Archive for July, 2010

Migraine and Artificial Sweeteners

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Although, strictly speaking, unrelated to migraine an article in the UK Daily Mail 10.7.2010 on diet sweeteners and early births reminded me of an experience out with friends earlier in the summer.

It’s no secret to readers of this blog that I personally avoid aspartame, even though some well-respected scientists declare there are no health risks associated with it. I recommend you do your own research on the Internet and choose which of the opposing camps you prefer to believe.

However, while I avoid aspartame whenever possible I don’t make it my life’s mission! Perhaps I should take it a little more seriously in future. A friend invited me to have a drink and I asked for a lemonade, specifying that I did NOT want a diet one. Well, whether my friend forgot, or the bar staff ignored her, I don’t know. But I was served a diet lemonade and on checking the label, sure enough, there was aspartame listed. Not wanting to create a fuss, I just kept quiet and drank the lemonade, complete with aspartame. Sure enough, a migraine followed.

Did I “think myself into it”, was it the aspartame, or would I have had a migraine that day for some other reason? Who knows. But in future I shall be more assertive about my wish to avoid drinks containing artificial sweeteners. My life can go on quite easily without these substances, and if avoiding them helps me avoid migraines, that’s good enough for me to make the slight extra effort involved.

Review of The Migraine Brain by Dr Carolyn Bernstein

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

A few weeks ago I received a pre-publication copy of The Migraine Brain, by Dr Carolyn Bernstein and Elaine McArdle.



I found this book interesting and easy reading, but packed full of useful information.

As well as explaining the mechanisms and chemistry that lead to migraines occurring, it helps migraine sufferers devise their own tailored plan which will reduce the impact that migraine has on their own life, and family life.

As well as covering the latest drugs specifically for treating migraine, it is sympathetic to a complementary approach with a definite emphasis on users taking control of their illness wherever possible.

The book takes an interactive approach so that sufferers can take quizzes, complete questionnaires and understand just WHY they should change their lifestyles.

Male migraines

Although three times as many woman suffer migraines than men, this book is unusual in that it contains a chapter devoted to men and migraines.

Of course, female migraine are treated extensively in a chapter explaining the role female hormones play in triggering attacks, coping with migraines in pregnancy, how to treat migraine after the menopause.

Dr Carolyn Bernstein is an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and runs her own clinic, The Women’s Headache Centre. Elaine McArdle is an award winning journalist. Both are migraine sufferers.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. Whether you favour an orthodox or a complementary approach you are sure to find something helpful.

Cucumbers and Headaches

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

You may imagine that cucumbers are for salads, fancy sandwiches, and not a lot else. But how wrong could you be!

Little known tips on cucumbers gives some amazing facts about the benefits of cucumbers. Some of them are interesting, but not relevant for migraine prevention, but others are novel ways to prevent headaches. The benefits probably arise because of the nutrient value of the cucumber, but whatever the mechanism, you’ll be fascinated to read these tips.

Please share them with anyone who may be interested.