Migraine Defense

Avoiding Holiday Headaches

2011-12-15T10:29:00.001-08:00

Anyone can suffer from a headache after a hectic day of shopping or fighting traffic during the holiday season. For a migraineur the situation can be much worse.

The stress of any event, let alone the added stress related to the holidays can trigger a migraine. In the case of a migraine the stress headache does not come about as the result of a psychological tension as many would have you believe, but rather a biological event caused by hormones secreted within the endocrine system as a coping mechanism. Therefore, a migraineur can't just think the headache away or take the "just relax and everything will be just fine" attitude.

Especially during this season, migraine triggers and conditions are compounded. In other words, something that may not have bothered your head at other times of the year suddenly becomes a major trigger for a severe migraine when other factors are also in play.

For example, you may be able to get away with drinking a single small glass of wine at home once in awhile, but couple it with stress, strange foods, excitement, winter weather changes, and overactive hormones and you could be on your way to paying the high price of a migraine.

Food and drink generally are part of any celebration. Tempting foods are served without labels and no way of knowing their ingredients. Your favorite aunt who won't hear of you not at least trying her special dish loaded with the secret spice mixture containing MSG may be your worst enemy. Her disappointment may be well worth your avoiding a horrible migraine the next morning.

Red wine is a well know major trigger, but are you prepared to refuse it when your host offers you a glass of wine to join in on the celebration? Being ready to refuse anything that may cause you a headache with a prepared answer may save you hours and even days fighting a horrible migraine.

You shouldn't expect others to know what might bother you; rather you should be ready with a good explanation as to why you must decline the offer. There is nothing wrong with saying, "Thank you very much for offering, but I have a genetic condition that certain foods or drinks can cause me to have severe migraine headaches and I just can't afford to take the chance."

And watch out for those dishes that may have been bought at a store and "re-plated" as they may be loaded with MSG, nitrates, L-tyrosine, and other "do not touch" ingredients lying in wait to set off a migraine in you. If your first bite says "yummy, this tastes different or really good," and has a slight salty taste, put it down because more than likely that good taste is MSG. Remember, MSG is a flavor enhancer.

Party Triggers. The following is our partial list of key foods and drinks to avoid at parties:

Almonds and nuts Lots of these around at parties, but don't eat them.

Wines, especially red wine - instead you may want to try a drink made of cranberry juice, club soda and a clear alcohol.

Cheeses - especially the cheese balls and aged cheese - the better the cheese the more powerful the trigger.

Sausages, little wieners, and other such things floating around in a crock pot full of the special BBQ sauce that may be loaded with MSG and nitrates.

Snack mixes - these are party and office favorites that may contain MSG to heighten the flavor.

Chocolate - I hate to mention this hard to resist confection, but for some people it can be a real problem - again keep in mind that triggers are not the same for everyone - always avoid what you know will hurt you no matter how good it looks.

Beer and other alcohol beverages - Beer is a fermented beverage and may be a problem for some. It is not the alcohol but the process that creates the trigger. Clear alcohol products may be a better choice.

Your Triggers. Don't cheat just because it is a party. Triggers compound rapidly and the last thing you want is to have to leave the party because of another migraine headache.

If you are unsure about a product or have any questions about triggers or migraines, call us at 1-866-867-5953 or send an email to Questions@Tuliv.comand we will do the research for you. We do this as a free service to help prevent migraines and add to the list of products that may cause migraines.

Be safe and enjoy the holidays.

There is still time for you to Enjoy the Holidays without Migraines. What a great gift to yourself that will be enjoyed every day of your life. Click Here.

Let us hear from you today. Our toll-free phone number is 1-866-367-5953 or send an email to Migraines@Tuliv.com

“Are my Recent Migraines Related to Hormones?” asks Tori Spelling

2011-10-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

"Anyone else get horrendous migraines right after giving birth? Is it hormones? I've had one for a week now. Nothing is working." Tori Spelling tweeted her followers.

News reports that Tori Spelling looked exhausted as she was wheeled into a hospital just weeks after giving birth to a baby girl by her husband Dean McDermott this morning. The ordeal comes after the 90210 actress revealed that she had been suffering from migraines following the birth of Hattie Margaret McDermott twenty days ago.

It is not uncommon for mothers who are prone to migraines to get extreme headaches after bearing children. Tori asks the correct question, "Is it hormones?" Although the answer is yes, what is actually causing the problem is not often understood by even doctors who are trying to treat the migraine symptoms rather than the basic cause of the problem.

When the term hormonal migraine is used, most people are thinking about the hormones estrogen and progesterone. While this is in part true, what is at the source of the problem is what are called "messenger hormones". These are hormones in the body secreted by specific glands that act like messengers to deliver commands to start and stop production of the aforementioned hormones as well as others.

A simple analogy is a factory that produces body lotion. Although the production line makes the lotion, the orders to start and stop production come from a supervisor. If the supervisor orders more or less lotion than is needed, the production line doesn't know and then all kinds of problems and headaches can occur as a result. A solution to the problem is to manage how the orders are being received by the production line in order to prevent further factory headaches from occurring.

The solution to preventing migraine headaches works in a similar manner. The migraine antidote is a prevention formula that acts on the cause of the migraine before it can occur rather than simply trying to stop the pain of the headache after it has started.

In the analogy the orders came from a supervisor. The body has a supervisor called the pituitary gland which controls the cycles of the female body by sending out messenger hormones. This gland not only controls the monthly menstrual cycles, but also controls pregnancies by issuing the hormone messengers to regulate the levels of estrogen and progesterone during this time.

At the completion of a pregnancy the hormones in the female body are literally in turmoil. This turmoil is what is triggering the migraines to occur. To stop this process and gain control over the migraines, something is needed that will help manage the receipt of these hormone messengers that are causing the onset of the migraines.

Tuliv Migraine Defense is the migraine prevention product designed to help control migraines by managing how hormone messages are handled and defend against the occurrence of migraine headaches.

You can order Tuliv Migraine Defense at www.Tuliv.com.

Chronic Migraines -There is a Solution

2011-10-06T08:20:00.001-07:00

Chronic migraines by definition are migraines that occur 15 or more times per month and last four hours a day or more.

It is estimated that of the 32 million people in America who suffer from some level of migraines, about 10 percent or roughly 3.2 million Americans suffer from chronic migraines. Although women are three times more likely to experience a migraine than men, when it comes to chronic migraines the ratio of women suffering from chronic migraines compared to men is much higher.

The migraine research conducted by Tuliv has shown that the general age range for chronic migraines starts as early as 35 and continues through 60. These ages correlate to the age when women experience the perimenopause stage of life. This research went on to show a direct connection between the two events.

Perimenopause refers to the time of life when the body goes through significant hormonal changes that eventually lead to menopause. Many women who suffer from chronic migraine also experience the symptoms of perimenopause including hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and irritability.

Any woman who has had menstrual related migraines knows the intensity of a migraine during times of hormone changes. What is happening during perimenopause is similar in a much more rapid or erratic sequence. The continuous fluctuation in hormone production during perimenopause causes an increase in the number of migraines. See Hormonal Migraines for more information.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed by doctors and health therapists as a method to combat the symptoms of perimenopause. While they may help ease those symptoms, HRT can be a major contributing factor to chronic migraines.

No one should give in to the idea that chronic migraines are uncontrollable. Chronic migraines can be controlled and further episodes prevented by proper treatment with Tuliv Migraine Defense and a good migraine prevention plan.

If you are experiencing chronic migraines, the first thing to do is seek our help in evaluating your problem. We will help to identify anything that may be contributing to your chronic migraine episodes. Together we will be able to produce an effective migraine prevention plan that will guide you to a better life.

To learn more about chronic migraines and how you can overcome them, see Chronic Migraines at Tuliv.com.

Let us hear from you today. Our toll-free phone number is 1-866-367-5953 or send an email to Migraines@Tuliv.com

Children with Migraines

2011-09-15T10:02:00.001-07:00

Back to school can be tough for children suffering from migraines. It is estimated that up to 10 percent of children in the U.S. get migraines, according to the Migraine Research Foundation.

Today more than half of the children with migraines had their first attack of symptoms before the age of 12. Migraines are more common in boys at a younger age. By adolescence the rate of incidence is much higher for girls as migraines are commonly triggered by hormone changes associated with their menstrual cycles.

Girls are more likely to miss school because the severity of their migraines can be intolerable one or more days each month. It is not only the days missed, but the many hours of not being able to give full attention to classroom work which may result in struggling to keep up with school work.

Symptoms accompanying a migraine, including headache, sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea and vomiting can inhibit concentration on studies and keep a child from participating in extra-curricular activities. In addition, about 15 to 20 percent of those with migraines also have what is called an aura prior to the onset of the headache. Typical aura symptoms include the appearance of flashing lights, zigzag lines or other visual disturbances that add to the problems encountered by children with migraines. See more about Migraine Diagnoses.

Migraines in children are often misdiagnosed because they don't always have the same type of symptoms as adults. Rather than the typical one-sided head pain of an adult, the child may experience pain on both sides and other areas of pain that are more difficult to describe. In addition, an adult may suffer severe headache pain, whereas children are more likely to experience a moderate to severe level of pain along with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness association with a migraine. See more about What Causes Migraines.

Currently, there are no pharmaceutical migraine medications approved for children. Unfortunately many doctors will ignore the drug warnings of the manufacturer and treat children with adult-only medications. Using drugs off label is not only wrong it can be damaging to children. Parents and guardians should first understand the risks and carefully explore options, weighing risks of potential side effects against possible benefits before accepting or filling prescriptions.

The risks to a child taking an adult-only drug like Topamax are many. You should know and understand that a major side effect of Topamax -called cognitive impairment -is one that can lessen a person's ability to learn, retain and recall new information - the exact reason a child goes to school. To learn more see The Dangers of Topamax)

Parents and guardians who desire safe migraine prevention for their child often turn to Tuliv and Migraine Defense as a natural solution. Migraine Defense does not change or alter the natural hormonal rhythms of the body nor does it cause chemical reactions in the brain as do pharmaceuticals. Migraine prevention drugs work by changing the brain chemistry is such a way that it can disrupt the learning process for children (as well as adults). Migraine Defense has no side effects and with high ranking results Tuliv Migraine Defense is the best possible solution to migraine prevention for children.

If your child is experiencing migraines, you should visit with Tuliv migraine experts as soon as possible to ask any questions you may have about children with migraines, to learn if Migraine Defense is the right solution for long term migraine prevention for your child. Call 1-866-367-5953 or send an email to Children@Tuliv.com.

Daughter Returns to School

"I just wanted to let you know how well the Tuliv Migraine Defense formula is working for my 15 year old daughter (just like you said it would). She started taking the recommended six per day and her migraines stopped completely within two weeks.

She has been able to return to school and is doing fine.

Thank you ever so much. May God bless you in the continuance of the work you do the help children with migraines. I have told everyone I know about the product and have given them your website and email address."

Best wishes, Sandy, Mother of Sara

Devices Used to Control Migraine Pain

2011-08-24T08:52:00.001-07:00

The proverb "desperate times call for desperate measures" can certainly be applied to the need to find ways to control the pain of a migraine. Although the idea of an electronic device used to stop the pain of a migraine is nothing new, the advancement of such technologies is worth noting. Considering these are ways that may help stop the pain after it starts, what most people want is a way to prevent the migraine from ever starting, which is the real value of Tuliv Migraine Defense.

