New Migraine Prevention Drugs Making Inroads

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Over half the patients taking a new class of medication designed to prevent migraines say the benefits of treatment outweigh the drugs’ side effects, according to a new survey.

The drugs prevent migraines by blocking a protein — calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) -- from binding to nerve receptors in the brain. Since 2018, the FDA has approved three injectable CGRP inhibitors for migraine prevention and recently approved the first oral tablet for migraine treatment.

Although the drugs are still relatively new, a recent survey of over 4,700 migraine patients by Health Union found that about a third (29%) are currently using a CGRP medication, while 12% had used one in the past.

Most said the drugs were effective at migraine prevention and worth the side effects, which include constipation, fatigue and weight gain. Only 9 percent said the drugs were not worth the side effects.

“CGRPs are in many ways a treatment revolution,” says Brian Green, vice-president of community development for Health Union. “There has not been a new class of medication specifically designed for treatment of migraine for decades. So this really is groundbreaking.” 

Green said patients with chronic severe migraine are more likely to be early adopters of CGRP therapy, as opposed to people who have episodic migraines and fewer attacks.   

Patients on CGRP therapy were more likely to say their migraine attacks increased over time and that they experience a wide array of symptoms, including head pain, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, loss of words, memory loss and sensitivity to touch. 

“Their symptoms are so severe they want the first available new treatment,” Green told PNN. 

But the early adopters were also more impatient. Health Union’s survey found that patients who were not satisfied with a CGRP inhibitor wasted little time switching to a new brand. About 40% waited less than a month and 43% waited up to 3 months. Most of those who switched said the drugs did not work or stopped working after an initial period of efficacy. 

The three CGRP inhibitors currently on the market are Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality, which are taken by injection about once a month. The first oral CGRP for migraine treatment, Ubrelvy, was approved by the FDA last month and is expected to be available in the next few weeks.  

Most patients surveyed by Health Union said they would prefer taking a daily CGRP pill as opposed to a monthly injection.  

Constipation was the leading side effect reported by patients getting CGRP injections. Nearly a third said the drugs made them constipated, while others complained of reaction at the injection site (16%), fatigue (15%), weight gain (12%) and dry mouth (11%). 

About half the patients surveyed said they were still using a triptan or over-the-counter pain medication for migraine relief. Antidepressants and Topamax were the most commonly used medications for migraine prevention. 

Regardless of the drugs used, only 12% of patients said their migraines were well controlled under their current treatment plan.  

Production of Two Excedrin Brands Halted

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Spot shortages of Excedrin are being reported after a pharmaceutical company halted production of two leading brands of the pain reliever due to “inconsistencies” in their ingredients.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) says consumers are not at risk, but as a precaution it has indefinitely suspended all production and distribution of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine.

“Through routine quality control and assurance measures, we discovered inconsistencies in how we transfer and weigh ingredients for Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Geltabs and Excedrin Migraine Caplets and Geltabs,” GlaxoSmithKline said in a statement.

“Based on the available data, GSK believes that the product does not pose a safety risk to consumers. However, as a precautionary measure, GSK Consumer Healthcare has voluntarily implemented a discontinuation of production and distribution.”

Some drug stores in upstate New York have already run out of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine. GSK said other Excedrin products are still available and urged consumers to ask their pharmacist for advice on alternative pain relievers.

“We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, but at this point in time cannot confirm a definite date as to when supply will resume,” the company said.

In 2012, an Excedrin manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska was shut down for several months after Excedrin bottles were found to contain broken tablets and stray tablets for other medications. That led to a recall and shortages of Excedrin products around the world.

At the time, the Excedrin brand was owned by Novartis. An FDA investigation found that Novartis failed to adequately investigate hundreds of consumer complaints of foreign products found in over-the-counter drugs produced at the Nebraska plant. Novartis spent millions of dollars re-tooling the plant and shifted some production to third-party manufacturers.

GSK now holds majority ownership of Excedrin through a joint venture with Novartis. GSK did not say where the new production problems originated.

New Drug Eliminates Migraine Pain in Some Patients

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) tablets for the immediate treatment of migraine with or without aura. In clinical trials, the drug eliminated migraine pain in about one of every five patients.

Ubrelvy is the first oral medication that blocks a protein released during migraine attacks — calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) — from binding to receptors in the brain. The FDA has previously approved injectable CGRP inhibitors for migraine prevention.

“Ubrelvy represents an important new option for the acute treatment of migraine in adults, as it is the first drug in its class approved for this indication. The FDA is pleased to approve a novel treatment for patients suffering from migraine and will continue to work with stakeholders to promote the development of new safe and effective migraine therapies,” said Billy Dunn, MD, acting director of the Office of Neuroscience in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Migraine affects about a billion people worldwide and 36 million adults in the United States, according to the American Migraine Foundation. It affects three times as many women as men. In addition to headache pain, migraine can also cause nausea, vomiting, blurriness or visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound.

The effectiveness of Ubrelvy was demonstrated in two Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials involving 1,439 adult patients with a history of migraine with or without aura.

In one study, over 19% of patients said they were pain-free within two hours of taking Ubrelvy and nearly 39% were relieved of nausea and hypersensitivity to light and sound. That compares to 12% and 28% of patients, respectively, who were relieved of symptoms while taking a placebo.

