Tag Archives: headaches

Neanderthal-Shaped Skulls Could Shed Light on Why Some Individuals Experience Headaches

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3D Models of Skulls from Modern Humans and Neanderthals

Courtesy of Kimberly Anne Plomp

Abnormalities in the skull that compress the lower brain can lead to headaches and various neurological issues, potentially passed down from Neanderthals.

Individuals with Chiari malformations possess a smaller, flatter skull base near the spine junction, causing the cerebellum to be pressed into the neck’s spinal canal.

Type 1 Chiari malformations, which are the least severe, may impact about 1 in 100 individuals. Symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, sleep apnea, and numbness, although some may remain asymptomatic.

Approximately 15 years ago, Yvens Barbosa Fernandes, a neurosurgeon at Campinas State University in Brazil, observed that the skull base of his Chiari patients bore resemblance to Neanderthal specimens from the European Museum, particularly the gentle slopes of the occipital bone where the cerebellum rests. Neanderthals had larger brains than modern humans, yet their skulls were more oblique at the foreheads and bases, resulting in a flatter shape compared to the rounder modern human skulls.

In 2013, Barbosa Fernandes published his hypothesis, suggesting that the shape of Chiari skulls could have a genetic link to an extinct human species, Homo sapiens. “In Chiari’s case, I began to consider a lost connection between anthropology and medicine,” he stated.

Motivated by this theory, Kimberly Plomp from the University of the Philippines in Quezon City and her team created digital 3D models of 46 Chiari 1 skulls and 57 unaffected skulls using CT scans. Their comprehensive mathematical analysis confirmed that the Chiari-affected skulls exhibited more cerebral compression at a flat angle at the base where the cerebellum is located.

Subsequently, the group compared these recent skulls with digital models of eight fossilized heads from Homo Neanderthalensis, Homo Erectus, Homo Heidelbergensis, and ancient Homo sapiens.

They discovered that the skull base measurements of Neanderthal heads closely matched those of modern humans with Chiari, while the skull bases of all other ancient species resembled typical modern humans without Chiari. “This underscores the notion that these modern humans may share Neanderthal characteristics,” suggesting another way Neanderthal genes could influence our health.

For Barbosa Fernandes, this research offers solid backing for his hypothesis. “It makes sense; a less pronounced angle results in less space for the modern human brain,” he noted. “Until now, I lacked scientific evidence to support my theory. This research brings me significantly closer to that proof.”

Looking ahead, the team intends to analyze the DNA of individuals with Chiari malformations in search of Neanderthal genetic markers, according to Plomp.

Other Chiari malformations (types 2-4) are believed to stem from various causes. Type 2 is associated with severe forms of spina bifida, while types 3 and 4 are exceedingly rare and can pose life-threatening risks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Migraine Medications That Alleviate Headaches and Dizziness Symptoms

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The debilitating nature of migraines can significantly hinder a person’s daily routine

Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library

A medication called Ubrogepant, which is currently prescribed for migraine treatment, has been found to alleviate non-headache symptoms that often precede the onset of migraines. This makes it the first medication known to address these initial signs.

Before migraine headaches decrease in intensity, many individuals experience warning signs such as light sensitivity, sounds, dizziness, and neck stiffness, all of which can significantly disrupt daily activities.

Developers of migraine medications have predominantly concentrated on treating the headaches themselves, with no effective solutions available for alleviating these preliminary symptoms.

However, Ubrogepant demonstrated promising results when administered during the early stages of migraine symptoms, according to Peter Goadsby from King’s College London and his team, who are eager to further explore this potential.

Their study involved 438 participants, aged 18 to 75, all with a history of migraines. Half received a 100 mg dose of the medication upon experiencing suggestive symptoms of an impending migraine. The other half took a placebo during a subsequent episode of prodromal symptoms.

Following the administration of Ubrogepant, participants reported an enhanced ability to focus after 1 hour, decreased sensitivity to light after 2 hours, and reduced fatigue and neck discomfort after 3 hours, compared to their experiences while taking the placebo. They also noted less sensitivity to dizziness and sound when using Ubrogepant.

“Taking Ubrogepant allowed individuals to mitigate these non-pain symptoms even before the headache began,” Goadsby remarked.