In June of 2011, at the 15th International Headache Congress in Berlin, Germany, one such electronic device maker announced study results on the safety and efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the occipital nerve for the management of pain and disability associated with chronic migraine.

These devices are basically an advancement of the externally worn TENS units that are used to provide relief from a variety of pain sources, such as back pain, sports injury pain, general muscle pain etc. The new PNS systems deliver mild electrical pulses from an implanted device to leads placed under the skin at the back of the head, stimulating the occipital nerves.

"Many migraine patients have exhausted all current medical treatment options and often are disabled by the pain and frequency of migraine attacks," said Stephen D. Silberstein, M.D., past president of the American Headache Society, director of the Jefferson Headache Center, and the principal investigator in the study for the Genesis neurostimulation product from St. Jude's Medical Company. "Achieving a reduction in the number of days they suffer from headache and a significant improvement in their quality of life may be even more important than pain reduction alone."

The study showed that patients who received stimulation reported a 28% decrease in their number of headache days (seven less days a month). In contrast, study of the all natural migraine prevention formula Migraine Defense from Tuliv, shows a greater than 50% average reduction in headache frequency, which is to say that Migraine Defense may be more than twice as effective as an implanted electronic device. See Tuliv Research.

What is also in the works is new ways to manage the induction of existing migraine medications into the body. One of these that is working its way through FDA approval is is from NuPathe. The Zelrix patch is a single-use patch that relies on a mild electrical current to "actively transport" the anti-migraine drug sumatriptan through the skin using a process called iontophoresis.

There are other devices made for the relief of headache pain, one of which is an apparatus which is designed to be worn on a patient's forehead to deliver controlled electrical impulses for 20-minute sessions. The developer of this device claims it gives pain relief to people suffering from migraines and cluster/tension headaches.

Another device is a hand-held machine called a noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulator which claims to create an intense magnetic field that, when held next to the head, creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain that disrupts the migraine aura.

There are other devices including special glasses, skull caps, and stimulators that make claims to help migraineurs and may also be of help to some of the people some of the time.

I try to stay abreast of the latest research on migraines and do see some things that could hold promise for better relief of migraine pain such as the Zelrix patch mentioned above. What I don't see is new research by pharmaceutical companies exploring new ways to prevent migraines.

Unfortunately for the public in general, it is the trend of pharmaceutical companies to spend their money on market research to find new ways to sell old drugs rather than producing new drugs to alleviate existing conditions.

Please let me know what methods or devices you have tried and how effective they have been for you. My email address is Lyle@Tuliv.com.

You can also start a Live Chat Session to visit with us. Or call us directly for a free consultation 866-367-5953.

Lyle

What is Your Priority?

2011-08-08T10:29:00.001-07:00

Every day we speak to people who have an earnest desire to rid themselves of the plague of migraines. They tell us of their history of migraines and how they continue to suffer from migraines. Many of these are people we are speaking to for the first time. At times we get a phone call or email from a customer who is taking Migraine Defense and yet is still, on occasion, getting a migraine.

"What is causing me to get migraine headaches?" is the question most frequently asked directly or indirectly. In other words, people want to know what is causing their migraines.

First and foremost we must point to the DNA makeup and the inherited migraine gene as the reason you are prone to get migraines. Second to that, is the relationship between hormone changes in the body and the occurrences of migraines for both women and men.

The third factor involved in migraines is much more complex than that of the first two as it involves what we commonly refer to as triggers. Triggers are things that can start a migraine. Triggers are also the things that need to be identified and then avoided.

What we need to address is not so much a list of triggers, rather the attitude toward triggers. Many people know what some of their triggers are and yet pay little or no attention to them. A man once told me that he got a migraine headache every time he ate onions and asked me what he could do about it. When I told him the obvious - "Don't eat onions" - he refused to accept my suggestion because he liked to eat onions.

Believe it or not, in our migraine treatment practice, we talk to people every day who tell us virtually the same thing - not about onions - but about something else they don't want to change even though we explain to them that it may be a contributing factor in their migraines.

When consulting with a migraineur we try to find out more about his or her diet, what supplements are used including hormone replacement therapy, and other information about life style. We often hear about the use of products with claims to make a person feel better, look better, have more energy, live longer, increase vitality, and sexual enhancement. Alarmingly, many of these products, cleansers, foods, lotions, and supplements can be the trigger for a migraine.

We are not saying these various products are bad for the general population, what we are saying is that your body as a migraineur reacts differently. What may be fine for your best friend, spouse, neighbor, or relative may be bad for you. Advice from a naturalist, supplement suppliers, and those who sell those special juices, may be causing you to suffer.

As I mentioned, our days are filled with helping people understand the complexities of migraines and how life style can influence the occurrences of migraines. And yet even after we explain that a product may be triggering a person's migraines, we hear all kinds of reasons as to why he or she feels the compelling need to continue to take the product, including, "I read this was good for women my age, my friend takes it all the time, my naturalist recommended it, I sell it, I think it is doing something for me, I need to cleanse my colon, I'm on this special diet, and I found it in a health food store so it must be okay."

This is the point where I ask the question, "What is your priority?"

If not having migraines is your first priority, then stop doing the things that make the situation worse. Don't do something that may make your head hurt - no matter what the reason. Your head must be your first your priority.

It is not always easy to discover that what you may be doing is contributing to the occurrence of your migraines. That is why we offer you, without cost, our migraine consulting and guidance service to help you get control of your migraines. Generally, at the end of a 10 or 15 minute phone conversation, you will have a fairly good idea of what you could do to improve your situation. You don't have to be a current customer to call us.

There are very few people who have the knowledge, experience, compassion and migraine research background to provide you with the expertise guidance that we do at Tuliv.

You can also start a Live Chat Session to visit with us. Or call us directly for a free consultation 866-367-5953.

Let me hear from you today. Our toll-free phone number is 1-866-367-5953 or send an me an email at Lyle@Tuliv.com

Bachmann Rolls Out Migraine Defense

2011-07-21T12:57:00.001-07:00

as reported on Political Wire

Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-MN) Politico reports that Bachmann "released a letter from the attending physician to the Congress attesting to her 'overall ... good general health.'"

"Dr. Brian Monahan wrote he has extensively evaluated Bachmann, in consultation with a neurologist, and found that she is able to control it with as-needed doses of sumatriptan, which is used to treat migraine pain, and odansetron, an anti-nausea drug... Monahan described Bachmann's diagnosis as 'migraine headaches with aura,' a reference to the minority of migraine sufferers who experience perceptual disturbances, such as visual changes or strange smells, in advance of their attacks."

If Michele Bachmann would be using the real Migraine Defense from Tuliv, she could be preventing her migraines from ever happening and therefore eliminate the need for medications and avoid the possibility of having a debilitating migraine.

Please contact Rep. Bachmann and let her know that Tuliv Migraine Defense can help her, as it has you and so many others, live a migraine free life.

For more information on migraine prevention and Migraine Defense see http://migrainedefense.com/

Summertime Migraines

2011-06-16T07:42:00.001-07:00

Summer should be a time for fun, vacations, back yard activities, enjoying theme parks, and even working outside. If you suffer from migraines, it can also be a time when the sun and heat make your head hurt while you experience an increase in migraines.

In this article, I want to share information that can help to keep your migraines under control during these summer months. Unfortunately many summer activities such as time in the sun, tanning, and heat will cause an increase in one or both of the two natural elements (nitric oxide and tyramine) involved in the formation of a migraine headache.

Tanning. Many people still want to have a nice tan in the summer. For those who don't have the time to spend in the sun, sunless self-tanning products in the form of lotions, sprays, gels, and pills are often used. Some of these products can cause extreme headaches for a migraineur because they contain the amino acid L-tyrosine to accelerate the tanning process. Be sure to read the label and not use any product that contains L-tyrosine or indicates that the product can increase tyramine in the body.

Depending on the amount applied and the body's reaction, a headache can occur within hours or days of the application. When there is a delayed reaction, a product may be overlooked as the problem. Since it may be difficult to determine the cause of your headache or to know if a product is involved, please feel free to contact us (see email address and phone number below) to get our help. Also if you have experienced a headache after using any product, supplement, or drink, please let us know about it so that we can share it on our trigger list.

Heat and Sun. Many migraineurs are affected by heat especially after being outside on sunny days. When we investigated what happens when the body's heat increases, especially in the head, we found that the body produces nitric oxide to expand blood vessels to increase the blood flow in an attempt to cool the body.

For a migraineur the expanding blood vessels in the head and an increased level of nitric oxide in the body may be the trigger that results in a migraine headache.

On hot sunny days, a hat with a brim can be very helpful. Hats are in fashion today, so don't worry if you are the only one wearing one. Staying out of the sun completely may be the best solution.

Summer Fun. Whether you are enjoying activities on vacation or working hard in the yard, strenuous activities can result in a headache. The harder the body works the more blood it needs to keep the muscles working without fatigue. Again, the way it increases blood flow is by producing nitric oxide. As we mentioned above, the increase in nitric oxide levels can result in a migraine headache.

Enjoy the summer by trying to stay cool and watch out for products and drinks that contain the amino acid L-tyrosine.

See Heat Protection Tips

Migraine Defense is designed to work by building a defense against internal migraine conditions and some of the external triggers. A migraine-free summer is still within your reach and right now is the best time to order your Migraine Defense.

Let me hear from you today. Our toll-free phone number is 1-866-367-5953 or send an me an email at Lyle@Tuliv.com

Lyle

Nutritional Yeast and Autolyzed Yeast

2011-05-06T13:46:00.001-07:00

Question: I am wondering if nutritional yeast is a common migraine trigger, as I know that warm yeast breads can be as well as yeast extract and autolyzed yeast. I have been reading about the nutritional benefits of adding nutritional yeast to foods, and am wondering if this is a good idea. Would love to heat your thoughts. Thank you. --- Amy

Answer: Hi Amy,

Good questions about nutritional yeast and autolyzed yeast.

It is my understanding that "autolyzed yeast" is another name for processed free glutamic acid or what is commonly called MSG. This should always be avoided by anyone who gets migraines as it is a major trigger. See http://www.truthinlabeling.org/II.WhereIsMSG.html

Nutritional yeast is a good source of both tyrosine and phenylalanine. Unfortunately, both of these can be problematic for migraineurs. Heat does not destroy or change either of these and so cooking or using it is a "raw" format delivers basically the same amounts.

Tyrosine is found in almonds and other foods that often trigger migraines. Like anything else, one person may be able to tolerate something that is a major trigger for another person.

If you do decide to try it, keep a record of when you ate it and then see if you experience any headache symptoms within the next 36 hours. This is not always a guarantee that it won't affect you later as it builds up in your body.

My advice would be to avoid it.

Thank you for asking, Lyle

Think Before You Eat a Migraine Trigger

2011-04-26T08:40:00.001-07:00

Someone once said to me, "I get a migraine headache every time I eat onions. What can I do to stop these headaches?"

Even though the answer should be obvious to all, the obvious is often missed. People will tell us they know exactly what triggers their migraines and yet they do little or nothing to avoid the trigger. This, I believe, is one of the main reasons for failure of any type of migraine prevention program. Some thinking is required to end migraines.

