MILK/ASTHMA/MIGRAINE
Eliminating milk from the diet of a group of patients who suffered from nonseasonal asthma or migraine produced a marked improvement in their symptoms. (Israel Journal of Medical Sciences 19:806-809, 1983) Copyright Phylis Austin

MIGRAINES/FOODS
Joel R. Saper, M.D., Director of the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute at Ann Arbor reports that chocolate, aged cheese, alcohol products, milk and milk products, monosodium glutamate, nitrite-containing foods (hot dogs, sandwich meats, etc.), wheat, oranges, eggs, tea, coffee, beef, corn, cane sugar, yeast, mushrooms, and peas are common causes of migraine headaches. Dr. Saper states that eliminating these foods from the diet may be ineffective unless the patient also avoids such main causes of frequent, severe migraine as ergotamines, tobacco smoke, and oral contraceptive steroids. (Patient Care, April 15, 1984, p. 151 Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/MIGRAINE HEADACHES
A 50 percent decrease in the frequency of migraine headaches was demonstrated in a group of adults who began an aerobic exercise program at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The aerobic training consisted of walking and running for thirty minutes a day, three days a week. (The Physician and Sportsmedicine 9(8)24-25, August 1981) Copyright Phylis Austin

ANALGESICS/HEADACHES
Pain medication taken for headache may actually cause the headache pain to last longer, according to William G. Speed III, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Patients suffering muscle contraction headaches may become habitual users of pain medications, although they bring little or no pain relief. Dr. Speed states that continued use of analgesics feeds the pain rather than decreasing it. He says these patients will protest the removal of the pain medications, but cannot be helped until the use of the medication is stopped. (Internal Medicine News 17(4)44, July 15-31, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

AMMONIA/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Alzheimer's disease patients have abnormally high levels of ammonia after meals according to a report presented at the Canadian Psychiatric Association meeting. Dr. Michael Fisman of the London (Ont) Psychiatric Hospital studied a group of Alzheimer's disease patients, comparing them with schizophrenics, psychotics, and other mentally disturbed persons. Ammonia levels were tested before breakfast and three hours afterward. The ammonia level in the Alzheimer's patients was significantly higher than in the other groups. (Internal Medicine news 17(26)27, December 15-31, 1984). Ammonia production increases as protein in the diet increases. Copyright Phylis Austin

SEIZURES/INSECT REPELLENTS
An 8-year-old girl exposed to OFF and MUSKOL insect repellents developed seizures and severe behavioral changes. DET (N,N-diethyltoluamide) was felt to be the toxic substance. The girl recovered after three days of treatment. DET is considered the best all-purpose insect repellent available. OFF contains about 15 percent DET, while MUSKOL is nearly 100 percent DET. There have been other cases of poisoning reported with the use of DET. (Canadian Medical Association Journal 132:155-156, January 15, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

ANTIDEPRESSANTS/EPILEPTIC SEIZURES
A Washington D. C. study of psychiatric inpatients suffering from depression reveals that patients given maprotiline (Ludiomil) a tricyclic antidepressant, are at increased risk of developing epileptic seizures. (Archives of Neurology 42:480-481, 1985) Animal studies suggest that several antidepressants may induce epileptic activity. Copyright Phylis Austin

CAFFEINE/INDIGESTION/PALPITATIONS/TREMOR/HEADACHE/INSOMNIA
An Australian study revealed that as the intake of caffeine increased so did the reported incidence of indigestion, palpitations (rapid heart beat), tremor, headache, and sleep difficulty. (International Journal of Epidemiology 14(2)239-248, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

TIC DOULOUREUX/ALOE VERA
A California dentist reports the successful treatment of tic douloureux, an intensely painful affliction of the trigeminal nerve, which produces pain in the face. This 43-year-old woman had been diagnosed in 1973 and reported that brushing or combing her hair on the right side induced pain. She had undergone years of unsuccessful treatments including Valium, antihistamines, and pain medications. Steven M. Hayes, D.D.S., suggested that the patient drink one to two ounces of stabilized aloe vera juice daily. Dr. Hayes reports that aloe vera juice contains all of the essential amino acids, many monosaccarides, polysaccarides; vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6 and C, choline, niacinamide, and a number of inorganic substances. The patient reported a significant decrease in pain within two weeks after beginning the treatment. She discontinued the use of the aloe vera while on a two week trip and the pain returned. A few days after resuming use of the aloe vera the pain again decreased. She was later hospitalized for a back injury and because of the other medications she was taking she again discontinued use of the aloe vera. Again the pain recurred, and again it disappeared after she resumed the use of the aloe vera. After six months of daily use she reports that she has no pain when brushing or combing her hair. Readers are cautioned that this is only one report, but certainly it would be worth trying with anyone who has tic douloureux. (General Dentistry September-October, 1984, p. 441-442) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEAD INJURY/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Head injury may play a role in the onset of Alzheimer's disease according to a Minnesota study. (Neurology 35:264-267, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

