Botox Proves to be Ineffective for Migraines

In our November 2010 Tuliv Times newsletter, I reported on the findings of our independent study on Botox that showed it had little or no effect on preventing migraines. Since then more than 35 different medical studies from around the world have confirmed our results and concluded that Botox is not effective for migraines.

Recently, new data was collected in a collaborative study between researchers in the U.S. and Japan that found "Botox is largely ineffective as a treatment for chronic migraines." According to the report released last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "chronic migraine sufferers saw only a slight dip in frequency when using the drug."

Lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Jackson from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and his team reviewed 27 different studies including over 27,000 migraine patients. For those suffering daily headaches, Botox reduced frequency by one to two days a month or about a 5% success rate. Those with less frequent migraines saw no appreciable change.

A similar study by the American Academy of Neurology showed that Botox did little or nothing to help those with migraines. According to the study's author, "Based on currently available data, botulinum toxin (Botox) 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."

Since Botox has now been shown to basically do nothing for migraines, why do some doctors continue to recommend it and patients still try it? Most patients are not aware of the fact that Botox will do virtually nothing for their migraines and high dollar marketing by the manufacturer to both doctors and patients may account for the perceived popularity of Botox. (Let's face it, Botox for migraines has been very profitable for the maker as well as the medical professionals who inject it).

At Tuliv, we continually measure the performance of our migraine prevention product Tuliv Migraine Defense as well as supplements that go along with it. Based on this, we have developed an easy nine point personal assessment to help predict a person's success with Migraine Defense. Please see Migraine Appraisal.

Pieces of the Migraine Puzzle

You would think by now that the migraine headache syndrome would be completely resolved since it has been studied throughout history and produced a long list of remedies and cures. Babylonian writings dating back to 3000 BC described migraines in detail as well as papyrus scrolls from around 1550 BC that gave detailed accounts that are remarkably similar to what modern migraine sufferers describe.

The Egyptians may have realized the mechanics of a migraine because they believed that relief could be provided to the headache sufferer by compressing the scalp and collapsing the blood vessels that were causing the pain. Aside from compressing the scalp, the idea of collapsing (constricting) blood vessels is the purpose of triptans (i.e. Imitrex, Relpax, Maxalt, etc.) used today to abort migraines.

Today there are still many different ideas about why some people get migraines. For thousands of years it has been known that there is a hereditary connection and within this decade much work has been done to identify and name the actual genes of the DNA that are attributed to migraines.

When we look at the chemical process involved in a migraine, we turn our attention to a substance called CGRP which oozes from the inner walls of the tiny blood vessels intertwined with the trigeminal nerve in the head. CGRP makes the vessels expand and puts pressure on the nerve endings, all of which is felt as the pain of a migraine headache.

It appears that when certain cells containing the migraine gene receive directives from what are called hormone messengers they somehow signal the production of CGRP. Since how the nucleus of a cell works is still unknown, understanding how this process works remains a mystery. Migraine Defense was developed as a way to lessen the negative effect of this process and therefore work to prevent migraines.

Outside forces called "migraine triggers" can also start the production of CGRP and cause migraines. This appears to happen most often when there is an increase in the level of nitric oxide and/or tyramine in the body. Therefore, whatever can be done to keep either of these from increasing can help to reduce the number of migraine occurrences.

Many of the products people use daily may be triggering migraines. These include medications, health products such as probiotics, dietary supplements, HRT, and even many of the products recommended by naturalists and homeopathics that do not understand migraines.

At Tuliv, we often ask our clients to provide us with the brand names of any products they take so that we can investigate and see if any contain substances that may cause the generation of CGRP. In doing so we are not only helping that individual but we are providing information that can help you and others.

Since it is the goal of Tuliv to help those who suffer from migraines have a better life, in the coming weeks Tuliv will introduce new "Migraine Safe" products.

Chronic and Transformed Migraines

You may have heard the terms "chronic" or "transformed migraines" that appear to describe the type of headaches you are experiencing.

Chronic headaches generally occur on an almost daily basis and can seem to be a continuous headache that feels to only vary slightly in its intensity during a 24-hour period. Basically, a chronic migraine presents a constant headache battle for the migraine person.

Transformed migraine is another term for the same type of headache where the migraine condition initially began as episodic migraines that progressed in frequency to more than 15 headaches per month. The term transformed migraine once referred to chronic headaches that had transformed into headaches that no longer responded to medications.