When my son was about six years old I started playing checkers with him. Checkers is a relatively simple game to learn and play. During one game when I was slow to move a piece he announced, "It's your move dad," to which I replied, "I'm thinking." His immediate response was, "Hey, no fair thinking."

The stakes are higher with migraines than they are playing checkers. When you lose by not thinking in the migraine game you get punished with pain. Thinking about what you eat, drink, do and even what medications you take is a requirement for the success of a migraine prevention program. You don't have to become a migraine researcher to end migraines; you simply must pay attention and do a little thinking.

Thinking about what may have triggered your last headache can be helpful in preventing the next one. Any time there is a change in your migraine pattern, you should ask yourself "why?" Think about what changed, including what you may have eaten, drank or done within the 36 hours prior to the headache. Reviewing this information may reveal the trigger that you can avoid in the future.

We can help you in this process when you contact us. We generally start by visiting about your migraine pattern including frequency, duration, the time of the day when your headaches most often start, and what are your known triggers. Reports of sudden changes in patterns can be most alarming events that we will help investigate.

Recently Eileen (Migraine Consultant at Tuliv) visited with a lady whose headache pattern got worse after she started taking spirulina. Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green alga which has gained a great deal of popularity in the health food world as one of the new so-called functional foods.

Eileen researched spirulina and found that it contains one of the highest rates of L-tyrosine (which becomes tyramine) and another amino acid called L-phenylalanine which produces even more tyramine in the body.

Tyramine, as we have stated many times before, is one of the components necessary to produce the chemical in the body that causes a migraine to occur. Migraineurs should avoid anything that contains L-tyrosine or increases tyramine in the body (see triggers list).

Eileen's research demonstrates the dedication we at Tuliv have to help all who suffer from migraines regardless if they use our products or not.

To do this type of research and make this connection to headaches does require thinking, but you can benefit from the migraine research Eileen does by reading our website, blog, facebook and asking for her help (there is no charge for phone and email consultation).

If your migraine pattern has changed, call or email us for help. If your migraine medication or program is not working for you, think about trying Tuliv Migraine Defense for migraine prevention to live a migraine-free life.

What are your migraine triggers? Today we are asking for your help in our research by letting us know what triggers your headaches so we can add them to the migraine trigger list. If you are unsure about what may be your triggers, contact us so that we can help you.

Send us an email (click here) with your trigger list or call us at 1-866-367-5953.

Let us hear from you today.

Lyle Henry – Migraine Research

Stroke - the Hidden Danger of Migraines

2011-04-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Recently in the news we have read about strokes, brain lesions, and even obesity being attributed to migraines. In February many saw Serene Branson suffer live on TV from what was first thought to be a stroke and then later confirmed as a migraine - most likely a familial hemiplegic migraine.

Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke, which is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. The latest findings published in the American Journal of Medicine, which combined the results of 21 previous studies, confirms a connection between migraines and ischemic stroke -- the most common form of stroke, occurring when a clot disrupts blood flow to the brain. See stroke warning signs from American Heart Association.

Across the studies it was found that migraine sufferers at any age were about twice as likely to suffer an ischemic stroke as people without migraines. Anyone who suffers from migraines should be seeking safe and effective ways to prevent migraines in order to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.

What is also alarming about the study reported by Dr. Saman Nazarian, the senior researcher and an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, is that the HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
that is commonly prescribed as a migraine treatment via birth control pills (including ring and patch), as well as progesterone and estrogen supplementation, may actually be adding to the possibility of having a stroke.

The risk of stroke caused by migraines and HRT treatments for migraines are too high to be ignored. The challenge one faces after a stroke are life changing and alter normal activities including driving, employment, parenting young children, and often means a dramatic change in personal relationships.

In selecting the best method of migraine prevention, one should always consider what the consequences of taking certain preventives are and if possible avoid those that may cause other damage to the body or brain. Topamax, for example, can cause serious side effects including kidney stones, birth defects, eye problems, vision loss, suicide attempts, bone disease, and memory loss according to the PRESCRIBING INFORMATION provided by Topamax.

As a migraineur you eventually deal with three major issues: 1. The migraine, associated pain, and related problems, 2. Physical changes and conditions that can result from prolonged migraines, i.e. higher risk for strokes and brain lesions, 3. Dangerous risks and damage caused by pharmaceuticals (including HRT) used in attempts to prevent migraines.

Granted, as any migraineur that suffers the pain of migraines, the first objective and ultimate desire is to stop the headache pain from reoccurring and many are willing to risk the problems from associated pharmaceutical treatments. Or as my wife Eileen used to say prior to the discovery of Migraine Defense, "I need to get vertical and will worry about the consequences later."

Fortunately for Eileen and others like her who now take Migraine Defense for migraine prevention, she is safe from the problems associated with migraine drugs and has lowered her risk for stroke while living a migraine-free life.

One additional point, I would like to remind everyone that no matter what treatment you seek, you should also stay abreast of how migraines form and what can trigger them. Be aware that many prescription drugs, health foods and drinks, and things like probiotics, can also be major factors in contributing to migraines.

A change in your migraine pattern could indicate that you have introduced something new into your system or your body's age is becoming a factor. For this reason, we make ourselves available to you by phone and email to answer your migraine questions. There is currently no cost or obligation for consultation.

Everyone knows someone who suffers from migraines and may be at risk for stroke. Please tell them they can find help at www.Tuliv.com and by calling 1-866-367-5953. Don't wait until something happens, forward this message to a friend today.

BIRTH DEFECTS FROM TOPAMAX

2011-03-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

FDA Warning Issued March 4, 2011

"New data suggest that the drug Topamax (topiramate) and its generic versions increase the risk for the birth defects cleft lip and cleft palate in babies born to women using the drug when they become pregnant or use the medication during pregnancy," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said today.

"Health care professionals should carefully consider the benefits and risks of topiramate when prescribing it to women of childbearing age," said Russell Katz, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Alternatives should be considered.

For more information on Topamax Side Effects and safe alternative of migraine prevention, see www.Tuliv.com.

NOTE: Please forward this warning to friends who are taking Topamax.

See Full FDA Report at www.FDA.gov

Botox for Migraine is Not Convincing

2011-02-17T09:21:00.001-08:00

Research on Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Migraine is Not Convincing

February 15, 2011 — Despite botulinum toxin A (Botox) being approved for use in chronic migraines, published evidence on the effectiveness of this treatment for headaches is unconvincing, according to an article appearing in Drug and Therapeutic Bulletin (DTB).

The evidence from two published double-blind studies does not suggest a huge benefit, said Dr. Iheanacho, author of article. "We're not talking about abolition of chronic migraine headaches here; we're talking about a slight reduction."

In addition, Botulinum toxin A treatment for migraine is costly, and the toxin can actually cause headaches, pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms, "which is obviously not an ideal outcome," said Dr. Iheanacho.

"When you consider all those factors together, it doesn't add up to much benefit in our view," he said.

Published Trials

The DTB article describes 2 published double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of botulinum toxin A in chronic migraine. The first included 679 adults who received either the toxin or placebo every 12 weeks in 31 injections in the head and neck. This study found that the frequency of headache episodes at week 24 did not significantly differ between the two groups - the placebo did equally as well as the botulinum toxin injections.

The second study was identical in design, except that it measured headache days rather than headache episodes, but had the same basic results.

Questionable Benefit

To further discount any benefit of botulinum toxin A injections, it is known that these injections produce effects noticeable to those receiving the toxin but not the placebo. "If people knew or could tell or could guess that they got Botox because of the effect on their head and neck muscles, you have to worry about whether any benefits you see are an added placebo effect rather than one specifically attributable to the drug," said Dr. Iheanacho.

Cost Factor

Another drawback to botulinum toxin A use in headaches is the cost. Every treatment (31-39 injections) costs about $443 and is repeated every 12 weeks, so the annual cost is $1600.

All these factors together suggest that botulinum toxin A does not add significantly to the treatment of migraine, said Dr. Iheanacho. "We don't think it offers much to people with chronic migraine as far as we can tell from the evidence available."

DTB is owned and published by BMJ Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Medical Association.

New Year Resolution: Do All I Can To Prevent Migraines

2011-01-12T08:36:00.001-08:00

Many people make New Year resolutions this time of the year. Anyone who suffers from migraines would like to say, "This year I resolve to do all I can to have fewer migraines." With most resolutions affirmative action is needed to make it a reality.

The question is what action to take to have fewer migraines?

There are basically three ways to reduce the number of migraines: 1. avoid the things that trigger migraines, 2. take something to help prevent migraines, 3. grow older.

Although we all resolve to grow older, it may not be practical to believe that your migraines will stop this year unless you have completed menopause, and then there is still no guarantee.

When it comes to the first and second option, the first should be understood well.

Migraine triggers can be classified as external and internal. External triggers are those things that are normally outside of your body, while internal are the natural changes in your body that cause a migraine.

Knowing what is triggering your migraine can be tricky, but triggers can generally be traced back to the formula for a migraine - namely, tyramine and nitric oxide. Some triggers work very quickly, MSG for example, whereas others change during digestion to cause the problem, for instance, eating yogurt or cheese which turns into nitric oxide. To learn more about triggers visit www.Tuliv.com.

Option number two, taking something to help prevent migraines, is the only option for many people when it comes to managing migraines. The choice of what to take becomes a matter of what you feel works best for you and what the consequences are of taking it.

Today many doctors are prescribing Topamax without much concern for the safety of the patient as to both short and long term side effects of this drug. Only a few years ago this option was considered one of "last resort" and tried only after all else failed. The long term effects of kidney stones, possible vision damage and other consequences may not be fully disclosed by the doctor when prescribing this drug, but certainly should be considered by anyone willing to try this drug prior to exhausting other alternatives.

How do you know a migraine preventive will work for you? Although there is never a complete way of knowing without trying it, there are some rules we use before recommending our Tuliv Migraine Defense product for the prevention of migraines.

Knowing that there is a hereditary connection, now proven by "migraine genes", found in the DNA of those prone to migraines, we first want to determine if there is a family history of migraines.

Second, at Tuliv, we are well versed through ten years of extensive migraine research studies as to how hormones cause migraines throughout one's life (see migraine patterns). Knowing this, we ask questions that help determine the extent to which hormones are involved for each person.

These questions include, did the migraines start at puberty, are headaches worse during certain times of the menstrual cycle, and have the migraines gotten worse as the person approaches 45, as well as other questions that determine a hormonal pattern. Answers to these questions help to define the best course of action for this person to take to achieve a migraine-free life.

Measuring success is the most important thing a person can do when trying a drug or any product. Evidence is what you need. In the case of Migraine Defense, we supply a diary to track your progress and measure the results. When you see evidence of a positive change, then you can be assured that you should achieve very good results as you continue. Click here to print copy of diary.

Stay With It. Keep in mind that most resolutions fail because the person does not continue until the goal is reached. There is no quick cure for migraines. In order to have a migraine-free life with the Migraine Defense product, you must be consistent in taking it to prevent your migraines.

The migraine experts at Tuliv want to help you become migraine-free in 2011. Call us for free consultation and we resolve to help you with your migraine problem in a manner that is best for you. Call 1-866-367-5953 and feel free to speak directly with Lyle or Eileen Henry.

