post traumatic stress disorder

1 November 2016

Ketamine: An Option for Migraine and Depression?

James Discoveries & Stats, Medications, News 1

Yes, with cautions.

It’s been a while since we talked about ketamine for migraine (see Watch for it â€“ Ketamine for Migraine and More), but the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist is still gaining ground as a possible treatment for migraine and depression.

Non-traditional Medication Report Known on the street as a date rape and club drug (one especially easy to overdose on), ketamine is actually an anaesthesia medicine that has also been used for chronic pain conditions and depression.

Compared to illegal use and aesthetic use, the dosages are quite low, and usually done in conjunction with other treatments under close doctor supervision. But it could be a real help to people who have a combination of symptoms/diseases (such as migraine and depression) or those who have not responded well to other common treatments.

Ketamine was discussed in two separate sessions of the American Academy of Pain Management 2016 annual meeting. Dr. Duren Michael Ready, a headache specialist at Baylor, Scott & White Health in Texas, reported on research supporting the use of a 10-50mg dose given by nasal spray to migraine patients. This dosage seemed to reduce migraine aura, and at the higher level (50mg) treat depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Dr. Ready emphasized that it’s important to use alongside preventative measures, so that it will be used as little as possible.

Dr. Ben Keizer, also in Texas, spoke on the use of ketamine for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these cases, the treatment can also combat headache, which is one of the possible symptoms. It may be that ketamine could help with other comorbid conditions such as fibromyalgia and IBS.

Although the doses are not high enough to sedate patients, some do experience hallucinations or an “out of body” experience, even though the dosages are low.

With caution and at lower doses, ketamine is being used to help certain migraine and headache patients. Have you been prescribed ketamine? What was your experience?

For more, read Ketamine May Treat Migraine, Chronic Pain.

12 February 2011

Augusta, Georgia – Fighting the Battle Against Migraine & Headaches

James News, Resources 0

We’re only three weeks away from an exciting free event in Augusta, Georgia, USA (close to the South Carolina border). Put on by the National Headache Foundation, it’s the first of several free Headache Awareness events in the USA. The events are free, but you must phone in to register and space is limited. The number is 1-800-843-2256.

Event for Patients

Here’s what the NHF has to say about the patient event, which is from 12:30pm to 5pm on the 5th of March 2011: Free Patient Education Event for Veterans & Individuals Suffering from Migraine and Chronic Headaches related to Traumatic Brain Injury & Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Not only will you be able to listen to national experts on migraine and headache, there will also be times that are interactive, where you can discuss your experiences and ask questions. You’ll also learn about what resources are available to you, and you’ll even get one for free – a one year membership to the NHF. I’d say it’s worth the drive, even if you don’t live right in the area!

Again, this event is geared especially to those who are dealing with migraine or headache related to traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, including but not limited to war veterans.

For more information on the patient sessions, visit the Regional Headache Awareness Conference page.

Event for Health Professionals

On the same day, March 5th 2011, there will be an event especially to help health professionals. Encourage your doctor to go in the morning – 7:30am to 12pm (note: there’s currently a discrepancy on the NHF materials – some say 7:00am). Once again, the theme is especially focused on treating war veterans, however there will be a lot of general information that will apply to a wider audience. Learn about the latest diagnostic techniques, interact with headache experts, and learn about treating patients with headache and migraine related to traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Breakfast is provided.

For more information, go to the Regional Headache Awareness Conference page.

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16 September 2005

Trauma and headache

James Tips 0

There’s one major headache-related disorder that has been getting much more press since the Katrina hurricane disaster in the USA. What is it? PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder.

Many of us are familiar with the more obvious symptoms of this disorder – denial and trying to avoid certain memories, flashbacks and dreams, becoming detached emotionally. But there are also physical symptoms you can watch out for:

insomnia
increased blood pressure
rapid heart rate or breathing
headache
diarrhoea
nausea

Often these symptoms go unnoticed, because they don’t occur right away. Many people are in shock after Katrina, for example, and they may not actually get PTSD for another 6 months. When that headache starts, many people won’t even know what it’s from. Sometimes people don’t realize how much stress an even has caused them. It doesn’t take a hurricane to bring trauma into our lives.

The Mayo Clinic has some advice about when to get help from a doctor. Although it’s normal to go through feelings that are difficult to deal with, if you find symptoms like these lasting for more than a month, or if you find these feelings getting out of control, see your doctor. Read more about post traumatic stress disorder at the Mayo Clinic website.

Remember, if you have a new headache or the symptoms change or get much worse, you should talk to your doctor right away.