GLUE SNIFFING/NEUROPATHY
Glue sniffing may lead to disorders of the nervous system. Three young men who had sniffed glue on a daily basis for several years presented with muscle weakness and wasting. (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine 15:293-299, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

PARKINSON'S DISEASE/LEVADOPA/MELANOMA
Parkinson's disease patients given levodopa may be at increased risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). (Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 48:585-588, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

NEUROLOGIC DISEASE/HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Human growth hormone has been used for a quarter of a century to treat children who did not grow properly. Now a study reveals that some patients who were given this human growth hormone have developed a degenerative neurological disease which may be Creutzfelt-Jakob disease, a brain infection. The National Institute of Health recommended in April, 1985 that use of this pharmaceutical be discontinued, and that patients who have a growth hormone deficiency not be started on it. (The Journal of Pediatrics 107(1)10-12, July, 1985; The Lancet 2:244-246, August 3, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

PARKINSON'S DISEASE/PESTICIDES
A study reported at the Eighth International Symposium on Parkinson's Disease, held in New York in June, 1985, suggests that pesticide exposure may be related to the development of Parkinson's disease. A Canadian study reveals a high level of Parkinson's disease in an agricultural area where pesticide use is common, and a lower incidence in areas of the country with low pesticide use. (Science 229:257-258, July 19, 1985) Some drugs are known to induce Parkinson's. Copyright Phylis Austin

COLD PACKS/HEADACHES
Cold compresses have been used for headache remedy for many years. A study conducted at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine revealed that about 50 percent of patients who used a cold pack received immediate pain relief. Interestingly, migraine patients had the greatest pain relief. (Internal Medicine News 18(7)3, September 1-14, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEADACHE/PAIN MEDICATIONS
Two studies presented at the Second International Headache Conference at Copenhagen suggest that weaning chronic headache sufferers off the analgesics they have been using may be the best way to treat them. Dr. Randall Weeds of the New England Center for Headache in Cos Cob, Connecticut says that excessive use of acetaminophen and aspirin may intensify and perpetuate pain. Twelve of 27 patients in the study reported a significant decrease in head pain after one month with no medication at all. (Medical Tribune, January 29, 1986, p. 1, 14) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Progression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms may be slowed by exercise, according to a study reported at the 2nd International Conference on Physical Activity, Aging, and Sports at West Point, New York. Certain aspects of brain function may be retained longer by exercise. Dr. Ronald M. Lawrence, assistant clinical professor of the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles, concluded that walking for 30 to 35 minutes daily is the best exercise program for elderly persons. (Geriatrics 40(11)115, November, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITOR/PARKINSONISM
A 42-year-old woman given Nardil for depression developed a Parkinsonian syndrome which cleared after the drug was discontinued. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Eutonyl, Eutron, Nardil, Parnate) are given to treat depression or phobic states. (Postgraduate Medical Journal 62:235-236, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

EPILEPSY/MEDICATION
Epileptic children whose medication has kept them seizure-free for two to four years may be successful in discontinuing their medications. Almost 90 children were tapered off medications, and 75 percent of them continued to be seizure free. (New England Journal of medicine 313:976-980, October 17, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

SEIZURE/MANIA/ASPARTAME
Aspartame, a sugar substitute sold under such names as Nutrasweet, Tri-Sweet, Equal and Canderel, has been shown capable of causing significant increases in brain phenylalanine levels in the rat brain; and carbohydrate-aspartame combinations may increase tyrosine levels and suppress the increase in tryptophan that typically follows a meal rich in carbohydrates. Both of these simply add up to an irritable, malfunctioning brain. A 54-year-old woman who had been consuming almost one gallon of aspartame- sweetened tea per day experienced a seizure which was followed by a marked change in her behavior. She was hospitalized, tested, and sent home on no medications. She continued to suffer from irritability, insomnia, psychomotor acceleration, and flight of ideas, and was readmitted to the psychiatric unit where lithium treatment was instituted. When the doctors learned of her aspartame intake they discontinued the lithium and aspartame and her manic activity subsided within four days. (Psychosomatics 27(3)218-219, March 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