Lyle

Lyle Henry, Director of Migraine Research

Holiday Headaches

2010-12-13T10:02:00.001-08:00

For many the notion of a "holiday headache" is associated with the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing for the holidays. To a migraineur (person who gets migraines) it means that at any minute a migraine can occur - often times because of something that was eaten or drank. It also means that the stress associated with aforementioned prep for the holidays can actually induce a hormonal reaction in the body to cause a migraine that may last for days.

Many of the migraines that occur during the month of December are triggered events, some of which can be avoided by following a few simple rules- the most difficult of which may be saying "NO."

What many people don't realize is that triggers can work in combination and compound the effect, especially when other factors are also in play. For example, you may be able to get away with drinking a single small glass of wine at home once in awhile, but couple it with other foods, excitement, and overactive hormonal rhythms and you could be playing with fire and paying the high price of a migraine.

Red wine is a well know major trigger, but are you prepared to refuse when your host offers you a glass of wine to join in on the celebration? How do you respond to that pushy offer to try your hostess's favorite dish? Being ready to refuse with a prepared answer may save you hours and even days fighting a horrible migraine. You shouldn't expect others to know what might bother you; rather you should be ready with a good explanation as to why you must decline the offer.

Since there is simply no way of knowing what is in the things served this time of the year at parties or potlucks, the best advice may be - when in doubt don't eat or drink it and politely decline. There is no shame in saying that you suffer from migraines that can be triggered by some foods, drinks and ingredients and that you can't afford to take a chance at getting one from eating cheese cake or whatever else is offered to you.

Although it is easier to avoid the things you know will cause you problems than it is to say no to Aunt Harriet's offer of her favorite holiday dish that may be loaded with hidden migraine triggers, why take the chance? And watch out for "secret recipe" dishes that may have been bought at a store and "replated" as they may be loaded with MSG, nitrates, tyramine, and other "do not touch" ingredients lying in wait to set off a migraine in you.

Holiday Triggers. The following is my list of key foods and drinks to avoid during this season for you to print and keep with you.

· Almonds and nuts: Lots of these around, but don't eat them.

· Wines, especially red wine - instead you may want to try a drink made of cranberry juice, club soda and a clear alcohol.

· Cheeses - especially the cheese balls.

· Sausage, little wieners, and other such things floating around in a crock pot full of the special BBQ sauce that may be loaded with MSG.

· Spiced ciders and other drinks may look good, but make sure they don't contain something that bothers you like ginger.

· Snack mixes - these are party and office favorites that may contain MSG to heighten the flavor of the ingredients found in these tasty treats.

· Chocolate -I hate to mention this hard to resist holiday confection, but for many people it can be a real problem.

Know your triggers and try hard not to cheat just because it is a party. Triggers compound rapidly and the last thing you want it is to be missing out on the fun because of a migraine.

If you have any questions or are in doubt about something, ask us for advice. Add our phone number and email address to your cell phone contacts right now to make it easy to contact us with your questions or concerns. Phone: 1-866-867-5953 email: Questions@Tuliv.com.

I want to wish you a safe, wonderful, and most of all a migraine-free holiday season.

Lyle

To learn more about migraine triggers, please visit www.tuliv.com or click here to print our list.

Botox – How effective is it for migraines?

2010-11-03T10:20:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of talk lately about Botox for migraines. In spite of the recent FDA approval, the question still remains as to how well Botox works for migraines and is it safe.

Approval

Drug manufactures pay the FDA to approve their drugs and approval is not an indication that it works. The FDA's approval for use of Botox to fight migraines was based on the results of two studies involving 1,384 adults in North America and Europe. Since, half of those received the placebo; the approval was based on about 750 people in a population of 28 million migraineurs.

The studies used by the FDA showed that, "Onabotulinum toxin A [Botox]was proven in these trials to be moderately superior to placebo, and probably to natural outcome, in a population of chronic migraine patients of whom the majority was overusing acute medication and a substantial proportion had never received preventive drugs."

The report noted that the trials were not concerned about measuring the number of headaches, "Headache episodes, is clearly not an adequate outcome measure, nor clinically relevant in patients who have almost daily headaches and use symptomatic pain-relieving therapies."

It went on to say, "It is not known whether BOTOX [is] safe or effective to prevent headaches in patients with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days each month (episodic migraine)."

What does this mean? It appears to mean that there is more hype than reality to the claims. If the number of "headache episodes" is not a good measure of the outcome of something used to prevent migraines, than what is? Can you image getting a treatment for something where your expectations are not considered to be part of the measure of success?

Unfortunately, if one only listens to media, what doctors repeat from the drug reps, and drug advertisements, a person may never hear the complete story.

(See FDA Report on Botox for Migraines)

How Botox Is Used to Treat Migraines

Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms, the FDA says in a statement. The company [Allergan] says that when treating chronic migraine, qualified medical specialists administer 31 Botox injections into seven specific head and neck sites.

Guidelines

The American Academy of Neurology Guidelines for Use of Botulinum Toxin states "botulinum toxin injections should not be offered to patients with episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headaches." Dr. Markus Naumann, head of the Department of Neurology at Augsburg Hospital in Germany also wrote in the report, "It is no better than placebo injections for these types of headaches."

Controversy and New Warnings

One of the alarming controversies in the use of Botox is whether or not it can enter the brain. Leading scientists including Matteo Caleo of Italy's Institute of Neuroscience found that botulinum toxin can travel down nerve fibers and into the brain within days. While the effects of this are unknown, it raises questions about the safety of the drug, especially the long term effects.

FDA Safety Warnings

The new FDA required black box warnings for Botox state the effects of the botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. It should also be noted that so far there has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when Botox has been used at the recommended dose to treat chronic migraine which was only approved for last month (October 2010).

Side Effects

It is interesting that the FDA report shows the most common adverse reactions reported by patients being treated for chronic migraine were headache and neck pain. The FDA report recommends patients thoroughly discuss Botox with their doctor before any treatment especially noting the use of prescription drugs such as muscle relaxants, cold medicines, and sleep aids, and also any problems with breathing or swallowing. See list of side effects.

Become Informed Before Treatment

Although it is common for patients to accept new treatments from their doctor without question, when it comes to using new methods such as Botox you should become informed before making any decision to try it. There are several good reports and sources for information listed on the Botox page on Tuliv Migraine Prevention site.

Looking for Results

From my own migraine research, including interviews with over 1,000 migraineurs, I can report that I have yet to find anyone who has had any long term success with using botox for migraine prevention.

If you have already tried Botox for migraines or plan to try it, I would like to know the results for a future follow-up report on this subject. Please email me at Botox@Tuliv.com.

Do What is Best for You

At this point you may be asking, "Now that I know more about Botox, what is the best thing for me to do now?"

If safety and performance are important to you, consider the safe all-natural migraine prevention formula Tuliv Migraine Defense. Migraine Defense works naturally on the cause of migraines.

Questions: Call 1-866-367-5953 for real answers to your migraine questions. There is no cost or obligation.

Migraine Gene Discoveries

2010-09-27T07:26:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

More good news came this past week for migraineurs when the International Headache Genetics Consortium published its research paper on "Finding the Gene for Common Migraines" explaining that the underlining cause of common migraines can be traced to a gene.

Not only is this news important in the advancement of migraine research in general, but closer to home, it reaffirms the premise of our research at Tuliv that we had released five years ago.

Tuliv (then known as Christian Body Migraine Research Foundation) started researching migraines in late 2001 and by 2005 had concluded that a gene to be found within the DNA of the mitochondria of specialized cells is the genetic cause of migraines.

We went on to state that these cells play a role in the production of a chemical that invokes the migraine attack. The findings of our combined research became the basis for the development of the Tuliv Migraine Defense product for the prevention of migraines.

Genes, of course, point to inherited properties of the body. One may inherit blue eyes, for example, or hemophilia that impairs the body's ability to control blood clotting. We have found that genetic migraines are most often seen in a mother-child relationship. In fact, the first genes identified for the migraine condition were found for a type of migraines called "familial migraines."

You may be wondering how this discovery will help you. When it comes to inherited conditions, those related to the make-up of the DNA, there are no solutions available today that would alter the DNA or modify the gene to eliminate the condition. However, by better understanding what is happening in the body or as we like to say, the true cause of migraines, science and medical care can take new approaches in developing prevention solutions that more closely focus on the source of the problem rather than continuing to only seek ways to address the symptoms.

Our challenge to educate those involved with migraines as to the real cause of migraine continues in order to help develop more natural migraine prevention treatments. In some ways, this flies in the face of the notion that migraines are caused by a malfunction of the brain which has propelled such anti-seizer drugs as Topamax into the forefront of migraine therapy.

The bottom line is that this research is good for you. It may help provide the direction and guidance for future studies that someday may provide an actual cure or dominant solution to bring about a complete end to migraine suffering.

Let me know your thoughts and questions. 1-866-367-5953 or Lyle@Tuliv.com

Lyle

More Proof Found that Tuliv’s Theorem on Migraines is Correct

2010-08-30T07:31:00.001-07:00

August 29, 2010

In 2005, Tuliv Ltd (then known as Christian Body Migraine Research Foundation) released its finding on the cause of migraines which included the notion that a "migraine gene" located within the mitochondria of specific cells was the genetic connection to migraines and the actual cause of the pain was induced by inflammatory chemicals released within the trigeminal-vascular system.

Tuliv's very successful migraine prevention product, Tuliv Migraine Defense is based on that migraine theorem. See www.Tuliv.com for more information.

This past week, Aarno Palotie, head of the International Headache Genetics Consortium at Britain's Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute presented his finding that coincide with and add credibility to the research of Lyle Henry of Tuliv.

Genetic Link to Common Migraines Found

PARIS — Gene detectives on Sunday announced they had found the first inherited link to common types of migraine, a finding that boosts hopes for new drugs to curb this painful and costly disorder. Scientists from 40 medical centres pored over the genetic profiles of more than 50,000 people, comparing those who suffered badly from migraines with others who were otherwise healthy. What came up in the net was a tiny but telltale variant of DNA that boosts the risk of getting migraines by around fifth.

"This is the first time we have been able to peer into the genomes of many thousands of people and find genetic clues to understand common migraine," said Aarno Palotie, head of the International Headache Genetics Consortium at Britain's Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which led the study. Previous research has found links for some extreme, but mercifully rare, forms of migraine, but this is the first to pinpoint an association for common types of the disease.

The tiny genetic variant, or allele, is called rs1835740. Lying on Chromosome 8 between two genes, PGCP and MTDH/AEG-1, it allows a messenger chemical called glutamate to accumulate in junctions between brain cells, and this unleashes the migraine, the scientists believe. If so, drug engineers have a tempting target in preventing glutamate buildup, they hope.

The paper, published online in the journal Nature Genetics, cited figures that migraine affects 17 percent of European women and eight percent of men. The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks migraine in the top 20 diseases in terms of "years lived with disability," a benchmark of handicap. A US estimate put migraine's economic cost on a par with diabetes.