This study did not delve into the impact of the medication on aura, another early feature of migraines that includes sensory disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.

“The potential for intervention in the migraine progression is clinically significant given the often debilitating early symptoms,” remarked Parisa Gazerani from Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. However, she emphasizes the need for further studies to ensure broad applicability.

“This research indicates that migraine treatments could lessen these preliminary symptoms and may prevent the progression to the main headache phase,” stated Rob Music, head of the Migraine Trust in the UK. “We are eager to see more investigations in this area to lessen the burden of migraines on daily living.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

5 Effective Strategies to Prevent Tension Headaches

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You might have heard discussions about the “headache bones” located at the base of your skull, where headaches seem to originate. However, these are not problematic bones.

This area includes the bones of the occipital region and a small group of muscles known as the inferior muscle.

These muscles facilitate head movement and help maintain proper posture. When they become tight or overworked, they can lead to tension headaches and neck pain. Fortunately, alleviating this discomfort is possible.

1. Posture

Excessive screen time can strain these muscles. Keep your head aligned with your spine and visualize a string pulling gently from above your head.

Ensure you have a supportive chair and adjust your desk’s height and position to contribute positively to your posture.

2. Sleep

An unsuitable pillow can worsen your condition. Look for one that supports your neck’s natural curve. If you sleep on your back, a contoured pillow may suit you well. You might need to experiment with a few options to find the best fit.

3. Stretch

Simple exercises like chin tucks (gently pulling your chin toward your neck and holding for 5 seconds) and slow neck rolls can help release tight muscles.

4. Massage

Applying pressure in the right spots can be incredibly effective. Use your fingers or a tennis ball to massage the base of your skull.

Massaging the skull, especially around the temples and base, can relieve tension headaches by relaxing tight muscles and boosting blood flow to the brain – Photo Credit: Getty

5. Break

If you’ve been sitting for extended periods, make sure to stand up and adjust your posture to reset. Small changes can prevent muscles from tensing in the first place.

Making minor adjustments to your sitting, sleeping, and moving habits can create major improvements. However, if your headaches persist, consulting a doctor for a more in-depth examination is advisable.

This article addresses the question posed by Petra Bell of Peterborough: “What is the bone associated with a headache? Can you ‘work’ it to reduce headaches?”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare genetic mutations may enhance treatment efficacy for migraine headaches

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Migraines can cause debilitation

Nikki Lloyd/Getty Images

An analysis of the genomes of 1.3 million people has revealed dozens of variations associated with migraine, which could lead to more effective treatments for migraines.

Up to 20% of adults worldwide are thought to experience migraines. Migraines are recurring headaches that are often difficult to treat and can interfere with daily life. Some people have sensory symptoms, such as flashing lights or tingling in the body, before the headache begins, but others do not. It is not known why these two types of migraine, known as migraine with aura and migraine without aura, exist.

“While it is well known that migraines run in families, it has not been easy to identify a clear genetic basis for each subtype,” he says. Debbie Hay at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

now, Kari Stephenson Researchers from the Icelandic biopharmaceutical company deCODE Genetics have identified a genetic variation that appears to influence whether people develop migraines.

Researchers analyzed the DNA of 1.3 million people in Iceland, Denmark, the UK, the US and Norway, and found that around 80,000 of them had experienced migraines.

They discovered 44 genetic mutations associated with the condition, 12 of which had never been reported before. Among these, the research team PRRT2 Genes that help control signaling between neurons are correlated with a greater risk of migraine with aura and epilepsy.

the other A rare mutant that suppresses the function of a gene SCN11A and KCNK5which play a role in transporting sodium and potassium between cells, respectively, and appear to prevent both types of migraines.

The discovery could lead to new treatments that target the causes of migraines, such as drugs that can inhibit the production of a protein encoded by migraines. SCN11A and KCNK5 gene.

“Findings like this should bring great hope to people who suffer from migraine,” Stefansson said. “Current treatments cannot completely eliminate the tendency to develop migraines, so there is a lot of room for better treatments.”

“While great advances have been made in migraine treatment recently, there is still much work to be done in understanding the mechanisms of migraine and how to tailor treatment to each patient,” Hay says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com