MIGRAINE/ERGOTAMINE ADDICTION
Patients given ergotamine tartrate, the most frequently used drug for migraine headache, may become addicted according to a study presented at the American Association for the Study of Headache Annual Meeting. Dr. Joel Saper, director of the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor reports that 200 patients unwittingly became addicted to the ergotamine. He states that ergotamine may fuel the continuation of the headaches, and its use more than two or three times a week may cause the patient to become dependent, requiring more and more frequent medication use to control the headaches. He feels that the frequency of ergotamine use is more crucial to dependency than the dose given, and suggests that physicians limit the use of ergotamine to a maximum of two weekly doses. He reports that patients frequently have to be hospitalized for ergotamine withdrawal. (Medical Tribune 27(24)9, August 27, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEADACHE/EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS
Epstein-Barr virus may induce daily, persistent headaches reports Walter Vanast, a University of Alberta neurologist. Dr. Vanast's patient population suffered daily headaches of sudden onset, with no prior precipitating events. He states that headache may be the only symptom in this newly-identified syndrome. Headaches in 68 percent of the male patients and 52 percent of female patients disappeared within six months without treatment. With two years 85 percent of the males and 73 percent of females were headache free. Dr. Vanast feels that these patients should be spared the use of numerous drugs, psychotherapy and psychiatrists. The best treatment to is reassure the patients that they will likely improve spontaneously within 24 months. (Medical Tribune 27(24)9, August 27, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

NEUROLOGICAL EXAMS/USED PINS
During neurological exams the physician may use a pinprick to check for pain sensation. A University of Kentucky physicians suggests that patients insist that the examination be conducted with an unused pin, since we don't know whether AIDS may be transmitted by the pinprick. (New England Journal of Medicine 314(9)581, February 28, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS/PORK
A Canadian study reveals a significant relationship between multiple sclerosis and fat and meat (particularly pork) intake. The researchers point out that multiple sclerosis is rare in countries whose religious customs forbid the use of pork. (Medical Hypothesis 20:283-285, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASPARTAME/MIGRAINE
Aspartame (NutriSweet) may cause migraine headaches in sensitive people. (New England Journal of Medicine 315:456, August 14, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

PARKINSON'S DISEASE/PESTICIDES
Two more cases of irreversible Parkinson's disease have been reported in persons repeatedly exposed to pesticides. A farmer who used pesticides extensively for several years and a chemical plant worker both developed Parkinson's disease. An earlier study in Quebec showed a positive relationship between pesticide use and Parkinson's disease. (The Lancet 2(8516)1163, November 15, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEADACHES/CEPHALGIA FUGAX
Question: I have headaches which come on suddenly and last only a few seconds. It is a sharp pain which sometimes occurs several times a day. My doctor examined me and diagnosed it as momentary headache but did not give me any medication for it. Should I see another physician?
Answer: From your description we would conclude that you are suffering from cephalgia fugax, also called momentary headache or ice-pick headache. History is usually sufficient for a diagnosis, but physical examination should rule out any associated neurological abnormality.
A recent review of the literature reveals that patients describe the pain as shooting, darting, stabbing, or sharp. In most patients the pain lasts less than a minute, and it never lasts more than five minutes. Cephalgia fugax may occur several times a day or only occasionally. Some patients report an associated shimmering of vision or lightheadedness with the attack. The pain typically occurs in the temple or around the eye region, or in both sides of the head.
There is no known treatment. Follow-up of patients over a four-and-a-half year period have revealed no associated abnormalities. Probably the biggest danger to the patient comes from unnecessary lab studies performed to diagnosed it. Be thankful your physician was able to recognize your problem and you were spared non-essential tests. Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Exercise may slow the progression of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease according to a Texas study. Dr. Barry Squyres of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center suggests that an exercise program be carried out five times a week and begin with 8-10 minutes of stretching exercises, followed by 12-30 minutes of more vigorous exercise such as cycling or walking. This exercise program can be adjusted according to the patient's ability. (Texas Medicine 83:51-53, January, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/EPILEPTIC SEIZURES
A study carried out in Columbus, Ohio, and to be presented at the 39th Annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that epileptics who exercise regularly have fewer seizures than non-exercisers. (Neurology 37(Suppl.)95, March, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