The study first compared the genome of more than 3,000 migraine sufferers in Finland, Germany and the Netherlands against that of some 10,000 non-sufferers. These results were then compared in a second phase with the genomes of a second batch, comprising 3,000 migraine patients and more than 40,000 otherwise healthy people. The study found rs1835740 to be one of several connecting genetic cogs in regulating glutamate levels. The allele alters the MTDH/AEG-1 gene, which in turn affects a gene called EAA2. The EAAT2 gene controls a protein that is responsible for clearing glutamate from the brain synapses. This protein has previously been linked with epilepsy, schizophrenia and various mood and anxiety disorders. The authors say further work is needed to confirm the findings and see whether other genetic culprits abound.

Patients in the study were recruited mainly from specialist headache clinics, which means they are likely to represent only the more extreme end of those who suffer from common migraines, said Gisela Terwindt of Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands. "In the future, we should look at associations across the general population, including also people who are less severely affected," she said.

Migraine is believed to occur when inflammatory chemicals are released around the nerves and blood vessels in the head, inducing pain that can be excruciating. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea and hyper-sensitivity to light and sound. Common migraines fall into two categories -- those with an "aura," or shimmering circle seen by the sufferer, and those without. Sufferers tend to be aged 35-45, although the frequency and duration of the attacks can very widely.

“Gut” Migraines

2010-08-23T14:33:00.001-07:00

Liz Asks the Question:

I have heard that people with migraines often have "gut" problems. Constipation with occasional diarrhea, hypochlorydia - difficulty digesting fats - - Have you found this to be true?

-Liz

Liz,

There can be any number of symptomatic events associated with migraines. These can be directly or indirectly associated with the actual occurrence of the migraine.

For example, a person may be constipated after a migraine attack, but it was the result of taking pain medications that cause constipation, rather than due to the migraine itself.

Pain by itself causes the body to react in various ways and quite often compromises the digestive system. Being in too much pain to eat is an obvious association.

There are other complicating factors to consider when looking at the idea of “gut” migraines, one of which is that of multiple symptoms from a single trigger. For example MSG, a well known trigger for migraines, also causes diarrhea for some people. A person who gets migraines may be subject to both conditions.

The nervous system can react quite differently to any given stimulus or situation, and during stress the body can produce up to forty times more cortisol (a stress hormone) than when the body is not under stress. Prolonged production of cortisol can disrupt the digestive system, irritating the large intestine and causing diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. Excessive production of digestive acids in the stomach may cause a painful burning.

Therefore, one of the triggers for migraines (excess cortisol) may also be the cause of the irritation of the digestive system.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Lyle

To learn more about migraine prevention, visit www.tuliv.com

You can send you migraine questions to Lyle@tuliv.com

Migraine Patterns: Changes Throughout Life

2010-07-01T10:56:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

For many people, the onset of migraines begins around the time of puberty, and the frequency of occurrence adheres to a rather predictable pattern throughout a person's life. Others may not be affected by migraines until they are in their twenties; still others may not start having migraines until past the age of 40.

Women have additional conditions that can initiate the onset and progression of migraines, including menstrual cycles, taking birth control pills, post-pregnancy, and post-hysterectomy. Migraine patterns in both men and women can also be affected by adding hormones (HRT) to their bodies as the added hormones tend to change the natural balance and rhythms of life.

The age of a person is one of the major factors affecting migraines. As mentioned earlier most migraines start at the age of puberty, become rather predictable between the ages of 20 to 35, and then sometime around the age of 40 (give or take a few years) worsen in intensity, duration, and frequency regardless of sex or earlier life patterns. As this progression continues, the pattern may transform into one of chronic daily migraines. Migraines generally subside once a person has reached full menopause or what many refer to as "having gone through menopause."

Tuliv Migraine Research may have been one of the first to identify the relationship between the secretions from the pituitary gland and the occurrences of migraines in both episodic migraines and major pattern shifts. The pituitary gland controls the onset of puberty, monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, sexual functions, and eventually peri-menopause and menopause stages of life. The secretions from this gland control the production of certain types of hormones that cause a reaction that ultimately produces a chemical called CGRP that has been linked to the initiation a migraine attack.

It was this discovery of the relationship between the pituitary gland and the production of CGRP that was the one of the premises for the migraine hypothesis that led to the development of the first migraine prevention formula that addresses the natural cause of migraines - Tuliv Migraine Defense.

It is important to note here that there is no evidence of anything being wrong with the pituitary gland that would cause a migraine; rather, we are simply saying that there is a relationship between the secretions from the pituitary gland and the occurrence of migraines. By studying the role of the glands of the endocrine system in relationship to the occurrence of migraines, it appears that many of the mysteries of migraines can be solved.

For more information, please see the Natural Cause of Migraines at www.Tuliv.com.

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

Migraine Patterns – Time of the Month

2010-06-10T12:16:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

This is part two of a series of articles on migraine patterns that will explore the occurrences of migraines based on the time of day, day of the month, and age of the person. In this second article we will address the time of the month.

That Time of the Month.

For many years migraine researchers have known there is a hormone connection to migraines in men, women, and children. The more precise cause of migraines may be seen as a change in specific neurochemicals that are released during phases of hormone production. It is easier to see the hormonal cause of migraines in women than in men because of the monthly menstrual cycle of women, even though the principle and hormones are exactly the same for men and women.

Menstrual cycles are actually controlled by the pituitary gland through the messenger hormones LH and FSH. If you have been reading my research, you may recall these are the hormones that are received by the cells that contain the migraine gene that gets involved in the production of a neurochemical that starts the migraine attack.

It is during the times when these hormones are at their highs and lows that most migraines occur. To say that estrogen or progesterone is the cause of a migraine is a misunderstanding of the effect of hormones on migraines. This misunderstanding has led to the over prescribing of additional hormones as a treatment for migraines, which seldom provides a stable solution and can lead to other problems in the body. We can readily see the adverse effect of hormones on migraine when we realize that birth control pills, which are hormones, generally cause more migraine headaches.

For more information, see the Natural Cause of Migraines at www.Tuliv.com.

Natural Cause - Natural Solution

Understanding how hormones are involved in migraines and their effect on migraine patterns provided the insight needed for the development of Tuliv Migraine Defense, the first and only migraine preventive that addresses the natural cause of migraines.

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

New Science Shows the Hormone Relationship in Migraines

2010-04-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

For many years migraine researchers have known there is a hormone connection to migraines. We can safely say that most migraines occurring in men, women, and children are caused by the body's inability to properly manage the changes in hormone production.

The more precise cause of migraines may be seen as a change in specific neurochemicals that are released during phases of hormone production. These neurochemicals affect the trigeminal nerve vascular system and sets into motion a progression of events, the outcome of which is a painful migraine headache and associated aura, nausea and vomiting.

DNA The reason some people get migraines can be found in the DNA makeup as an inherited gene. This gene has been identified and labeled as MTHFR and is found in the mitochondria of specific cells. These cells are the hormone producing cells for estrogen and progesterone for both men and women (yes, men produce the same hormones as women).

These cells receive their "production" orders by way of other hormones known as "messenger" hormones that are produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. The way these cells know that the messenger hormones are for them is through specialized proteins that are on the outside of the cell membrane called hormone receptors.

Deep Secrets of Migraines

Migraines occur when various hormone levels of the body fluctuate and most often when the "messenger" hormones are secreted from the pituitary gland into the blood stream to be received by the aforementioned specific cells in the body that have the migraine gene. For a still unknown reason, there is an adverse reaction in these cells that causes the production of neurochemical identified as CGRP to occur.

How Do Hormones Cause Migraines?

Hormones don't in the true sense of cause and effect; however, when we use the analogy of an automobile we can start to understand the relationship. Gasoline, for example does not make the car go; rather, gasoline makes the engine run which rotates the transmission gears, which make the wheels turn. Hormones are like the gasoline in that they start a reaction which results in the wheels turning that ends with a migraine.

To say that estrogen or progesterone is the cause of a migraine is a misunderstanding of the effect of hormones on migraines. This misunderstanding has led to the prescribing additional hormones as a treatment for migraines. We can readily see the adverse effect of hormones on migraine when we realize that birth control pills, which are hormones, generally cause migraine headaches.

Migraines occur outside the brain in what is called the trigeminal nerve vascular system. Those who have had migraine headaches can easily draw the path of this system as it starts at the temples and runs forward to branch out behind the eyes and down the jaw line. This system is comprised of hair-like nerve fibers that are intertwined with tiny blood vessels.

The pain of a migraine headache occurs when these tiny blood vessels dilate and begin to swell and expand to the point where they are actually putting pressure on the nerve endings. We often feel throbbing pain as the blood fills these vessels and pinch on nerves.

It is the neurochemical CGRP that causes the blood vessels to dilate and expand. To make matters worse, when the nerve fibers become irritated, they react in a way that can cause an increase in the level of CGRP in a round-robin effect that increases the pain level and the duration of a migraine attack.

To learn more see Tuliv Migraine Research.

Migraine Prevention

2010-04-20T12:45:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your invitation to write about Migraine Defense.

Migraine Defense has become an essential component of my daily migraine preventive regime. Without it, I would experience non-stop, chronic head pain and much more frequent and severe migraines. I know Migraine Defense is responsible for this huge improvement in my life because I stopped using it for a several weeks to see what would happen and my constant debilitating head pain returned along with my more severe migraine attacks.

With Migraine Defense I am able to participate in my life fully again. My daily pain is gone and my migraines are reduced to once or twice a month and are easily treated with triptan medication. I'm able to work a part-time job that I love. I can meet my social and family obligations without fear of having to cancel at the last minute. I can be there for my daughter when she needs me, rather than my depending on her while I lie in the dark in the grip of pain. Recently my husband and I started ballroom dance lessons, something I couldn't even imagine doing a year ago. We just participated in a public showcase and now plan to enter a dance competition.

For a life-long sufferer of migraine whose condition had gradually devolved into one of chronic pain, ranging from somewhat debilitating to soul destroying, this is a pretty heady stuff (sorry for the pun). Migraine Defense has proven itself to be life restoring for me.

Sincerely,

Melanie Symonds

Resveratrol: What Our Research Shows

2010-04-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

There is much talk today about the next "fountain of youth" discovery - Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a natural substance found in many plants, including grapes, peanuts and Japanese Knotweed. The introduction of resveratrol as a "cure-all" with such claims as its being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-aging, as well as a weight-loss and performance enhancing panacea, has given rise to its recent popularity.

We are concerned with the effect that resveratrol has on the occurrence of migraines.

Resveratrol is a basic substance found in red wine - in fact, that is how the properties of resveratrol were discovered; however, in resveratrol dietary supplements the concentration is much higher. A 5-ounce glass of red wine provides about 0.30-1.07 mg of resveratrol; by comparison, a dietary supplement can provide 100 mg of resveratrol per capsule. Since we know that red wine can easily trigger migraine headaches, it follows that taking resveratrol could do the same.

Headache is a reported side effect of taking resveratrol. These headaches can start within a day or two of first taking resveratrol and can continue for an extended length of time after stopping resveratrol. This is true even for those who do not get migraines.

The reason why resveratrol triggers migraines is that it promotes vasodilation by enhancing the production of a naturally occurring substance in the body called nitric oxide. If you have been following the migraine research of Tuliv, you have seen that nitric oxide is one of the most prominent factors involved in a migraine headache.

Our recommendation is to avoid resveratrol if you get migraines. If you are going to try it, do so with a controlled test and keep track of your results. You may want to print and use our headache dairy for such a purpose.

