Search Results (5)

Alcohol is a widely consumed beverage worldwide, and headaches, including migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), and other primary headaches, are common in the general population. Although epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between alcohol consumption and headaches, the specific pathophysiological mechanism of this headache remains unknown. We reviewed articles deemed relevant to the issue of alcohol as a trigger for various headaches, those that discussed alcohol consumption in these patient groups, and those that addressed the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of alcohol and headache. The review concluded that alcohol affects both migraine and non-migraine headaches. Alcohol-induced headache, classified as a secondary headache, is a throbbing, bilateral headache that is exacerbated by physical activity and is precipitated by alcohol consumption. TTH can be precipitated by alcohol consumption, and patients with TTH have more alcohol-related problems than those with migraine. Cluster headaches (CH) are often triggered by alcohol, but surprisingly, many CH patients consume alcohol, even during attacks. The relationship between alcohol and migraine is complex. Numerous components of alcoholic beverages can influence pain triggering and are responsible for migraine attacks. Red wine is one of the most frequently cited triggers for migraine attacks, a finding not always confirmed by the few prospective studies. However, there is no safe dose of alcohol, and therefore avoidance should be recommended. Full article

Introduction: Alcohol-induced headaches are one of the most prevalent types of headaches. The International Classification of Headache Disorders defined them as throbbing and bilateral, and their phenotype combines characteristics of migraines and headaches secondary to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the presence of a headache as a hangover symptom. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, including 32 healthy individuals who voluntarily consumed alcohol and completed self-administered questionnaires during three separate alcohol consumption and hangover episodes. Results: A headache was a hangover symptom in 55/96 (57.3%) episodes. The phenotype was predominantly holocranial (94.5%), frontal (98.2%), and pressing (67.2%), with a median intensity of 6 (IQR 4–8). Headaches worsened with physical activity (100%) and had orthostatic changes (89.1%). A prior history of headaches was associated with headache occurrence (odds ratio: 3.480; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.084 to 11.177), and headache precipitation by standing up was associated with a shorter duration (hazard ratio: 0.257; 95% CI: 0.073 to 0.901). Conclusions: Delayed alcohol-induced headaches had a migraine-like phenotype. An orthostatic pattern suggestive of a low cerebrospinal fluid pressure was associated with a shorter duration of the headache. Full article

Topiramate evokes pharmacological activity via a blockade of voltage-dependent sodium channels, reduction in glutamate release, inhibition of AMPA receptors and kainate receptors, and potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission. Therefore, it is used not only as an antiseizure drug but is also effective in migraine prophylaxis, cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and alcohol dependence. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topiramate in morphine dependence in mice, particularly in terms of morphine tolerance, morphine withdrawal signs, and morphine sensitization. In these experiments, topiramate was administered both acutely and chronically. Topiramate significantly reduced the morphine tolerance in the hot-plate test and attenuated naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs. Its effect on morphine sensitization to the locomotor activity of mice was poor. The obtained results showed that topiramate might be an effective drug for reducing the physical symptoms of morphine dependence. Full article

Ethanol and other congeners in alcoholic beverages and foods are known triggers of alcohol-induced headaches (AIHs). Recent studies implicate AIHs as an important underlying factor for neuroinflammation. Studies show the relationship between alcoholic beverages, AIH agents, neuroinflammation, and the pathway they elicit. However, studies elucidating specific AIH agents’ pathways are scarce. Works reviewing their pathways can give invaluable insights into specific substances’ patterns and how they can be controlled. Hence, we reviewed the current understanding of how AIH agents in alcoholic beverages affect neuroinflammation and their specific roles. Ethanol upregulates transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression levels; both receptors trigger a neuroinflammation response that promotes AIH manifestation—the most common cause of AIHs. Other congeners such as histamine, 5-HT, and condensed tannins also upregulate TRPV1 and TLR4, neuroinflammatory conditions, and AIHs. Data elucidating AIH agents, associating pathways, and fermentation parameters can help reduce or eliminate AIH inducers and create healthier beverages. Full article

Because traumatic brain injury (TBI)—most often caused by exposure to high-level blast (HLB)—is a leading cause of medical evacuations of deployed U.S. service members in recent conflicts, researchers seek to identify risk factors for TBI. Previous research using self-reported data has identified low-level blast (LLB) as one such risk factor and suggests an association with susceptibility to and symptoms associated with TBI. This article presents a population-based study of all branches of military service that examines the association between occupational risk for LLB and both clinically diagnosed TBIs—from concussions to severe and penetrating TBIs—and conditions commonly comorbid with concussion. Using archival medical and career records from >2 million service members between 2005–2015, this work demonstrates that occupational risk of LLB is associated with any TBI, mild TBI, moderate TBI, cognitive problems, communication problems, hearing problems, headaches, any behavioral health condition, anxiety, drug abuse/dependence, alcohol abuse/dependence, delirium/dementia, posttraumatic stress disorder, post-concussive syndrome, tinnitus, fatigue, and migraines. Understanding the full scope of the effects of LLB on service members will help ensure the health and readiness of service members and may influence both military policy and clinical practice guidelines for blast-induced injuries. Full article