Ubrelvy was effective for up to 24 hours. It is not approved as a preventive treatment of migraine.

"As someone living with migraine for 14 years, my life seems to be on pause when I experience a migraine attack," Kristin Molacek, a clinical trial patient, said in a press release from Allergan, which developed Ubrelvy.

"During the clinical trial, my experience with Ubrelvy was positive. It relieved the migraine symptoms that bothered me the most without serious side effects. We have needed this type of on-demand oral relief for a very long time, and I look forward to having the ability to better manage my migraine attacks."

Allergan said Ubrelvy will be available in the first quarter of 2020. Ubrelvy is non-narcotic and does not have addiction potential. It has been approved with two dose strengths, 50 mg and 100 mg. Allergan did not say how much the medication will cost.

Cannabis Cuts Headache and Migraine Pain in Half

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Inhaled cannabis can significantly reduce both headache and migraine severity, according to a large new study that looked at patients who self-reported their symptoms. But researchers say the effectiveness of cannabis diminished over time, as patients used larger doses for pain relief and appeared to develop a tolerance to the drug.

Researchers at Washington State University analyzed data from the Strainprint app, which allows patients to track their symptoms while using medical cannabis. Data was collected from nearly 2,000 patients who used the app almost 20,000 times to track their headache and migraine pain before and after inhaling cannabis by smoking or vaping. The cannabis was obtained from licensed medical cannabis distributors in Canada.

"We were motivated to do this study because a substantial number of people say they use cannabis for headache and migraine, but surprisingly few studies had addressed the topic," said lead author Carrie Cuttler, PhD, a WSU assistant professor of psychology. "We wanted to approach this in an ecologically valid way, which is to look at actual patients using whole plant cannabis to medicate in their own homes and environments.”

The study, published online in the Journal of Pain, is the first to use data from headache and migraine sufferers using cannabis in real time. Previous studies have asked patients to recall the effect of cannabis use in the past.

Cuttler and her colleagues found that self-reported headache severity fell by 47.3 percent and migraine severity declined by 49.6 percent. Cannabis concentrates, such as cannabis oil, produced a larger reduction in headache severity than cannabis flower.

There was no evidence that cannabis caused "overuse headache," a pitfall of opioid medication and other pain relievers that can make headache pain worse over time. However, researchers did see patients using larger doses of cannabis over time, indicting they may be developing tolerance.

There was no significant difference in pain reduction among cannabis strains that were higher or lower in levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Since cannabis is made up of over 100 cannabinoids, the finding suggests that different cannabinoids or organic compounds like terpenes may play a central role in headache and migraine relief.

Cuttler acknowledged the limitations of using an app to collect data, since it relies on a self-selected group of people who may already anticipate that cannabis will work to alleviate their symptoms. It was also not possible to use a placebo control group.

"I suspect there are some slight overestimates of effectiveness," said Cuttler. "My hope is that this research will motivate researchers to take on the difficult work of conducting placebo-controlled trials. In the meantime, this at least gives medical cannabis patients and their doctors a little more information about what they might expect from using cannabis to manage these conditions."

PNN columnist Mia Maysack, who suffers from chronic migraine and cluster headache, reluctantly agreed to try cannabis after her first cluster headache lasted 54 straight days. Mia said she “almost instantaneously felt better.” Now she uses cannabis regularly.

“It helps me combat nausea, cultivate an appetite, gives a slight boost in morale, and get quality rest,” Mia wrote in a column. “Cannabis works for me about half the time.  But that goes deeper than a glass half empty or half full.  It's a matter of having a resemblance of a life or not.”   

FDA Approves New Lilly Migraine Drug

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly’s Reyvow (lasmiditan) for the treatment of migraine with or without aura. Reyvow is the first migraine treatment that acts by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain and depressing central nervous system activity. 

“Reyvow is a new option for the acute treatment of migraine, a painful condition that affects one in seven Americans,” Nick Kozauer, MD, acting deputy director of the FDA’s Division of Neurology Products, said in a statement. “We know that the migraine community is keenly interested in additional treatment options, and we remain committed to continuing to work with stakeholders to promote the development of new therapies for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine.”  

Migraine affects a billion people worldwide and about 36 million adults in the United States, according to the American Migraine Foundation. In addition to headache pain and nausea, migraine can cause blurriness, light sensitivity and visual disturbances known as aura.

The effectiveness of Reyvow tablets was demonstrated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving nearly 3,200 patients experiencing a migraine attack. In one study, only about 32% of patients receiving 200mg of Reyvow were pain free after two hours, but that compares to 15% taking a placebo — enough to be considered statistically significant.

"As a physician who specializes in the treatment of migraine and headache disorders, I commonly treat patients who are looking for acute treatment options that offer the chance for pain freedom during migraine attacks. This approval is especially significant because migraine pain is so often severe and incapacitating," said Jan Brandes, MD, a neurology professor at Vanderbilt University and paid consultant to Lilly.

The most common side effects for patients in the Reyvow clinical trials were dizziness, fatigue, a burning or prickling sensation in the skin (paresthesia), and sedation.  An FDA warning label will caution patients not to drive or operate machinery for at least eight hours after taking Reyvow. The drug should also not be taken with alcohol or other serotonin depressants.