To learn more about what to avoid and why, please visit www.tuliv.com or click here to print our list. If you are in doubt about a supplement or something in your diet, please feel free to email us at MD@Tuliv.com for assistance.

____

I received the following comment from Bill Sardi, Resveratrol Partners LLC, dba LONGEVINEX

Lyle, Resveratrol does not induce headache by vasodilation. It induces headache among those who are anemic. Fertile women have menstrual migraines, similar condition. Resveratrol is a copper-chelating molecule and it can drop the hemoglobin level a bit, inducing anemia. It is not intended for child-bearing females or growing children (yes, it will give many of them a headache). It should be consumed in relatively low dose in supplements, no more than 350 mg. If headaches, Achilles heel tendonitis, anxiety reactions, stiff hands, skin rash, flu-like symptoms occur, you may be anemic and should stop taking resveratrol. Bill Sardi, Resveratrol Partners LLC, dba LONGEVINEX

______

Those who know my work know that I often rely on scientific studies by other researchers in various fields. There are countless studies proving that Resveratrol increases nitric oxide, three of which are sited below. I admit I am no authority on Resveratrol; however, I am an authority on the relationship between nitric oxide - vasodilation – and migraines. Keep in mind that the concern here is for those who get migraines, i.e. migraineurs, rather than the general population. Anything that increases nitric oxide in the body can potentially trigger a migraine.
Lyle

Resveratrol Increases Nitric Oxide Synthase, Induces Accumulation of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1, and Suppresses Cultured Bovine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial CellProliferation by Perturbing Progression through S and G21 -
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [T-c. H., J. M. W.] and Brander Cancer Research Institute [G. J., Z. D.], New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/59/11/2596

Resveratrol stimulates nitric oxide production by increasing estrogen receptor -Src-caveolin-1 interaction and phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. - Klinge CM, Wickramasinghe NS, Ivanova MM, Dougherty SM. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
http://www.biotivia.com/bioforteresveratrol/evidence/resveratrolstimulatesnitricoxideproduction.html

Upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression after 24 to 72 hours incubation. Resveratrol-enhanced. eNOS expression and activity -
Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, Reinhard Berkels, PhD, Department of Pharmacology University of Cologne, Cologne, German- 2003
http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/107/11/e78.pdf

Migraine Patterns - Time of the Day

2010-04-08T09:20:00.001-07:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

This is the first in a series of articles on migraine patterns that will explore the occurrences of migraines based on the time of day, day of the month, and age of the person. In this first article we will address the time of day.

Time of the Day

"What time of the day do your migraines start?" is one of the questions we ask someone who gets migraines. It is one of the most important questions in helping to determine what is happening inside the body to invoke a migraine.

A very common answer is "during the night;" however, when we ask for the exact time, most reply, "Around 4 AM." The other two most frequent replies as to when a person gets a migraine are "Shortly after getting up in the morning" (full-blown by noon) and "Sometime in the late afternoon."

These time patterns actually coincide with hormone changes in the body. When we look at which hormones fluctuate around these times, we find the hormone melatonin, from the pineal gland, and the hormone cortisol, from the adrenal gland.

The body begins producing melatonin (the hormone that helps us sleep) generally around 4 PM and it stops producing around 4 AM. Even though we see that this corresponds to times of migraines, we cannot jump to the conclusion that this hormone is a cause of migraines; rather, we must look at the actions of this hormone to see their effect on migraines.

The level of melatonin in the body affects how other hormones function, namely the two hormones that we are most interested in when researching the cause of migraines: Lutenizing Hormone (LH) and Folic Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (in both male and female bodies). These are hormones that have receptors on the cells that contain the known gene for migraines. Since we already know that fluctuations in the level of these hormones can invoke monthly menstrual migraines in women, we can reason that we are dealing with similar reactions as the cause of these other migraine occurrences.

Taking a melatonin supplement before bed can be helpful for some people in preventing or lessening the severity of early morning migraines. For those who take Tuliv Migraine Defense regularly and still may have some break-though 4 AM type migraines, adding a 1 mg time-released melatonin supplement at bedtime works synergistically to prevent these headaches.

What about a migraine that begins after we get up in the morning? Well, just as melatonin helps us sleep, the hormone cortisol helps us wake up and start the day. Cortisol is a powerful hormone used by the body to make us more alert, especially while under stress. Our research has shown that cortisol may be the underlying cause of stress headaches.

When we trace how cortisol works in the body, we see that it also has an effect on the LH and FSH hormones receptors on the "migraine gene" cells and so we again feel we are dealing with the same set of principles that are at the center of the cause of migraines.

We have mentioned three different times of the day when migraines are most likely to start, and yet we have named only two different hormones. That is because melatonin also appears to be involved in the occurrence of afternoon headaches.

Have you ever noticed how you begin to feel tired or let down in the late afternoon? That is when melatonin starts to enter the body. Melatonin is produced from serotonin, that is to say the pineal gland converts serotonin to melatonin. We have already mentioned above how melatonin affects the "migraine gene" cells. Although some migraine researchers see the lack of serotonin as the problem, what may actually be occurring is the reaction of melatonin after it has been converted from serotonin.

For the most part, Tuliv Migraine Defense prevents migraine no matter what time of the day; however, if this is not complete for all afternoon headaches, we may recommend adding the supplement 5-HTP, which appears to help increase serotonin or at least stabilize the depletion of it. Some research has indicated that 5-HTP alone may be helpful in preventing migraines or at least in reducing their frequency and severity.

The time when migraines occur reveals a great deal of information about what is happening in the body and points to the cause of migraines. By understanding and using this information, we can find natural ways to help prevent migraines. At Tuliv, we are dedicated to helping you find your best solution for a migraine-free life.

What time of the day do most of your migraines start? If you are unsure of any pattern, then please print a copy of our Migraine Diary and track your migraines for the next month and see what you find. We will be happy to go over the results with you, either by phone (1-866-367-5953) or by email Questions@Tuliv.com

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

Statin Drugs and Migraines

2010-03-08T10:33:00.001-08:00

Research Article by Lyle Henry

"My migraines came back and the only thing I've changed in my daily routine is I started a new cholesterol-lowering drug. Can statin drugs be a problem for migraineurs?" We recently received this question from one of our clients who takes Tuliv Migraine Defense daily and has been migraine-free for quite some time.

There are times when a person starts taking a new prescription drug for various ailments and within a few days or weeks begins to see an increase in the frequency or severity of headaches. Even though many pharmaceuticals have headache listed as a side effect, they are often overlooked as the cause for changes in headache patterns. One of the reasons may be that for the general population the problem may not be as severe or common as it is for one prone to migraines and the reason for the increase is more subtle - such as the case of taking a statin drug.

Anytime there is a change in the headache pattern of a migraine, one should start looking for the reason by reviewing what has changed in terms of routines, diets, supplements and pharmaceuticals. In the case of changes in pharmaceuticals (and by this we mean starting on a drug, stopping one, or changing dosage), it is necessary to not only review the known side effects but to also investigate how the drug acts on the body. Specifically, we look at what effect this drug has on the components of a migraine including something that may increase the level of nitric oxide* in the body.

Statin drugs, including well-known medications such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Crestor, are prescribed for their lipid lowering effects. Unfortunately, statin drugs can and generally do increase the nitric oxide levels in the body through what is called nitric oxide synthase in isolated endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells make up the layer of flat cells lining the inside of blood vessels including those that are intertwined with the bilateral trigeminal nerve running forward along the temporal lobe area in the head - referred to as the trigeminal-vascular system. Expansion of these blood vessels leads to a migraine headache. In other words, these stain drugs can increase the level of nitric oxide in the very region where migraines occur.

The pain felt during a migraine headache is the result of the expansion of the blood vessels of the trigeminal-vascular system to the point where they are putting undue pressure on the hair-like nerve endings. This pressure and pinching is what is felt as sustained pain lasting for as long as the blood vessels are in this expanded state.

Since increasing the level of nitric oxide can initiate a migraine occurrence, taking a statin drug can result in an increased level of migraines. For the general population taking a statin drug (or for that matter increasing the level of nitric oxide) may not be a problem; however, for the person prone to migraines, the higher level of nitric oxide can be very painful.

You should always visit with your primary care professional before making any changes to your pharmaceutical scheme.

*Tuliv migraine research revealed that nitric oxide and L-tyrosine (in the form of tyramine) combine to generate the neurochemical that triggers the onset of a migraine. Elevating one or both of these substances increases your chance for a severe migraine headache.

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

Migraine Prevention for Children and Teens

2010-01-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

For many of those affected by migraines the symptoms start between the ages of five and ten. Since migraine is a genetic condition, children that have a parent or grandparent with migraines should be observed for the onset and continuation of such symptoms.

During a sporadic migraine episode, a child often endures a severe headache that may be accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and possible vision changes (auras). Children may also complain of pain or sinus stuffiness which is often misdiagnosed and falsely treated as sinus infection or congestion (see Tuliv Times December 2009). Naturally, doctors should be consulted in order to rule out other serious diseases or conditions.

As the child reaches puberty the frequency of migraines may begin to form a pattern, especially in young girls as they start menses. As the frequency or severity level of a child's migraines increases, the problem may wreak havoc on a child's quality of life and ability to take part in normal school activities. Since migraine pain can be so intense that a child often cannot think or function very well during or immediately following episodes, school absenteeism may result.

What is most important to understand is that there is no difference between the cause of migraines in a child and that of an adult; however, what should be of great concern is the treatment used in the case of children. The pharmaceutical medications prescribed today for the treatment and prevention of migraines have, for the most part, been approved for use only by adults and not for children.

In managing migraines in children the first question should be how often does he or she suffer a migraine? If the frequency is low (less than two days per month), then it may be a matter of using OTC pain relief, such as Ibuprofen or a NASAID, along with quiet rest as the best treatment. When considering starting a child on an adult only drug that may have adverse side effects, including learning disabilities, it is important to note that migraines are a lifetime problem that can last for several decades. You may want to try a natural solution first.

Migraine prevention in children should start with eliminating anything that may trigger a migraine episode. Although migraines triggers, as we know, are not the cause of migraines, they can be the reason for the onset of one. Since children are more prone to eat junk foods that may contain MSG or other problematic additives as well as drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, they must be taught what may lead to a migraine. When trying to determine what may be triggering a migraine, always look back at least 24 hours to review any food or activity leading to the migraine. By learning what to avoid your child may be able to reduce the number of migraines each month.

Children who have reached the age of puberty may benefit from our all natural migraine prevention solution, Tuliv Migraine Defense. Tuliv Migraine Defense has been safely used by children for the prevention of migraine since 2005. Sara writes about her 15 year old daughter, "Eileen, I just wanted to let you know how well your Migraine Defense formula is working for my daughter (just like you said it would). She started taking the recommended dosage and her migraines stopped completely within two weeks. She has been able to return to school and is doing fine."

For more testimonials on the use of Tuliv Migraine Defense, please visit www.Tuliv.com

If you have questions about your child having migraines, please call us at 1-866-367-5953 or send an email to Questions@Tuliv.com.

Sinus Headache or Migraine?

