Nerves in the News
Nerves are critical to our health and quality of life. The news will often report on articles that impact nerves even if they do not always focus on nerves directly. Because of this, we have started our Nerves in the News feature. This section will highlight news stories that relate to nerve health to improve your nerve knowledge and life.
PATIENT WEBINAR
Listen to Dr. Gfrerer describe the difference between various types of headaches.
The terms migraine and headache are often used interchangeably. Watch our webinar to learn the difference between these two (very different) diagnoses and possible treatments for each. We were joined Dr. Lisa Gfrerer and Dr. Ziv Peled who treat patients with chronic headaches. They reviewed the difference between migraine, headaches, and nerve pain and when/what treatments might be possible.
Click below to watch this free webinar!
PATIENT WEBINAR
Listen to Dr. Gfrerer describe the difference between various types of headaches.
The terms migraine and headache are often used interchangeably. Watch our webinar to learn the difference between these two (very different) diagnoses and possible treatments for each. We were joined Dr. Lisa Gfrerer and Dr. Ziv Peled who treat patients with chronic headaches. They reviewed the difference between migraine, headaches, and nerve pain and when/what treatments might be possible.
Click below to watch this free webinar!
MIGRAINE AND HEADACHES
Original News Story: Migraines and cluster headaches are linked to the body’s internal clock, research finds
Research article cited in the news story: https://n.neurology.org/content/100/22/e2224
Research article cited in the news story: https://n.neurology.org/content/100/22/e2224
Migraines and cluster headaches can be linked to the body’s circadian rhythm (e.g., https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/migraines-cluster-headaches-are-linked-bodys-internal-clock-science-sh-rcna76744). The circadian rhythm is how our body physically and mentally responds throughout the day. This study highlighted the complexities of headache disorders and migraines. It also suggests several different treatments.
What are migraines?
Migraines are headaches that are typically thought to be caused by genetic and environmental conditions (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201).Migraines impact over 10% of people worldwide and impacts women more frequently than men. An individual’s genetics are thought to be partially responsible for causing some migraines; however, there are also thought to be peripheral triggers that cause migraines in the (see webinar and publication). Listen to Dr. Peled define migraines here: https://youtu.be/45h4jGQmjQQ
Based on the results of this study, medications which alter or effect the circadian rhythm may be a new type of treatment for migraines and cluster headaches.
Migraines impact over 10% of people worldwide and impacts women more frequently than men. An individual’s genetics are thought to be partially responsible for causing some migraines; however, there are also thought to be peripheral triggers that cause migraines in the (see webinar and publication). Listen to Dr. Peled define migraines here:
What are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are another form of headache that are characterized by cyclical patterns or pain. Unlike migraines, that tend to come on more slowly, the cluster headache strikes quickly. These headaches are thought to be caused, at least in part, by irritation of the trigeminal nerve. This hypothesis is supported by research papers that have shown successful treatment through decompression of the trigeminal nerve (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11398301/).
Circadian rhythm are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle (https://nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx). It is the reason that we go to bed when it gets dark and rise for the day when the sun comes up. This natural cycle also influences the release of hormones that help the body to rise and sleep each day.
This study used a meta-analysis. This method collects data from many studies to look for new finding from the previous data. It is commonly used in health research. In this study, the authors reviewed 12 studies and found that 70% of people with cluster headaches had them in specific season or at certain times of the day (circadian rhythm). The meta-analysis found that 5 of the 9 genes associated with cluster headaches were also involved in regulating circadian rhythms. This means that there is a genetic reason for some of these cluster headaches.
In the eight studies on migraines, there were clear patterns of migraines throughout the day, but very few between 11 pm and 7 am. Migraines also seem to be worse between April and October. They found over 110 genes that link the circadian rhythm with migraines and cluster headache disorder. These findings suggest that these genes regulating the circadian rhythm could, in turn, control some of the causes of migraines. Medications which alter or effect the circadian rhythm may be a new type of treatment for migraines and cluster headaches.
In the eight studies on migraines, there were clear patterns of migraines throughout the day, but very few between 11 pm and 7 am. Migraines also seem to be worse between April and October. They found over 110 genes that link the circadian rhythm with migraines and cluster headache disorder. These findings suggest that these genes regulating the circadian rhythm could, in turn, control some of the causes of migraines. Medications which alter or effect the circadian rhythm may be a new type of treatment for migraines and cluster headaches.
Authored by:
Harry Hoyen, MD
Orthopaedic and Nerve Surgeon
Chair, GNF Awareness Committee
Orthopaedic and Nerve Surgeon
Chair, GNF Awareness Committee