Reyvow is not approved for the preventive treatment of migraine. Lilly did not say when Reyvow would be available or how much it would cost.

In recent years, the FDA has approved several new migraine therapies, including injectable drugs to prevent migraine and neuromodulation devices that use electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals.

Migraine can be triggered by various factors including stress, hormonal changes, bright or flashing lights, lack of food or sleep, and diet. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraine than men.

Don’t Add to My Pain

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

This month I celebrate the anniversary of finally getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis, after years of fighting to “earn” it. To my lifelong course of chronic migraine was added a heaping side dish of a nerve disorder.

Intractable pain is a constant state of being for me, whether I use essential oils, think positive, drink pickle juice for 40 days and nights, or even if someone belittles, disbelieves, mocks or minimizes it.    

People often say things like "I wouldn't be able to make it” if their head hurt like mine does every day. For many, there's no possible way to imagine what it is like, but I'm finding that those who cannot relate at all often have the most opinions about it.

Others wonder how I've been able to accomplish what I have while under the persistent weight of brain discomfort. The answer is simple: Because I've had no other choice!

When not entirely incapacitated, head pain for me has been managed with a grateful attitude and a mind over matter approach. Unfortunately, when navigating matters of the physical body, more restrictions apply.  Neither deep breaths nor the tapping of my ruby red slippers will get me up or down the stairs when I'm unable to walk. 

Many around me have taken all of this personally, because the extent of the hardships I face have left me trapped behind closed doors more than ever. 

Instead of stopping by or reaching out to check in, entire relationships have changed -- primarily because my ailments have yet to be acknowledged, let alone respected.

Only recently did others finally begin to grasp the concept of my migraine and cluster headaches.

But wrapping their minds around something else? Especially when I lack the energy and desire to continually attempt to justify or explain? Forget about it. 

One thing about me is that I rarely ever complain. I'm known to seek out silver linings and hand the light I find over to the next person in need. I count my blessings on a regular basis and never lose sight as to how much worse things could be or how they can change in the blink of an eye.

So, when attempting to bare my soul while being met with judgment, doubt, questioning or just flat out disregarded, I wonder if those who respond that way ever stop to reflect. Shifting blame toward me or my conditions for our lack of fellowship or communication doesn’t help the relationship.   

Not long ago I was out at a dinner, constantly having to shift in the chair or get up to stand, while repeatedly being reminded what we're conversing about due to brain fog. All the while my head is banging and I can barely eat because the nausea from attempting to ignore everything else was heightening.   

The dear one I'm out with mentions another friend who endures similar circumstances. He proceeds to explain how he's had to carry this person out of places and into their home due to the extent of their fatigue. Hearing this tears me up because I can literally feel for them.  

But instead of using this opportunity to bond, my emotion was met with ridicule: "You are SO sensitive! I cannot talk about ANYTHING with you!"  

It felt like insult to injury, that they'd demonstrate compassion for another but then put me down.   

Before that, someone else I love labeled my chronic pain as a "placebo effect." More recently, even after discussing my disability hearing, a friend wondered if I had a gym membership because they didn’t want to work out alone.  

Not that it is blasphemous to bring up the topic of exercise, but it showed a lack of empathy. If I am in need of using a cane, not always able to drive, experience muscle failure and soreness to the touch, what about that signifies my readiness to lift weights or hop on a treadmill?

I used to go out dancing regularly, but the last time was about 24 months ago for an ex co-worker's bachelorette party -- whose actual wedding I ended up missing because of all this. Another homie of mine hasn't replied to me since I'd been forced to cancel attending her kid’s birthday party at the last minute.  

Quite honestly, if I keep in contact with just about anyone, it's because I initiate the connection. Many have flat out stopped talking to me altogether because my consistent need for self-care is an inconvenience for them.  

What they don't know is that all of this is so real. The other day, I purposefully went outside in the rain to pre-shower, because with Mother Nature's help the chore felt slightly less daunting. 

Having been dealt this hand and then being left to cope on your own has a way of demonstrating the extent of one’s strength they may not have realized they had. I am thankful for everything that broke me because that’s what I am made of.

I now declare unapologetically that all of this has forced me to change. Nothing is welcome in my life that adds more hurt or disrupts my peace. My hope is that everyone reading this reaches the same conclusion and thereby a level of freedom.    

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook advocacy and support group, and Peace & Love, a wellness and life coaching practice for the chronically ill.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

Experts Advise Against It, But Opioids Often Used to Treat Migraine

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Too many Americans are still using opioids to treat their migraine headaches, according to migraine experts who say opioids are generally not recommended for migraines and could even cause more headaches.

In a recent online survey of 20,000 migraine patients, 19 percent said they were currently using opioids to treat migraine -- up from the 16 percent reported in 2009 in the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study.

“These data show that, despite the known potential risks of using opioids for migraine, far too many continue to do so,” said Sait Ashina, MD, a neurologist and Director of the Comprehensive Headache Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “It’s concerning that people may be using these drugs in place of conventional therapies proven to be safer and more effective for migraine.”