2009-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

People often wonder... Am I getting the correct diagnosis? Perhaps the most misdiagnosed migraine is the sinus headache. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that nearly 9 in 10 people who were diagnosed with sinus headaches were actually suffering from migraines.

Although some of the symptoms including congestion, pressure and pain in the forehead and around the eyes are similar. In both cases, the symptoms of a sinus infection are generally accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes and a persistent green or yellow nasal discharge. If you don't have those symptoms along with your headache, it is most likely a frontal migraine.

Doctors unwittingly and ineffectively treat the symptoms of a frontal migraine as a sinus infection through the use of antibiotics and prescription or OTC sinus remedies. More severe treatments often include sinus scrapings, surgeries, and nasal medication - all of which are of no avail because of the misdiagnoses.

In order to understand why a migraine feels like a sinus headache we need to review the problem area of a migraine. The pain of a migraine headache is felt when the blood vessels intertwined with the trigeminal nerves begin to expand and put pressure on the nerve endings. This trigeminal-vascular system runs from the temporal lobes along each side of the head and then branches out behind the eyes across the forehead, into the cheeks and down the jaw line. The ends of each side of this system meet to surround the sinus cavity.

As part of the migraine syndrome, the tiny hair-like blood vessels expand and swell around the sinus cavity causing a squeezing-like pressure on it which results in a feeling of sinus congestion and pain.

Much time and money, not to mention the amount of pain, is often spent on trying to fight the wrong cause of migraines. The true cause of migraines is not a problem with a person's sinuses (nor does it have anything to do with the jaw, teeth, or the neck as it is sometimes thought). Since migraines are genetic and caused by an abnormal responses to hormone production, there is no sinus remedy that will help prevent a migraine from occurring.

Tuliv Migraine Defense is the only anti-migraine product that builds a natural defense system in the body to help prevent migraines.

If you have any questions or would like to visit more about this subject or any aspect of migraines, please call 1-866-367-5953 (9 AM to 3 PM CST M-F) or send an email anytime to Questions@Tuliv.com.

Do you know someone who has complained about "sinus headaches"? If so, please forward this article to him or her.

Migraine Prevention is Real

2008-08-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

The following is an unedited copy of an email I received recently.

Dear Lyle,

Last year I suffered with migraines not even realizing they were such until my husband, an ambulatory critical care hospital pharmacist recognized them.

I thought for so many years before meeting my husband that I was simply having a sinus headache or environmental weather issues with climate pressures. I had no idea my headaches were connected with my hormone changes every month. I only knew they were getting more intense and frequent to the point of ongoing pain three weeks out of the month with a pain level of 9 - 10 on a pain scale of ten.

Once I knew the source of my pain, I tried chiropractors, massage therapy, vegetable juicing, and migraine medication; however the headaches kept presenting themselves. I thought my newly married life was over at 49.

It wasn't until my husband researched the Internet and found your website discussing Eileen's story that things for us began to change. We wanted a safe, natural, preventive for this horrible pain that was robbing us of our new life together, and almost a year later, I can tell you my life has been fully restored. Your [Migraine Defense] formula is an absolute miracle, no less.

Initially, I was having breakthrough pain with the recommended dose of 6 capsules for my body wt of 110 lbs, and so I experimented with some of the supplements after discussing this with you. Still, breakthrough pain came, which is why I hadn't written until now. My husband, understanding that dose is often relevant to the patient's circumstances, suggested I add an additional capsule of the migraine defense to my daily intake. It was the magic number. For months now I am migraine-free without breakthrough.

Your formula is a godsend. Thank You forever for giving me back my life to share with my husband.

Blessings,

Cynthia Albert, BSN, RN

More Bad News for Topamax Users

2008-07-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

Small Study Shows Increase Risks in Birth Defects When Topamax Is Used During Pregnancy

July 21, 2008 -- A small study published in the latest issue of the journal Neurology, shows Topamax (topiramate) has been linked to an increase risk of birth defects in babies born to patients who took it during pregnancy.

"More research needs to be done to confirm these results, especially since it was a small study," researcher John Craig, MRCP, of the Royal Group of Hospitals in Belfast, Northern Ireland said in a news release.

He added that although the study included only epilepsy patients, the results may be of particular relevance for migraine patients "since [Topamax] is also used for preventing migraines, which is an even more common condition that also occurs frequently in women of childbearing age."

If the study findings are confirmed, they suggest that Topamax may not be an appropriate migraine treatment for women who are considering pregnancy, neurologist Shlomo Shinnar, MD, PhD, of New York's Montefiore Medical Center told WebMD. Shinnar is a spokesman for the American Academy of Neurology.

Information from the Official Topamax Web Site
In review of the information on the official Topamax site we found a report by Dr. Diamond associate director of the Diamond Headache Clinic of Chicago, from July 19, 2007 regarding Topamax During Pregnancy. She reported that although some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may pose a small degree of risk to the fetus, few pregnant migraine sufferers can go 9 months without treatment for migraine pain, and there are headache pain medications that are proven safer than others.

In this report, the only prescription medications she mentioned that should not be taken during pregnancy because of their known adverse effects, are phenytoin, valproic acid, and lithium carbonate.

Dr. Diamond went on to say pregnant women should be recommended nonpharmacological treatments for migraines during all trimesters, such as rest, biofeedback, ice/heat, massage, exercise, folate, and avoiding migraine triggers.

Dr. Merle Diamond has indicated that she has served as a speaker and/or consultant, or has conducted research for AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pfizer, and Ortho-McNeil the makers of Topamax.

Information from TOPAMAX full U.S. Prescribing Information

"What Should I Do If I Get Pregnant While Taking TOPAMAX?"

"It is not clear if there is a risk to the fetus/baby if you are exposed to TOPAMAX and you are pregnant. Various abnormalities have been described in the offspring of animals exposed to TOPAMAX during pregnancy. If you use TOPAMAX while you are pregnant, ask your healthcare professional about reporting your experience to the North American Drug Pregnancy Registry at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA). This registry collects information about the babies born to women who are taking drugs to treat various conditions. Information about the North American Drug Pregnancy Registry can be found at http://www.massgeneral.org/aed/.You can also join the registry by calling 1-877-376-3872."

"In a rat embryo/fetal development study with a postnatal component (0.2, 2.5, 30, or 400 mg/kg during organogenesis; pups exhibited delayed physical development at 400 mg/kg (10 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and persistent reductions in body weight gain at 30 mg/kg (1 times the RHD on a mg/m2 basis) and higher.

There are no studies using TOPAMAX® in pregnant women. TOPAMAX® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. In post-marketing experience, cases of hypospadias have been reported in male infants exposed in utero to topiramate, with or without other anticonvulsants; however, a causal relationship with topiramate has not been established."

Note from Lyle

I readily add that any women who is thinking about or becomes pregnant should meet with her doctor(s) to fully review each and every medication whether it be pharmaceutical, OTC, natural, or herbal to determine what is best for her and her baby.

Lyle

Topamax and Other Like Drugs get New Warnings

2008-06-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

The FDA is preparing to put warning labels on epilepsy drugs, including Topiramate (marketed as Topamax), Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon), Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica), and Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran) that will notify users about the increased risk for suicidal behavior. Sales of the affected drugs, widely used for nonepilepsy problems such as migraines, topped $8 billion last year.

Russell Katz, director the FDA's neuropharmacological drug division, said, "Everything points in the direction of an increase in what we call suicidality."

In January the FDA announced that a review of 199 studies comparing 11 epilepsy drugs to placebos found that patients taking the drugs had about twice the risk of suicidal behavior compared with patients taking a placebo. With almost 44,000 patients in the studies, four people taking antiepileptic drugs committed suicide while none of the patients receiving a placebo did.

Some epilepsy drug makers like Pfizer and Abbot Laboratories have contested the FDA's decision to place warning labels on the drugs, claiming that the risks for suicidal behavior are minimal and that the labels will negatively impact company revenues.

Isn't it about time we all wake up and realize drugs are for profit? In April of 2006, Forbes Magazine released their study of the pharmaceutical industry and concluded that drug companies have traded in their "cure finding research labs" for "market research labs" to find more profitable markets for their existing drugs.

Two outstanding performers and poster children for remarketing for high-profit have been the anti-convulsive drug Topamax and the Parkinson's drug Requip. Topamax went from being one of 11 epilepsy drugs in a market of 900,000 to being the only one in a market of 30,000,000 by a simple FDA application that allowed it to be sold as a migraine drug. Its approval also prevented it from going generic. Five stars may hang on the door of the financial genius who came up with that idea. Too bad they don't get points deducted for the side effects that can mess up a person.

Whereas Requip originally developed for Parkinson's disease, found much higher profitability in keeping restless legs still and became an over-night winner with first year sales of $500,000,000. Considering that "restless leg syndrome" is a phantom disease most likely caused by a lack of vitamin D and iron, that move should have produced some outstanding bonuses. Today it stands as one of the greatest "switch disease" drugs in terms of how to make money through promotion. Who hasn't seen it on TV and on plaque cards in the doctor's office?

At the end of the day many things can be used for other purposes and a drug invented for one thing may turn out to be better for another, like a heart drug that may grow hair in some cases where the bald spot is located in a circular formation on the upper portion of the back of the head for example. But does that mean that drugs that have many known and rather extreme side effects should be used to treat problems that can be helped by other more effective means? You have to be the judge of that.

Perhaps we need to investigate what our doctor prescribes before we fill the prescription. After all it is your body and your brain that are affected.

More information on the use of Topamax for migraines can be found at http://topamax-migraine-alternative.com.

Botox Does Not Help Combat Migraines

2008-05-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

American Academy of Neurology Guidelines for Use of Botulinum Toxin

New guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology and published in the May 6 issue of Neurology, botulinum toxin (botox) may do away with the unwanted wrinkles on your brow, but it probably does nothing at all to combat migraines and chronic tension headaches.

The guidelines were developed by researchers who reviewed and analyzed all available scientific studies on botox. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation also endorsed the guidelines.

According to the guideline author, "Based on currently available data, botulinum toxin injections should not be offered to patients with episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headaches," said Dr. Markus Naumann, head of the Department of Neurology at Augsburg Hospital in Germany. "It is no better than placebo injections for these types of headache."

From my own migraine research, including interviews with over 1,000 migraineurs, I can tell you that I have yet to find anyone who has had any long term success with using botox for migraine prevention. I am not surprised with the findings of the researchers who collected and assembled the data to produce the new guidelines.

If you have been following the migraine news during the past few months or read on this blog about the findings by the Mayo Clinic that anti-depression drugs do not work for migraine prevention, then you can come to your own conclusions about what the pharmaceutical companies may promote as helpful versus what does and does not actually work.

Personally, I believe we will see other “migraine prevention” drugs more closely studied by unbiased researchers and they may find a real difference between what is touted versus what are the actual results.

The real question is: When will doctors stop prescribing these as treatments for migraines? Perhaps the next time your doctor hands you a prescription or recommends botox, you will ask why he or she believes it will help you. Don’t be afraid to ask – after all, it is your body and your pain.

For more information on migraines, see Tuliv.com.

Looking Tan Can Be a Real Headache for Migraine Sufferers

2008-04-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

It is getting to be that time of the year when we enjoy more of our leisure time outdoors or at least we want others to think that we do. And what better way is there to let them know we appear to be having time to have fun in the sun, than a nice tan?

