatments of acupuncture.
I have not had a migraine since and
now only have stress headaches
about once a week, which are held
in check with Syndol. I find I need
a top up of acupuncture when the
headaches increase, maybe once a
month. The gaps between the top
ups are increasing. If I inadvertently
have a caffeine tea, then I am so
speedy I can’t tell you. Chocolate
is now affecting me the same way
sadly, but not chocolate cake.
For those in London, I would
recommend the Acumed Clinic,
based at 101 - 105 Camden High
Street. They can be contacted on
0207 388 6704 or emailed at
clinic@acumedic.com.
Free health advice and information
can also be found on: 08700 100
023. They also do a deal for new
patients who are unemployed of
£10 for each consultation instead
of the usual £35. I was seen by Dr
Anyi Cheng, a sweetie, but anyone
of the practitioners will help.”
PG16
Challenging Migraine - The newsletter from Migraine Action
Migraine Heroes Healthcare Awards 2010
The third annual Migraine Heroes
Awards took place in London on
Tuesday 7th September as part
of Migraine Action’s Migraine
Awareness Week celebrations.
Eight categories were awarded
at the event which was attended
by medics, migraineurs and their
families, sponsors and suppliers.
The award winners, selected by
Migraine Action’s Medical Advisory
Board, were announced as:
• Best Carer - Janette Dutton
• Best in Complementary Medicine
- Dorothy Baker-Purnell
• Best Employer - Lisa Quinn
• Best GP - Dr Kevin Guffydd-Jones
• Best Healthcare Professional - Dr
Nicholas Silver
• Best Migraine Clinic - The City of
London Migraine Clinic
• Young Migraineur Special Award
- Owen Dique (Sponsored by
Megaman (UK) Ltd)
• Young Migraineur Star Award Susan Selby
Medicine Award, nominated by
Terry Thompson and
Derek Dowsing.
Lisa Quinn, Director of the
National Lottery Promotions
Unit in London, won the Best
Employer Award. Member
Caroline Roberts nominated
her for the award and it was
presented by MA’s Deputy
Chairman, Linda Hunter.
Adrian Peasgood, MA’s
Chairman presents Heather Sim
and Dr Jane Horti from The City
of London Migraine Clinic with
the Best Migraine Clinic Award,
nominated by Sarah White, Jane
Bradley and Emily Anderson.
Owen Dique, nominated
by mum Joanne Dique, was
presented the Young Migraineur
Special Award by Glen Krise
from Megaman (UK) Ltd.
Adrian Peasgood, MA’s
Chairman, presents Dr Kevin
Gruffydd-Jones from Box
Surgery in Corsham, Wiltshire
with his Best GP Award,
nominated by Donna Thomson.
Mary Ayres, MA’s President,
presents Janette Dutton with her
Best Carer Award, nominated by
daughter Tania Dutton.
MA’s Director Lee Tomkins
presents Dorothy Baker-Purnell
with the Best in Complementary
Linda Hunter, MA’s Deputy
Chairman, accepts the Best
Healthcare Professional Award
on behalf of the winner Dr
Nicholas Silver from The Walton
Centre for Neurology and
Neurosurgery, presented by Lee
Tomkins, MA’s Director.
Migraine in the Media
Recent coverage on migraine in the
media include (amongst others): The
Sunday Telegraph (circa. 516k), The
Times (circa. 502k), The Daily Telegraph
(circa. 687k), Yours magazine (circa.
Heather Lally, MA’s Trustee,
accepts the Young Migraineur Star
Award on behalf of the winner
Susan Selby, nominated by her
son Reece, presented by Adrian
Peasgood, MA’s Chairman.
Winners received special trophies,
certificates, educational bursaries
and vouchers. Congratulations
to all the winners and thank
you to everyone who sent in a
nomination for the 2010 awards.
Look out for details of how you
can nominate your Migraine
Heroes of 2011 early next year.
285k), Essentials magazine (circa.
112k) and radio interview on Talk Sport
with Andy Townsend discussing his
own personal experience of migraine
and ways to manage the condition.
Migraine Action is now on
Facebook and Twitter!
To find us on:
Facebook go to www.facebook.
com/MigraineAction
Twitter go to www.twitter.
com/MigraineAction
Issue 10 - October 2010 www.migraine.org.uk