Clinical guidelines from the American Headache Society (AHS) encourage the use of triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen as first-line treatment for migraine.

Because opioids can increase the frequency of migraines or lead to medication overuse headaches, opioids are typically reserved for patients when triptans and NSAIDs don’t work or are contraindicated. 

The survey found that nearly a quarter of the patients who reported four or more migraines per month were using opioids to treat pain, and more than half of them reported taking opioids at least once to treat a migraine headache. 

The survey is part of the ObserVational Survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment and Care Of MigrainE (OVERCOME) study, which is funded by Eli Lilly. The company makes Emgality, an injectable non-opioid drug that reduces the frequency of migraine.

“OVERCOME showed that, overall, opioids are being used in place of medicines that are approved and indicated to treat migraine – particularly among those who experience migraine headaches more frequently,” said Ashina, who is a paid consultant for Eli Lilly.

A separate analysis of over 21,000 migraine sufferers in the OVERCOME study found that patients who used opioids were more likely to experience depression or anxiety when compared to those who never used opioids.

Opioids Overprescribed to Children

Other studies presented last month at the American Headache Society’s annual meeting indicate that opioids are overprescribed to children with migraine.

In an analysis of nearly 14,500 emergency room visits by adolescents and young adults with migraine, opioids were ordered 23% of the time within 12 hours of admission. In more than half of those cases (58%), an opioid was ordered as first-line therapy. Rates of opioid prescribing for migraine did significantly decrease during the study period, from 2010 to 2016.

Another study presented at the AHS annual meeting found that nearly one of every six children who receives medication for migraine or headache during their first medical visit was prescribed an opioid. The rates were even higher among older teens, with one of every four prescribed an opioid during the 2009 to 2014 study period.

“Opioids are generally not recommended for the treatment of migraine due to limited evidence for efficacy, the risk of dependence and the evidence that opioid treatment is a risk factor for headache exacerbation. The very medication that relieves pain short term may lead to the onset of chronic migraine,” said Richard Lipton, MD, a former president of the American Headache Society.

Migraine affects a billion people worldwide and about 36 million adults in the United States, according to the American Migraine Foundation. In addition to headache pain and nausea, migraine can cause vomiting, blurriness or visual disturbances, as well as sensitivity to light and sound. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraine than men.

Pain Is Not a Competition

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

Recently I chose to step away from one of the last support group forums I belonged to because it continually felt less than supportive.  

“Pain is pain” may be the motto of our community, yet there are persistent comparisons that consistently belittle someone’s reality in some shape or form.  It’s like a competition to see who has the most pain.

To serve as one example, “cluster migraine” is not a scientific term, though it is a phrase I use to convey the type of pain that I feel -- an inclusion of multiple beasts (chronic migraine, cluster headache and fibromyalgia) that are not to be confused as the same or even similar, but co-exist within me nonetheless.

There's no doubt that cluster headache is one of the most excruciating conditions known to humankind. If you haven’t gone through it -- there is no possible way to fully comprehend it.  This does not mean that migraine is any less valid or any less painful.

We all seek validation in having our perception understood and it is frustrating that we consistently battle general stigma and then turn around and cast the same judgment onto each other. Cluster or migraine aside, it’s like a whole new attack.   

One person could say migraine is worse because it can literally be never-ending, whereas cluster headache episodes are considerably shorter in length. 

The next person states that it doesn't get any more terrible than cluster headache as they're called suicide headaches for good reason. 

Then someone else shares they have lost someone to migraine as well. Point is, there's a spectrum.  

By eliminating the unnecessary tone of competition (that no one should want to “win” anyway), we make room for discovering the similarities we all share. One being that whichever way this sh*t pie gets sliced, it stinks!

Nobody wants or deserves to be shunned just because their truth is different. And no one gets to degrade how someone else views the world. Whether or not we agree, there should be a sense of camaraderie throughout our planet that is severely lacking. It most certainly shouldn't be among us Spoonies.  

Fixating on how an individual thinks does not benefit our cause. That same focused energy on the bigger picture could create lasting change -- like how the word “headache” isn't an accurate depiction of any brain disease or disorder to begin with. And if it were, aspirin would have cured it long ago, right? 

It’s imperative we avoid contributing to the very issue we want to solve by joining forces and declaring that we are more than just suffering patients. We are actual people living with the disability inflicted by these conditions.

And since we’re already in the fight for our lives, let's make sure it’s together and not against one another.

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook advocacy and support group, and Peace & Love, a wellness and life coaching practice for the chronically ill.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

Invisible Illness and Disability

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

A final once over in the mirror. I straighten my navy-blue blazer and fastened the top button on the very first dress shirt I've ever owned, reflecting upon how grueling the process has been.

Pursuing a disability case was an absolute last option for me.  Being a contributing part of the workforce is something I not only enjoyed very much, but it made up part of my identity.

There were moments I was unsure if I'd even make it to this point, but I'm grateful to have an opportunity to exercise the right to represent myself at my disability hearing without a lawyer.

When sharing this viewpoint with others, I've mostly been advised against it but the route of legal assistance proved a dead end for me (see “Taking Control of My Disability Case”). Other recommendations included: Do not smile or dress nice, don't show much personality at all, or mention hobbies like volunteering because it could be considered contradictory to my claims.

