Menu

Uncategorized

Is Nitrogen Dioxide in Your Home Giving You a Headache?

0

Nitrogen dioxide is a naturally occurring gas which in high quantities becomes a pollutant – and it might be giving you a headache.

Gas stoves - a source of nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, may be produced from burning wood, and even lightening strikes. In small quantities, it’s not a concern – but in larger quantities in a small area, it becomes a pollutant. But more to the point, busy traffic can produce a lot of it, and even a fireplace or a gas stove in your home might be a culprit.

A recent study presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting investigated the link between NO2 and migraine attacks in particular. They found that as NO2 in the air increased, so did migraine attacks. There was also an increase in people heading to urgent care or the emergency department because of a migraine attack.

Fine particle matter pollutants were also related to migraine urgent care visits.

(Read the study here: Air pollution, methane super-emitters, and oil and gas wells in Northern California: the relationship with migraine headache prevalence and exacerbation)

Trapping a lot of NO2 in a small space is a problem, and many of us spend a lot of time in a small space, such as a home or office. That means that we need to be thinking about ventilation, and sources of NO2 and other pollutants.

Traffic is a common issue, so if you live near a busy street, levels may already be high. What you can control is the idling of your own car in the garage.

Another issue is cigarette smoke, so any way that can be cut back will be a help.

More common issues would be things that “burn” – in particular, gas or wood stoves and fireplaces. These don’t have to be a problem if they are in good repair and properly ventilated. You might want to consider a hood over the stove, especially if you can’t open windows while you cook.

Opening doors and windows can be a help, but so can an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. Even these vary quite a bit, so you’re not going to want to simply rely on an inexpensive filter if you have a lot of NO2 in your house (for example, if you live by the highway with a smoker!). But they can help with both NO2 and other polluting particles that might increase your changes of migraine attacks.

Interestingly, lightening can indeed make a significant difference, depending on where you are. Check out Lightning’s ‘NOx-ious’ Impact On Pollution, Climate, and more migraine-specific Lightning and Migraine: More than just a Flash of Light and Asthma, Lightning, and Migraine (podcast). Also see Nitrogen Dioxide from the American Lung Association.

Migraine/Headache in 2020 (poll)

0

Well, it was really no contest. And I left the poll up far too long, so now it feels like old news.

2020

But yes, as expected, 92% of people responding said YES to the question “In 2020 (compared to 2019), was your headache pain more or less?”

There are likely a variety of reasons for this, although it varies with the person. For example, less time outside (less sunshine) and less physical activity. A change in your schedule. More time in front of a screen (yes, as much as people have tried to point out the benefits of the technology we have, this has been a major curse for some people!). Less medical care. Less support and time with other people. On and on it goes.

Some people have reported fewer headaches and migraine attacks. Sometimes this has been because they’ve been able to take more control of their schedule and environment.

Feel free to comment and tell us what you think the biggest headache-causer was for you personally over the past year or so.

Check out our new poll on the right sidebar. We’re taking a look at common gut/abdominal/stomach issues during a migraine or headache attack.

5 Headache and Migraine News Highlights from the past 3 Months (October 2020 edition)

0

The observant among you may notice I’ve been a little less involved lately, and that’s simply because of current family matters that are taking up an unusual amount of time in this most unusual year!

But I’m still watching for news that will be helpful to you, and I think we’ve had some interesting things to think about over the past three months. Obviously the connection between headache and COVID-19 is an interesting one. And some interesting things we’re learning about diet, vitamins, and supplements.

So here you are, in case you missed them, the most popular posts from the past three months… the most popular first.

Free Tickets to the MWS (and why you should get one even if you can’t participate)

0

It’s coming back for another year! The Migraine World Summit, the internet-conference that brings together the world’s experts on migraine and headache, is coming this March!

Migraine World Summit 2019

Many of us would love to watch all the interviews that will be free online during the conference, but it’s not always possible. Life goes on and … for many … migraine visits at the most inconvenient times. Frustrating – that migraine can keep you away from some of the most important new information about fighting migraine. But that’s typical enemy strategy.

