Are Migraines and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Related?

According to a study conducted by Dr. Huay-Zong Law and his colleagues at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients are about 2.6 times as likely to suffer from migraines. The researchers also found that those with migraines are 2.7 times as likely to have CTS. The link between these conditions remains unexplained, but Dr. Law and his team postulate that they may share a "common systemic or neurologic risk factor."

Both conditions are associated with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and female sex. The relationship between CTS and migraines is independent of these factors. The researchers noted that CTS is more common among older age groups and migraines are more common among younger age groups. Hopefully further research will determine whether migraines can serve as a predictor for future problems with CTS.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition, meaning that it results from pressure or pinching of a nerve. The link between CTS and migraines found in this study supports the theory that migraines can also be triggered by nerve compression. Surgical techniques are currently being developed to address the possibility of migraine-inducing trigger points. Due to doubts regarding the efficacy and safety of these surgical procedures, they are mostly restricted to experimental clinical trials.

Remember, if migraines or carpal tunnel syndrome are interfering with your life, you may benefit from neurological treatment. Consult with a neurologist in your area to learn about your condition and treatment options.

You can read the abstract for the study here.

Healthy Living with Neuroprotection

Neuroprotection refers to the protection of neurons and their functions from damage and degradation. You can use neuroprotective strategies to manage neurological disorders or simply to maintain the overall health of your nervous system. Some of the easiest neuroprotective strategies to add to your daily routine include eating more spices and drinking green tea.

Spice Things Up

Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s are relatively uncommon in Asia, and lifestyle factors may be the cause. In fact, some researchers theorize that the ample spices used in many Asian cultures have a neuroprotective effect. Research indicates that black pepper, garlic, cinnamon, and other spices protect nerves due to their anti-inflammatory effect.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea can have a positive effect on the nervous system due to its high concentration of polyphenols. Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants that protect neurons by eliminating harmful free radicals. Green tea also contains caffeine, which has been linked to the preservation of neurons and the reduction of cognitive decline. 

The Impact of Nutrition on Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

When recovering from a traumatic brain injury, proper nutrition is crucial. The brain requires energy and specific nutrients to function, and these factors become even more important during the recovery process. Although research on the subject is still in its infancy, researchers have identified a number of dietary factors that contribute to brain repair after a head injury.

 The Department of Defense asked the Institute of Medicine to review studies on the relationship between nutrition and brain recovery in an effort to aid injured soldiers. The researchers concluded that infusions of protein and calories contribute to recovery by reducing inflammation in the brain. The calories also prevent energy deficiencies that could interfere with the repair process.

 Other important nutrients that may play a role during recovery include creatine and zinc. Creatine keeps the brain sharp by providing it with ATP, a molecule that facilitates the transfer of chemical energy in the body. The best dietary sources of creatine are lean meat and eggs.

 Zinc has been shown to reduce brain injury-related depression and improve memory and other cognitive functions. Foods with high zinc content include oysters, beef, spinach, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Therapeutic Uses of Botox®

Most people think of Botox® as a cosmetic skin treatment for getting rid of wrinkles, but doctors also use Botox® injections to treat dystonia. Dystonia is a type of neuromuscular disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions. Botox® prevents these contractions by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. Botox® can treat involuntary closure of the eyelids, sudden contraction of facial muscles, limb spasticity, and muscle spasms in the neck.

 

Botox® injections are also an FDA-approved method of managing the symptoms of chronic migraines. The treatment consists of injecting Botox® into multiple areas of the head, neck, and upper back and can be administered once every 12 weeks. Patients who suffer from migraines at least 14 days per month may be eligible for the procedure.

If you suffer from chronic migraines or muscle spasms and want to learn more about Botox®, visit Austin NeuroCare’s Specialty Treatments page. You can also watch this video for further information on Botox® and migraines.

Maintaining a Healthy Nervous System

The nervous system is your body’s communication network, and it affects every function of your mind and body. Keeping the nervous system healthy is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While neurological problems should be handled by a neurologist once they develop, there are several ways that you can improve the general health of your nervous system on your own.

Get Plenty of Rest

One of the best ways to keep your nervous system functioning properly is to get a good night’s sleep. While you sleep, your body strengthens circuits in your nervous system that contribute to learning and memory. When the body is well rested, the nervous system forms dendritic spines that transmit electrical signals between neurons. These dendritic connections improve communication in the body and may improve long-term memory.

Proper Nutrition

Glucose powers the body’s neurons, so eating regularly ensures that the nervous system has plenty of energy. A healthy diet should include plenty of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids facilitate communication between brain cells while B vitamins help to maintain the myelin sheaths that coat nerve fibers. Myelin sheaths contribute to the conduction of nerve impulses, and the breakdown of these sheaths can lead to nervous system disorders.

Exercise

By sending complex signals and neurotransmitters through your brain and nerve pathways, physical exercise gives your nervous system a workout and improves cognition. When you engage in physical activity, the brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that keep your body functioning properly. Exercise also triggers the brain to create neurons that produce GABA, an important neurotransmitter that calms the brain and reduces the symptoms of anxiety.