When we look at the headache pattern of a person who gets migraines, we can easily identify how the pattern changed
over time. Tuliv research has identified these as stages of migraines that relate to a person's age or more precisely the hormonal changes that generally start at puberty or a major hormone shift brought on by hormone based birth control, the end of a pregnancy, or hysterectomy.

Our research on the life patterns of migraines, which involved more than 1,000 interviews, showed the transformation from episodic to chronic migraines most often occurs at around the age of 40 (give or take a few years either way). This is mainly due to the changes in the secretions of LH and FSH hormones by the pituitary gland for both men and women which signals the start of peri-menopause. To learn more about the significant role of this gland in the life-cycle of migraines see: Migraine Patterns

A person suffering from chronic migraine syndrome is always more susceptible to external triggers. For this reason, he or she must be more cautious of anything that can trigger a headache, especially triggers
that can elevate the elements involved in the chemical process of a migraine. For example, we know that when the level of nitric oxide or tyramine increases in the body, a person with chronic migraines is more likely to have a headache occurrence than a person who only suffers from episodic headaches.

In a recent study conducted by Tuliv, it was found that 65% of the respondents who had 15 or more headaches a month were also taking some form of probiotics or acidophilus. Probiotics and acidophilus always elevate the level of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator and intricate component of the chemistry of a migraine. Again for those who only get episodic migraines, this may not be a problem, but for those who have chronic migraines this can be a huge contributing factor that should be avoided. To learn more about reducing migraines see: Making Prevention a Priority.

Chronic and transformed migraines account for about 70% of the types of headaches in patients helped by Tuliv Migraine Defense. Migraine Defense was initially developed for the purpose of stopping and preventing chronic migraines and continues to prove each day to be the number one most effective migraine prevention remedy for chronic and transformed migraines.

We are always ready and willing to help you find the information you need and answer any questions about migraines. You can reach us by email at Questions@Tuliv.com or by phone at 1-866-367-5953. There is never a cost or obligation for our services.

Drug Warnings for Migraineurs

While it is not uncommon to see headache listed as a possible side effect on the prescribing information for drugs, some drugs carry specific FDA required WARNINGS or CAUTIONS for those who suffer from migraines.

Headache as a side effect pertains to all people, whereas a WARNING or CAUTION relates to those with a specific condition such as migraines. These warnings tell of impending known problems that occur as a result of taking or using the drug or remedy.  This includes pills, shots, creams, patches, drops, and even intrauterine contraceptive devices that release hormones.

CAUTIONS and WARNINGS tell you that you should not be taking the drug if you fit the object of the warning. For example, when the warning or caution states, "If you have a heart condition, do not take this drug," you are being told that you may die or suffer another consequence if you have a heart condition and you take this drug.

Migraine Warnings. As a migraineur, you need to beware of the CAUTIONS and WARNING on drugs for those who suffer from MIGRAINES. These are not saying a side effect of this drug is headaches, rather the words used are telling you be very careful or don't take this drug if you are a person who gets migraines. It is saying that if you choose to ignore the warning, you will suffer.

When a doctor writes you a prescription, he or she is supposed to inform you of the cautions and warnings for the drug. However, you have to be your own health advocate and find out if the prescribed drug may be harmful to you.

Hormone based drugs carry more warnings and cautions for migraines than perhaps any other type of drug.  It is well known that altering the hormone levels in the body has a direct consequence on the occurrence of migraine headaches and perhaps that is the reason the FDA requires such warnings be placed in the labeling information for the drug.

The greatest use for hormone based drugs is birth control. Second to that would be hormones used as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as a possible way to help alleviate perimenopause symptoms. In addition to migraine cautions, many of these drugs also carry warnings related to cancer.

If you are currently taking a drug and especially a hormone of any type, you should read the labeling information to see what it says about headaches and migraines. If you do not have this information, you may be able to obtain a copy from your pharmacist or you can use the FDA website to find it. You will need to know the drug's brand or generic name in order to do a search. 

Click here for instructions on how to find drug information from the FDA.

We are always willing to help you find the information you need and answer any questions about migraines. You can reach us by email at Questions@Tuiv.comor by phone at 1-866-367-5953. There is never a cost or obligation for our services.

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

Avoiding Holiday Headaches

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

"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

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