Being differently enabled does not make me any less of a person so I refuse to act as such. It’s frustrating to feel as though you've got to convince others of your truth and, as hard as you try, they still may not “get it.”

I'm aware that my illnesses aren't visible to outsiders and because of that they are questioned. I showed up to provide an authentic glimpse as to what invisible illness can look like and how it has impacted my life.

I live in a constant state of post-infection intractable chronic migraine -- head pain that has never gone away since the year 2000. This pain is expected to be life-long and incurable.

There are also daily cluster headache attacks, which are an entirely different beast. The cherry on top comes in the form of my nerves being hyperactive, resulting in a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

These conditions fluctuate. One day looks different than the next, but even at my absolute best there is still pain. Things can turn for the worse at any moment without warning and constant breaks are required for even simple tasks. I am not able to function optimally in a gainful work place environment, despite my countless attempts at trying.  

Between the nausea/vomiting, light sensitivity/vision disturbances, persistent fatigue, brain fogginess and the on-going discomfort, there hasn't been a single aspect of my life that has not been negatively impacted: relationships, activities of daily living, employment, higher education,  goals, dreams, aspirations....

I prolonged beginning the disability process due to the fact that I'm aware so many have it worse than me. I am thankful for my senses, mobility, the fact I can use the restroom on my own and feed myself, although there are periods daily when I can be entirely incapacitated.

Over the years, 34 prescriptions have been written for me -- all worsening matters as a result of the side effects. About 1,800 injections have been administered.

I now take full responsibility for my own wellness and have completely revamped my lifestyle to accommodate my conditions. I’ve also found a new passion for patient advocacy as a way to find a purpose in all of the agony, leading to the reality that I am my own best expert. It's empowering to be armed with knowledge on behalf of the millions who live with headache and migraine disorders.

While conveying this information at my hearing, I experienced more emotion than anticipated, especially when a friend took the stand to provide testimony as a witness. She reminisced on how we used to go dancing together and described how we could be so carefree. But over the years what seemed to have started as a slight hindrance turned into an everyday occurrence, rippling into less and less quality time spent. This took a toll on us both.  

I can only hope it came across that migraine matters, that it burdens us all, and everyone should care about disabilities because it only takes a slight change in circumstance to alter your life forever. I didn't choose to struggle every day with getting out of bed, to have much of my time flat out stolen, or to have many memories tainted by the relentlessness of my chronic pain.  

While awaiting word back on a decision, I cannot help but wonder. How many more times will they want to see and hear from me? I've already come thus far and I'm not giving up! 

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook advocacy and support group, and Peace & Love, a wellness and life coaching practice for the chronically ill.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

Beautifully Catastrophic

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

Whatever I do, there is going to be detrimental repercussions to my health and I do it anyway. Because if I didn't, I may as well be dead. At least in the sense of the quality of life I'd be lacking.

I have a love for creative expression through dance. As a young girl swimming and diving were my passions, but after a freak accident in the water gave me bacterial meningitis and chronic migraine, I found another passion in the form of dancing.

Over the years, my ability to dance had lessened and getting a nerve disorder diagnosis was another wake-up call. But who's to know what the future holds. It’s wise to make good use of this gift while still able.

I am lucky to get a few solid moments of dancing and when I get to the point of breaking a sweat, heightened pain is just about guaranteed as a result.

What's a person to do, if they can’t do what they love? For me, the answer has been to pursue it at a lighter extent, a handful of times per month as opposed to every day as it was in the past.   

My movement has evolved into a demonstration of my ailments --- to acknowledge and release them, while providing outside space for them to breathe. We all have unique traits and possess individualized talents that I believe were given to us as gifts to provide back to the world. 

I submitted this creative dance video to the 4th Annual Migraine Moment Short Film contest. It’s dedicated to those mourning the loss of who they were or wanted to be before becoming a Pain Warrior.

Prior to the making of this video, there was a solid month of resilience training. After recording it, I crawled into bed and rocked myself in response to the excruciating pain induced by dancing.  

The pain was horrendous and lasted for days, but I felt gratitude to have had even just a few moments to do something that brings me joy. I worked hard for that extra Spoon to be able to continue on through discomfort. It’s empowering to reclaim a part of myself in the midst of what can feel like broken pieces.   

A lot of us have had to give up things we've enjoyed. That’s another realm of grief that ordinarily doesn't make it to the surface, because we're fixated on just getting by one moment at a time. That alone takes much of our energy. 

It's imperative that we not allow our ailments or conditions to become our identity. I no longer look at it as if I “make myself sick” by engaging in this release. I already am sick. And that's not my fault either.   

I've found when I take conscious time to engage in meaningful activities that aren't revolved around being sick that there’s an impactful sense of replenishment. 

Some of us have been dealing with our battles for longer than we even want to think about or have situations that are expected to be incurable or life-long. What if we shifted our focus on what we can do right now? 

A lot of odds may be stacked up against us but we need not underestimate the power within an adequate self-care approach and routine. Although we've fallen down 7 times, we must rise up 8 -- and as many more times it takes.

