Migraines and other types of headaches are common, but there are many stereotypes and stigmas surrounding these symptoms. One common belief about headaches and migraines is that they are associated with internalizing mental health conditions, namely anxiety and depression. These associations have complex implications for pediatric migraine patients and their parents, and may hinder appropriate diagnosis and treatment.Results of recent prospective studies published in journals headache, The results challenge the widely held belief that people with migraine have higher than average rates of internalizing mental health disorders. The authors discussion and data To illustrate that the initial hypothesis about the relationship between migraines and mental health has been disproved. The study included 123 participants between the ages of 8 and 18 who had previously been diagnosed with migraine. Patients who visited the pediatric neurology clinic were They completed a headache questionnaire and validated measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The final analysis showed no significant association between migraine or headache and anxiety or depression.
Why is this important? If a parent feels that they will be judged as a bad parent for causing their child's anxiety, depression, headaches, or migraines, stigma can lead to patients and parents seeking care. You may not be able to do so. In fact, beyond the mental health stigma, children with migraines can be accused of living unhealthy lifestyles. [1] While it's worth advising children to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and stay active, pediatric migraine sufferers may be contributing to their migraines by leading an unhealthy lifestyle. . [1] In addition, parents' lack of adequate health care for their children may impede an accurate history of symptoms. Freeing pediatric migraineurs and their parents from myths about migraines and headaches may be a beneficial element in physician-patient communication regarding migraine care.
Dietary adjustments and supplements may help improve migraine frequency and severity. Maintaining a healthy diet is often recommended for people with headaches, but patients can become frustrated when receiving general recommendations for following a healthy lifestyle. Specific instructions on which foods to avoid and which foods to add to the diet can be helpful for patients trying to overcome the challenges of adopting migraine-friendly lifestyle changes.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. recent research The results are published. brain, behavior, immunity , investigated the effect of EPA on migraine. The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 70 participants diagnosed with paroxysmal migraine. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either EPA (2 g fish oil and 1.8 g EPA/day) or placebo (2 g soybean oil/day). Migraine frequency and severity were assessed using standardized scales. According to the authors, compared to the placebo group, the high-dose EPA group significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity, reduced the number of acute treatment days, reduced migraine-related disability, and reduced anxiety and depression. His condition has improved and his quality of life has improved. . No notable adverse events occurred in the EPA group. To provide a sense of scale regarding dietary EPA, 3 ounces of cooked wild salmon contains 0.35 g EPA, 3 ounces of cooked shrimp contains 0.2 g EPA, and 3 ounces of light canned Tuna contains 0.02g of EPA. [2] Therefore, it is important to note that the amount of EPA used in this study was higher than expected for dietary EPA.
Ann observational prospective study was announced on scientific report investigated the effect of dietary phytochemical index (DPI) on migraine. DPI is defined as the percentage of daily energy intake that comes from foods rich in phytochemicals. Consumption of foods rich in phytochemicals is associated with the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in various populations. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes. The study involved 265 adults between the ages of 20 and 50 who had been diagnosed with migraine. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire that was used to assess their diet over the previous year and were asked to complete a diary to track their migraine symptoms. Results showed that there was an inverse relationship between DPI index and migraine frequency. Participants with the highest DPI had the lowest migraine frequency. [3] Although the authors found the results to be statistically significant, they did not indicate cause and effect. Symptoms associated with migraine, such as nausea, can influence food choices, so patients who experience migraine symptoms should avoid certain foods before, during, and after the onset of a migraine. there is. You may also consistently avoid foods that have previously triggered migraines.
Diet and lifestyle can influence migraine frequency, severity, and overall quality of life related to migraines. However, beyond general recommendations, it is not yet well established which foods and supplements may help alleviate migraines. Advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle is undoubtedly valuable for migraine sufferers, but it is important to avoid conveying blame or stigma when communicating about the impact of lifestyle on migraines. . This is especially important for pediatric migraine sufferers. This is because stigma extends not only to children but also to parents, and can prevent clear communication and appropriate care.
Additional references
1. Gelfand AA, Irwin SL. Lifestyle advice for pediatric migraine: Blaming the patient or evidence-based? Semin Neurol. 2020;40:277-285. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1708868 sauce
2. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids. Updated on February 15, 2023. sauce
3. Hamedi-Shahraki S, Jowshan MR, Zolghadrpour MA, et al. Dietary phytochemical indices are well associated with oxidative stress status and cardiovascular risk factors in adult obesity. Sci Rep. 2023;13:7035. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-34064-4 sauce