Scientists Close in on the Heels of New Migraine Treatment
Modern medicine has repeatedly been frustrated in its attempts at finding the exact cause and treatments for the various types of headaches and migraines. But recent research has pointed to the possibility that a hypersensitive nerve system triggers the pain, a finding resulting in the development of medicines formulated to soothe the nerve’s overly active cells. Scientists are now in the final stages of testing the medicines.
These will be the first ever drugs formulated to prevent migraines even before they start. In most migraine treatments, the drugs are formulated to lessen the severity, intensity and duration of the crippling symptoms including severe pain, high sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, lightheaded feeling, and blurred vision.
If these new medicines deliver on their promise, based on the studies conducted involving approximately 1,300 patients, then millions of headaches need not happen. This is good news for the millions of sufferers of migraine attacks in the United States as well as their families, friends and employers (i.e., migraines cost workers thousands of hours in lost productivity that, in turn, contributes in millions of lost opportunity for their employers).
Emphasis must be made that the Holy Grail of migraines has always been prevention for good reasons. While there are migraine-specific drugs effective in stopping attacks after they start, both doctors and patients want drugs that prevent the attacks in the first place.
Scientists focused their attention on the trigeminal nerve system, a part of the brain’s primary pathway of pain where they suspected migraine started. Studies conducted on animals indicated that the nerve’s branches contained overactive cells that respond to usually benign stimulations caused by lights, sounds and smells. The branches release chemicals, which transmit pain signals and start migraine symptoms.
Migraine specialists are also seeking other treatments like:
- Eyelid and forehead surgery for the decompression of the branches of the trigeminal nerve
- Altering nerve cell activity through transcranial magnetic stimulation
For now, migraine sufferers should work closely with their doctors at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Anaheim by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove for personalized migraine management. While medications are helpful, lifestyle remedies and alternative therapies are also essential in effective management of migraine – lesser frequency of attacks, intensity of symptoms, and duration of attacks.
Come to any of our clinics, such as the one at Colton by Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace, for more information about migraine treatments.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located by Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.