It's important to mourn our losses so we may then find the strength to move on from them. It provides the opportunity to re-invent ourselves, which in my experience has been necessary more times than I'm able to count.  

I've referred to my chronic conditions as a thief. These illnesses have taken away jobs, social engagements and the concept of commitment. It's devastating to pick up the broken pieces of a shattered life, especially when it happens repeatedly.  

Alas, the good news is that our mindset is entirely within our power. What can be done with this pain, how will it be productively used?

There will always be those that’ll suggest I shouldn’t ever wear headphones, blast loud music or engage in any sudden movements. But I’ll never give it up!!

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook support group, and Peace & Love Enterprises, a wellness coaching practice focused on holistic health.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

FDA Clears New Wearable Device for Migraine

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

A neuromodulation device worn on the arm and controlled by a smartphone has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acute migraine. The Nerivo Migra device was developed by Theranica, an Israeli medical technology company, and is expected to be available in the U.S. later this year.

The FDA’s market authorization is based on the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Nerivo Migra involving 252 migraine patients at 12 headache clinics in the U.S. and Israel. The study findings were recently published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.

Over two-thirds of patients who wore the device for 30-45 minutes during a migraine attack experienced pain relief two hours after treatment, compared to only about a third of those who wore a sham device. For many, the pain relief was sustained 48 hours after treatment.

THERANICA IMAGE

"The results of the study demonstrate a high efficacy ratio for single as well as multiple attacks, both at two and 48 hours after treatment," said lead investigator Dr. Brian Grosberg, MD, director of the Hartford Healthcare Headache Center in Connecticut.

Placed on the upper arm, Nerivio Migra uses smartphone-controlled electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. At this time, the device is only indicated for acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adult patients who do not have chronic migraine. But company officials say it shows potential as a treatment for other pain conditions.

"We have identified at least 7 different painful conditions that may be relieved by this non-invasive, drug-free technology after appropriate clinical development," said Alon Ironi, CEO and co-founder of Theranica. "While the company is preparing to launch the Nerivio Migra in the United States market later this year at an affordable price, we remain committed to continuing our clinical development, expanding the use of remote electrical neuromodulation therapy for additional indications.”

Theranica has not disclosed what its “affordable price” will be. Over the next four months, the company said it would begin a series of clinical studies of Nerivo Migra at 30 headache clinics in the U.S. to assess patient selection and correct product use.

A handheld neuromodulation device – called gammaCore –  is currently available for about $600 to treat migraine and cluster headache.  Another device used to treat migraine – called Cefaly – is worn on the head and costs about $350. A new class of injectable migraine drugs is even more expensive, costing about $7,000 a year or $580 for each monthly dose.

"Over the last 20 years my colleagues and I have used triptans and ergots for acute migraine treatment. There is a large unmet need for new treatments in this population when these medications are not effective, are contra-indicated, or have non-tolerable side effects,” said Stephen Silberstein, MD, a member of Theranica’s medical advisory board.

“In addition, triptans and most current acute migraine medications, including over-the-counter drugs indicated for migraine, are associated with medication-overuse headache, which is associated with increased frequency of migraine attacks, and often results in chronic migraine.”

Migraine affects a billion people worldwide and about 36 million adults in the United States, according to the American Migraine Foundation. In addition to headache pain and nausea, migraine can cause vomiting, blurriness or visual disturbances, as well as sensitivity to light and sound. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraine than men.

Shades of Grey

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

A blonde walks into the mall, minding her own business, and sits down at a table in the food court.

A random dude calls out, "Don't you know it's rude to keep sunglasses on in here?"

That line felt like a punch to me.

"Well good sir, what can I say? My migraine lacks proper manners."

Yes, I wear sunglasses indoors because I'm cool like that. But it's also because after living with persistent and debilitating head pain for almost two decades, I need to wear sunglasses as a shield against the brutal assault of fluorescent lighting.

And sunglasses are one of the few ways I can make my seemingly non-existent illness visible to the rest of the world.  

There are specially designated migraine glasses that provide relief by strategically dimming light. Brightness levels on cell phones and other devices can also be turned down by a special app that filters blue light.   

Despite these helpful tools, walking under the bulbs in any public place feels as though light is raining down on me and, like a sponge, absorbing all of my energy.

That is why a trip to the grocery store could go well, but afterwards I'm out for the count and barely able to make it up the stairs.

Within the last couple years, my mobility has continued to be compromised -- especially when it comes to either sitting (driving) or shifting positions (sitting to standing). At a conference recently, after noticing my navigation or lack thereof, a dear colleague suggested what I had been silently dreading: the possibility of using a cane. There's nothing wrong with canes, I'm grateful for all medical devices, but suffice to say they aren’t exactly what I had pictured at the ripe old age of 29.  

I've become accustomed to losing a lot as a result of chronic pain and illness, but confronting a limited physical future is my newest anguish.

The combination of chronic cluster headaches, daily intractable migraines and now fibromyalgia not only heighten the pain scale number, it hinders even the simplest of daily tasks. It impacts the few things I am still able to do that bring me joy, such as participate in creative body movement through yoga or dance.

I smirk thinking back to the days I could go out and dance for hours on end. There's a certain spark that comes alive in me when bass throbs its way through a loudspeaker. I'm quite aware that is contradictory to head pain, yet somehow, I cannot live without it. My soul begins to vibrate in the most calming way as I am enticed by the rhythm and it takes over.

