Migraine news this week: July 9

Catch up on the headlines.

Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine

Many sufferers use acupuncture to prevent and treat their migraines, but science isn't sure just how effective it actually is. In this literature review, researchers looked at 22 past studies on the topic to try to answer the question.

They found that acupuncture was indeed associated with less frequent headaches compared to placebo acupuncture and no acupuncture. They also found that acupuncture and drugs led to similar reductions in headaches, but acupuncture had fewer side effects. These results make the case for acupuncture that much stronger. The authors encourage its use in migraine treatment.

When a dizzy spell means you've got a silent migraine: Many sufferers are undiagnosed as they don't have headaches

An emotional story in the Daily Mail about a woman who suffered terrible vertigo for 15 years until one doctor discovered what was really wrong: migraines.


A successful Migraine Awareness Month

Thanks to our volunteer fundraisers, this June was the most successful #MHAM yet. Read more and meet Ayla, our newest MRF Ambassador and one of our top June fundraisers.


Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with an exacerbation of migraine: A population-based study

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is a common symptom of nighttime sleep disturbance. It occurs more in migraine sufferers than in non-sufferers. Researchers in Korea sought to determine the effect that EDS has on a person's migraine attacks.

They found that migraine sufferers who experienced EDS had more intense headaches than sufferers who did not. These results emphasize the importance of treating sleep problems in migraine sufferers, and are another push toward a more personalized treatment of migraine disease.


Key to conquering painful migraines is to diagnose and treat them early

One young woman's story covers many common migraine themes: childhood abdominal migraine as a precursor to migraine headaches, the link between concussion and migraine, and the need for early intervention.