Many people today who don't have the time or inclination to actually get a tan in the sun turn to artificial methods to do the same thing in less time. Tanning beds, booths, and spray tan systems have been popular for quite some time. Another "tanning" way to get a tan is to use one of the sunless self-tanning products available for use in the privacy of your home.

Using a self-tanning lotion to get a tanned look is generally not a problem for most people. However, for those suffering from migraines, it can be a totally different experience – within 24 hours of use, these products can produce extreme headaches for migraineurs [name used to describe those who suffer from migraines].

"Because these headaches can start several hours after applying the self-tanning lotion, many migraineurs may not be making the association between the two events", says Lyle Henry, Migraine Research Director for Tuliv Ltd. (www.Tuliv.com).

"During this time of year, even our own migraine-free clients using our Migraine Defense product will call us complaining of what we call a "break-through headache". The first question we ask is whether or not they are using a self-tanning product. If so, we suggest they stop using it immediately and their headaches will stop. They call back the next day and thank us as they are once again migraine-free."

"Our research to discover why some of these products can have this negative effect on migraineurs has shown that they contain specific amino acids that we have identified as problematic for migraines, two of which are L-tyrosine and L-arginine," adds Mr. Henry, in his explanation of the migraine syndrome. You can read more about the migraine syndrome on his blog at Tuliv.blogspot.com.

L-tyrosine is a nonessential (the body can produce it on its own) amino acid that is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which, explains Mr. Henry, may be the reason it is also found in many protein drinks. However, when L-tyrosine is applied directly to the skin it is converted by the skin cells into melanin, the dark pigment that protects the body against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, i.e. tanning of the skin is a natural way to protect us from the sun.

L-tyrosine and L-arginine both cause an increase in the production and levels of nitric oxide in the body which is the essential culprit that causes the pain in the headache during a migraine.

If you are a migraine sufferer, the next time you think about making your body look tanned ask yourself, is tanning the skin worth the pain in the head? It may be better to stay pale, than to have another migraine headache. Besides, the latest Hollywood fashion trend appears to be on the pale side.

[Published Article]

New Ways Stop (Abort) Migraines – Will they be showing up in garage sales?

2008-04-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Each day I read of a new “device” that claims to be able to stop a migraine headache. Migraineurs may already be familiar with the “migraine skull cap”, “special headache ice packs”, eye covers, pillows, music, and the list goes on. Today Apr 10th, 2008, I read in the Baltimore Sun another report about a new TMS unit being studied for use in aborting migraines.

“In the migraine study, subjects place the 3-pound device at the back of the head when they feel a headache beginning. The press of a button sends two high-frequency waves into the brain. The lead investigator in the trial, Richard Lipton, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, says the pulses act as a kind of "reset" switch that stops the electrical storm causing the migraine.” Baltimore Sun

A three pound device on the back of the head – need I say anything about what additional pain that may cause a person who is already having a throbbing headache - not to mention that many migraineurs already suffer from neck and shoulder pain. Perhaps some sort of back pack carrier is in the works.

I am certain Dr. Lipton is a well respected neurologist, but I would differ in his assessment that a migraine is caused by an electrical storm in the head. Our research, and the hypothesis from which we operate in our work to help migraineurs at Tuliv, demonstrates that the reason a person gets migraines is directly linked to his or her genetics (family history of migraines.

More conclusively, DNA that appears to carry the propensity for migraines has been reportedly isolated within the mitochondria of specific hormone producing cells. This genetic condition seems to play an influential role within the cell in the creation of an overabundance of the actual chemical that does ignite the migraine process that causes the pain in the head. All of these events, which are controlled through the endocrine system, come into play during times of hormone fluctuation in the body.

In other words, if your ancestors had migraines, then you have a very good chance of also having migraines during your lifetime.

In my opinion, it is better to seek prevention than to spend time and money trying to find new ways to abort migraines. By the way, according to the article, a round of treatments with the TMS typically runs between $5,000 and $7,000 and the effects may not last more than a few days or weeks.

Don’t ever give up - Migraines Can Be Prevented.

Lyle

Tuliv Migraine Research

Frova for Menstrual Migraine FDA Application Withdrawn

2008-04-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

FDA Application Withdrawn for FROVA for Prevention of Menstrual Migraines

Apr 7, 2008 -- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., today announced that it has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the withdrawal of the supplemental new drug application for the additional indication of FROVA for the short-term (six days a month) prevention of menstrual migraine. FROVA is already approved and marketed for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.

"The decision to withdraw the unapproved supplemental application was complex; however, after a lengthy and detailed evaluation of the points raised in the FDA 'not approvable' letter, we have determined the withdrawal to be the appropriate course of action at this time," said Dave Holveck, Endo President and Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate the guidance from the FDA during the development program and its comprehensive review of the supplemental application."

This does not come as a great shock to me. FROVA and other triptans are considered to be vasoconstriction drugs. The source cause of migraines is not the same as the reason your head hurts when you have a migraine. Triptans are used to abort a migraine in progress.

Our research has indicated that menstrual migraines, as do the majority of all migraines, occur in a direct relationship to the hormone production that is controlled by secretions through the endocrine system. This is why most migraines for women occur during the three days prior to the start of the actual period, the day after the flow stops, and at ovulation.

Therefore, based on our research, prevention of menstrual migraines is best served by the management of the cause of menstrual migraines long before they can become a pain in the head.

Don’t ever give up - Migraines Can Be Prevented.

Lyle

Tuliv Migraine Research

Antidepressants Do Not Help Migraines

2008-04-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is a question I took directly from the Mayo Clinic site as a question that was asked today, April 7th, 2008, because it comes up often. I am also quoting the answer given by Mayo Clinic neurologist Jerry Swanson, M.D along with my comments on the subject.

"My doctor prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for my migraines. Is this an appropriate migraine treatment?
I don't have depression."- Lori / New Mexico

This is the answer of Dr. Jerry Swanson (whom I respect):

"There's no good evidence that sertraline (Zoloft), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can prevent migraines.

Certain antidepressants can help prevent migraines. Most effective are tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline(Pamelor) and protriptyline (Vivactil). In fact, these medications are considered among first-line treatment agents and may reduce migraines by affecting the level of serotonin and other chemicals in your brain. Also, you don't have to have depression to benefit from these drugs.

However, newer antidepressants — such as Zoloft and other SSRIs — generally aren't effective for migraine prevention.”

Since Dr. Swanson is one of the most renowned neurologists on the subject of migraines, why are doctors not listening to him and taking his advice?

When interviewing migraineurs, I find that the majority have been prescribed one or more of the SSRI drugs for their migraines. However, my research indicates that the majority of migraineurs are actually “up” type of people. Rarely do I visit with someone who tells me he or she has been clinically diagnosed as suffering from depression or bi-poplar syndrome.

That begs the question, why are doctor’s prescribing SSRIs when there is no evidence they work to prevent migraines and why do they think the migraine patient is suffering from depression?

In my opinion there are three separate reasons why this happens.

First, in regard to prescribing SSRIs we must ask the question, “If there is no evidence of success, then who is hyping the idea that these drugs should be prescribed for migraines?”

Doctors are “detailed” by drug company marketing representatives to describe the various things for which the doctor should prescribe the drug. These may not be the same things for which the drug was approved by the FDA. There are no rules that prohibit drug representatives from making suggestions about “other” uses for the drug product, i.e. migraine prevention.

The second reason, and one that I hear from many of my migraine clients, is that “anti-depression” drugs are being prescribed to counter the side-effects of the other drug(s), namely the anti-seizure meds that were prescribed to the patient as “migraine preventives”.

Let’s take a quick look at what every doctor who prescribes TOPAMAX® (for example) should know from the Full Prescribing Information.

“Adverse events most often associated with the use of TOPAMAX® were related to the central nervous system and were observed in both the epilepsy and migraine populations. In adults, the most frequent of these can be classified into three general categories: 1) Cognitive-related dysfunction (e.g., confusion, psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, speech or language problems, particularly word-finding difficulties); 2) Psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (e.g. depression or mood problems); and 3) Somnolence or fatigue.”

Rather than recognizing, or admitting, the side effects of the “migraine preventive” drugs do exist and may be causing the depression, many doctors dismiss the reality of the true cause and simply prescribe an SSRI drug for the depression. One drug begets another drug which begets another drug.

Third reason is that I believe doctors often confuse a patient’s frustration with depression. Having spent years accompanying my wife Eileen as we made the rounds between neurologists and headache clinics before discovering migraine prevention, I can attest to the frustration level felt by Eileen and me. When a doctor refuses to listen, makes absurd statements, can’t answer migraine questions, and tries to repeat prescriptions that have already failed, the migraine patient may show signs of disappointment, frustration, resentment, and even say things like “I wish I were dead.”

Making any statement that is negative will likely get labeled as a sign of depression, which in turn causes the prescription pad to come out and the doctor to prescribe the most recent SSRI drug for which he or she was “detailed”.

Having interviewed thousands of migraineurs, I have found less that 5% who thought they were depressed in life. Most have a well adjusted outlook on life, but desire a time when they would live a migraine-free life.

Don’t ever give up - Migraines Can Be Prevented.

Lyle

Tuliv Migraine Research

My Migraines Start In My Neck

2008-04-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

“It feels like my migraines start in my neck and move forward. My chiropractor told me I have migraines because my neck is out of alignment. Can you explain this to me?” Jan Anderson.

I have been asked to explain this many times while visiting with migraineurs in person or by phone and have even had migraineurs tell me their headaches are caused by misalignment of their “headache bone” (there is no such thing).

Before I give you an explanation, I must clarify that I am talking about classical hemispheric migraines (compound, complex, chronic, cluster, etc.) and not talking about headaches resulting from a clarion malformation or some other physical reason such as a car accident.

To understand what is happening during this migraine neck pain association, we must look at how the body handles any headache, including those associated with the after affects of drinking too much alcohol.

Our bodies have only one physical remedy to ease the pain in the head and that is to hold the head as still as possible. Even taking a single step can be a thunderous event when your head hurts. The only way to keep the head from moving is for the neck muscles to constrict – to tighten up. Repetitive constrictions can cause painful knots in the muscles.

In my work in migraine research and prevention I don’t hear young migraineurs complaining about neck pain associated with migraines; whereas, Eileen, who suffered for 43 years with migraines (before we discovered migraine prevention), actually had such neck pain associated with her migraines to the point where I could feel the knot at the base of her skull.

Most migraineurs tell me they can sense a migraine forming before it actually reaches the painful state. Even before you become conscious of a migraine forming, your body has already received the message, and in particular, your neck muscles are starting to react.

Your neck muscles have been trained throughout the many years of headache pain to constrict whenever they get the message of a pending migraine. These muscle constrictions can cause a great deal of lingering pain in your neck.

The pain in your neck happens because you get migraines and not the other way around. However, because the neck pain precedes the actual migraine headache pain (separate pains) it feels as though the neck pain has caused the migraine.

Now you know. The neck pain is not the cause of your migraines. The actual cause and reason you get migraines is far removed from any pain or discomforts that you may feel in your neck, jaw, or the stuffiness you may feel in your sinus area. I will explain the latter two in future articles.

Don’t ever give up - Migraines Can Be Prevented.

Lyle
Tuliv Migraine Research