Fast forward to today and I'm fortunate to get a couple minutes of dancing in before symptoms worsen. I cannot go as hard or as long as I used to, but it has caused an evolution in my movement, leading me to a whole-body present moment acceptance.  

Last week at an appointment, I mentioned that a cane will likely be needed daily in the near future. Initially the provider skipped over the remark entirely, but when I brought the conversation back around to ensure we were on the same page, she reacted with “Oh yes, your question about a cane.” 

I don’t recall needing an answer so much as an acknowledgement, as I do not feel the need to ask for permission to do what’s going to be best for myself. 

It’s never too far from my mind that I walked away from bacterial meningitis. If it is now catching up to me, there’s never an ideal time for that to happen and I am fortunate to have had moments with an abundance of blessings. No matter how dark life can get, it’s imperative we make the absolute most of every breath and make a conscious commitment for the sake of ourselves to never give up. 

Whether we live inflicted with physical ailments or not, none of us know what the future holds, nor when our number may be up. All it takes is a slight change in circumstance to alter our lives forever, so we must take time to appreciate and find ways to enjoy the gifts we have. 

The blonde kept the shades on and walked out with her cane like the bad ass that she is!      

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook support group, and Peace & Love Enterprises, a wellness coaching practice focused on holistic health.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

1 in 5 Multiple Sclerosis Patients Misdiagnosed

By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Nearly one in five patients who are told they have multiple sclerosis are misdiagnosed with the autoimmune disease, according to a new study of patients referred to two MS treatment centers in Los Angeles. The patients spent an average of four years being treated for MS before receiving a correct diagnosis.

MS is a chronic disease that attacks the body’s central nervous system, causing pain, numbness, difficulty walking, paralysis, loss of vision, and fatigue. The symptoms are similar to those of several other chronic conditions – including neuropathy, migraine and fibromyalgia – which often leads to a misdiagnosis.

Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center analyzed the cases of 241 patients who had been diagnosed by other physicians and then referred to the Cedars-Sinai or UCLA MS clinics.

Their findings, published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, indicate that 43 of the 241 patients (18%) with a previous diagnosis of MS did not meet the criteria for the disease.

"The diagnosis of MS is tricky. Both the symptoms and MRI testing results can look like other conditions, such as stroke, migraines and vitamin B12 deficiency," said lead author Marwa Kaisey, MD. "You have to rule out any other diagnoses, and it's not a perfect science."

The most common correct diagnoses was migraine (16%), radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) (9%), spondylopathy (7%), and neuropathy (7%). RIS is a condition in which patients do not experience symptoms of MS even though their imaging tests look similar to those of MS patients.

The misdiagnosed patients received approximately 110 patient-years of unnecessary MS disease modifying drugs. Nearly half received medications that carry a known risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a potentially fatal brain infection.

"I've seen patients suffering side effects from the medication they were taking for a disease they didn't have," Kaisey said. "Meanwhile, they weren't getting treatment for what they did have. The cost to the patient is huge — medically, psychologically, financially."

The cost of disease modifying medications for an MS patient in the U.S. exceeds $50,000 a year. Investigators estimated that the unnecessary treatments identified in this study alone cost almost $10 million. 

Researchers hope the results of the study will lead to new biomarkers and improved imaging techniques to help prevent future MS misdiagnoses.

A similar study in 2016 also found that MS patients were often misdiagnosed. One third of the patients were misdiagnosed for a decade or longer, most took unnecessary and potentially harmful medication to treat a disease they didn't have, and some even participated in clinical trials for experimental MS therapies. About a third suffered from morbid thoughts of death.

Finding Validation at the Migraine Symposium

By Mia Maysack, PNN Columnist

It was an honor to attend the annual Migraine Symposium and Awards Dinner held by the Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) this past weekend at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.  

At the symposium there were more than 25 experts covering topics from breakthroughs in migraine research, emerging technology, holistic treatments, medicinal cannabis and one of the most painful conditions known to mankind: cluster headaches.        

As someone who lives with multiple brain diseases and disabling chronic intractable pain, sharing space with migraine community members and healthcare professionals that sincerely care made the occasion extraordinarily meaningful to me.

I was introduced to many exceptional human beings, each of whom I could easily write a column about, but for now I'd like to shine the spotlight on the President of AMD, Dr. Frederick Godley.  Not only is he an extraordinarily intelligent and kind soul, his positive attitude illuminated the entire room

#ShadesforMigraine

Let me share one of the very first moments of validation I'd ever experienced as a person living with migraine and cluster headaches caused by post-bacterial meningitis. Having inquired with many healthcare professionals as to whether or not I am living with a traumatic brain injury (and been disregarded by each and every one), my eyes fill up with tears while rejoicing when I write that although I am not a patient of Dr. Godley or being treated by him, he acknowledged that possibility.  

At the end of the day, it doesn't do those of us coping with severe ailments much good to fixate on any specific diagnosis. What's most important is we find a way to manage whatever hand we are dealt. But the validation helps. There have been moments when I've begun to question my own sanity. There's no possible way my head could be hurting *this* bad or for *this* long. Most others are in persistent disbelief as well, even though I crack jokes that if I were to ever wake up pain free, then I must be dead!