But I’m still asking you to take two minutes to get your complimentary tickets today – even though it’s still a few weeks away – and even though you may not be able to watch online. Why?

First, getting your tickets today will mean you will be the first to hear announcements about the summit. The dates were just announced a few days ago (it’s March 20-28 2019), but the speakers and schedule are yet to be announced. You’ll get insider information if you get your ticket early.

°!° Quick tip: Direct a few friends to this post and have them get tickets too – especially if they don’t have migraine themselves, but they’re willing to support you. Once you get the early schedule announcement, ask if they could watch the interviews that will be the most important to you (depending on the topic) and take notes for you.

Second, getting your tickets today will send a message to researchers, health professionals, and important policy makers, that we are serious about fighting migraine. Why?

Because the Migraine World Summit is a growing, professionally done and worldwide summit like no other. It’s getting attention around the world. The better the “stats” – that is, the more people who get tickets, watch, and participate, the more we will get the attention of those who can get the research done, provide the funding, and vote for change.

°!° Quick tip: Could you think of four people – two with migraine, and two people who are supportive, to share this post with? Then work together to see if you can catch the interviews that will make the most difference in your fight against migraine, taking notes for the others. Maybe you can get together (online or otherwise) to discuss what you’ve learn, and create a new strategy to fight migraine!

Of course it will help you if you can watch the free interviews and events (perhaps be a complete game-changer for you, as it has been for others). But if you can do nothing else, get a ticket. And share this post with others so that they will see how important this is.

So don’t wait until March – it will cost you nothing, just a couple of minutes to sign up. If you can participate more later – great! I hope you’ll find more answers and better health. But either way, become part of the movement today.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): How Well Does It Fight Migraine?

0

Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a supplement to fight migraine, heart conditions, and a few other medical issues. A study last month investigated just how and how well CoQ10 works for migraine.

Swanson CoQ10
Promo for Swanson CoQ10 (see below)
There has been significant evidence in the past that CoQ10 does help some migraine patients. However, it’s always been the “little brother” of treatments – not the one thing you take, but one of many tools you use.

The meta study looked at five studies with a total of 346 patients.

The not-so-encouraging news was that CoQ10 didn’t perform well in actually reducing the severity of migraine attacks, or even the number of attacks. It didn’t make things worse, but it didn’t rise above what a placebo would have done.

You might ask, what good news could possibly be left? Well, there is actually surprisingly good news.

CoQ10 did reduce the length of attacks, and so it actually reduced the number of days with migraine symptoms per month.

In addition, CoQ10 is a substance that’s naturally in the body, and there are usually no side effects whatsoever. That’s why it has been, and continues to be, a viable option to fight migraine.

Quick Tips for Taking CoQ10

  1. Do not expect CoQ10 to work immediately. You need to take it regularly for three to four months before you’ll see improvement. Track your improvement to see how much it helps. Also check to see if symptoms like nausea are lessened.
  2. Why does CoQ10 work for some and not others? It may have to do with CoQ10 “deficiency”. If you have a lab test, be sure to check the numbers – your levels should be at least 0.7 (see Are You CoQ10 Deficient?).
  3. Talk to your doctor about doses, but a typical dose for migraine is 300mg/day for adults. Note that this is a higher dose than what is typically taken for other conditions.
  4. CoQ10 has also been used in children and youth. It may also help with cyclical vomiting syndrome.
  5. If you have a heart condition, diabetes, or thyroid issues, talk to your doctor about this supplement.
  6. Use a trusted brand. Consumer Labs recommends Swanson brand CoQ10 on the inexpensive end, and overall best Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10.
  7. Bonus information: Some researchers believe that CoQ10 may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
  8. For best results, take the supplement with a meal containing fat. If you’re only taking one dose a day, taking it later in the day (supper, evening) may also improve its absorption.

For more information:

Load More

Back To Top
The articles on Headache and Migraine News are © 2004-2024 J. Cottrill.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of each article, and to point you to further sources of information. However, this site is for informational purposes only and should never replace a visit to your doctor.