I am grateful that I am not and tremendously excited about the future possibilities in migraine treatment. Considering that for about 30 years one of our only options was a small class of medications, now is the best time to get involved in the migraine community because we're moving forward with such momentum. There have been funds granted for much needed further research.

PTSD and Psychedelics

Some other thoughts about the symposium:

The very significant validation that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common underlying element of pain or even a potential cause of it. Think about it. If your own body feels as though it is fighting and turning against you on a daily basis, how are we to live without stress or experience any sense of security? 

It's not as common as it should be to go into a doctor's office and be addressed as an entire person. In my experience it has been: “Let's do what we can to mask the symptoms and settle on normalizing what’s left.” That is not treatment. Unacceptable.

The same small class of medications that are one of the only options for people living with ongoing head pain have a similar chemical makeup to Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in mushrooms. Psilocybin and LSD are beginning to have more credibility as potential options in treating Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia (TAC) or cluster headaches. There's hope they could be helpful in treating other conditions as well, despite the fact they've got an overall reputation as being hazardous drugs. 

Ever come across a rule that just seems absolutely ridiculous? That's kind of how I feel about the current classification of these substances. We all know it only takes one person to essentially ruin things for everyone else. As a result, most people think this kind of stuff only causes harm and chaos.  No one is suggesting that anybody should go to their local drug dealer and score a bag of whatever -- we’re discussing potential. It all boils down to the science and our focus here is solely medicinally related.

Much like we've been exploring the use of CBD without THC, we are moving forward with learning more about these other substances -- potentially without the psychedelic or hallucinogen properties. Perhaps they're needed to induce relief. And if that is the case, in what micro-dosage could this possibly be prescribed in a safe, effective way?     

Although I am not using them, I've known others who’ve had successful results. In the proper way and for the right reasons, I have also chosen to advocate for them, as there seems to be far less complications with more natural options than those from the pharmaceutical realm. Each approach has its rightful place and there's no one-size-fits-all for everyone. 

Mia Maysack lives with chronic migraine, cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. Mia is the founder of Keepin’ Our Heads Up, a Facebook support group, and Peace & Love Enterprises, a wellness coaching practice focused on holistic health.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.

My Daily Persistent Headache

By Warren Cereghino, Guest Columnist

Waking up from my pre-work noontime nap one October day in 2007, I had a headache.  I still have it.

Thinking little of it at the time, I took two acetaminophen capsules (maybe Tylenol; maybe the generic from CVS or Costco) and headed off to work. 

I toiled nightly in a Los Angeles television station’s news department, where I was a news editor contributing to the nightly 10pm newscast.  I liked the work and didn’t mind the night schedule because it kept me out of mischief and off the streets.

That first night, the headache persisted.  And it just never stopped.  Over the next few weeks, I was gobbling pain relievers of one form or another every four hours, all the while trying to find the cause and a cure with all sorts of practitioners.

A little research taught me that this was known as “New Daily Persistent Headache.”  It sure as hell was persistent.

My journey took me to the offices of two different chiropractors who had successfully treated the persistent headaches of two referring friends (one was my daughter-in-law, who is a RN).  Both doctors tried, and both were unable to make it go away. 

Next, I tried acupuncture. That didn’t work, either. 

WARREN CEREGHINO

Meanwhile, I kept gobbling acetaminophen and ibuprofen like they were candy.  Determined to find the cause, I turned to neurologists. Two doctors who were with separate practices in Santa Monica evaluated me, had me undergo a scan and tried to figure it out, but to no avail.

By year’s end, I was still struggling with the debilitating effects of the headache and despairing of ever finding the elusive cause and cure. I had to face the fact that the only avenue open to me appeared to be pain management.  

In January 2008, I went to see David Kudrow, MD, whose neurology practice in Santa Monica specializes in pain management.  He treats patients and conducts research.  Dr. Kudrow gave me a thorough interview and then prescribed a nightly dose of 10mg of Elavil, an anti-depressant.

I cannot remember what he predicted in regard to when it would take effect, but a few weeks later I encountered a young man who’d grown up across the street from me and was now a practicing pediatric neurosurgeon.  He said he agreed with the prescription and told me it would take about a month to take effect.  He was right. 

Over the years, the dosage of Elavil (or its generic amitriptyline) has had to be increased, first from 10mg nightly and then to 20mg.  A couple of years ago Dr. Kudrow bumped it up again to 30mg nightly.

Recently he suggested I try to scale back to 20mg nightly. I tried, but it didn’t work. The 20mg dosage didn’t offer enough pharmacological firepower and I went back to 30mg after about ten days. 

Dr. Kudrow saved my life.  I have other health issues, but without his help in pain management I wouldn’t even be able to address the other issues of hypertension, diabetes and pre-clinical heart disease. I’m two months shy of turning 82 as of this writing.  Without Elavil, I would be dead.

Warren Cereghino is a retired TV news producer, writer and editor who spent 55 years at TV stations in Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco-Oakland and Los Angeles.  Warren is a graduate of Arizona State and a military veteran who served during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. 

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represents the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.