CHILDHOOD EPILEPSY
From 70 to 75 percent of children placed on medication for epilepsy who have not had a seizure in two to four years will remain seizure-free if the medication is discontinued. Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Izaak Walton Killam Hospital for Children feel that many children treated for epilepsy have a developmental disorder which they will outgrow even without treatment, and feel that the side-effects and risks of epileptic medications may outweigh the benefits. Other researchers have noted that many patients suffer more from the treatment of epilepsy than from the disease. They point out that even without medication the worst thing that could happen to a child would be to have more seizures, and medication can always be started at a later date. With medication, the patient may also have more seizures, and/or develop behavioral and learning problems.
They feel that the child most likely to outgrow seizures will be one whose seizures began between the ages of one and ten years, with normal or only mildly abnormal EEG, and who has had one to four seizures over a period of many months. (Pediatrics 79(6)865-868, June, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS/COCOA
Two physicians who have been treating multiple sclerosis (MS) for many years suggest that it may be an allergic reaction to cocoa. A study comparing cocoa consumption and multiple sclerosis incidence reveals that where cocoa use is high, so is the incidence of multiple sclerosis. China, because of its climate, would be expected to have a high multiple sclerosis incidence, but they use very little cocoa and have a low rate of multiple sclerosis cases. Russia, a neighbor country, which uses a lot of cocoa, has a high incidence of multiple sclerosis. Norway, England, and Switzerland with the highest per capita cocoa consumption rates have many multiple sclerosis patients. In the Faroe Islands multiple sclerosis was almost unknown until the Allied Troops were stationed there and generously shared their chocolate supply with the population. Some have felt that the troops introduced an infectious agent, but perhaps they merely introduced an allergen.
The authors report that reactions to cocoa are delayed from one to seven days, making them very difficult to trace. Anne G. Mawas, M.D., has been instructing her MS patients for the past 20 years to avoid chocolate, and reports that those who did so have done well. Eliminating cocoa will not repair the neurologic damage that has been done, but appears to prevent progression of the disease. Dr. Mass observes that the allergen may be present in foods other than cocoa, and recommends the elimination of cola, coffee and tea. The highest incidence of MS onset is between the ages of 15 and 25, probably the peak years for chocolate consumption. Teenagers have spending money and take much of their nourishment away from home. Chocolate is a favorite snack food. MS patients who eliminate cocoa first notice headache and fatigue relief. Oftentimes they want to increase their activity too quickly because of the improvement, and have to be cautioned to do so only gradually. (Annals of Allergy 59:76-79, July, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

HOT BATH EPILEPSY
There is a form of epilepsy in which hot baths trigger reflex epilepsy. This type of epilepsy is apparently quite common in India, but not many cases have been reported elsewhere in the world. The onset of this type of epilepsy is most frequently during childhood, and the child typically outgrows it within six years.
Researchers do not yet understand what triggers an epileptic seizure in all instances; but if it can be determined, avoiding the trigger would a more suitable treatment than antiepileptic medications. (Postgraduate Medical Journal 63:975-976, 1987) Sometimes a food is the trigger, sometimes some emotional or physical tension. The parents must carefully study their child. A diary can be helpful. Copyright Phylis Austin

MIGRAINE HEADACHES/EXERCISE
A report from Netherlands shows that migraine headaches can sometimes be treated by vigorous exercise. A 44-year-old physician who suffered migraine noted relief after several hours of cycling; the next time he developed a migraine headache he was unable to cycle, so he ran. To his surprise about 20 minutes of running was adequate to relieve the migraine headache. He continues to treat his migraines with exercise. (Journal of Neurology, Surgery and Psychiatry 50(12)1700-1701, December, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

POLYNEUROPATHY/GLUE EXPOSURE
A 63-year-old man who had used dark yellow glue in cabinet making for the previous 19 years developed weakness of his legs, tingling or numbness in both feet, and pain in the calves. He had difficulty walking. The changes were permanent despite physical therapy, braces and orthopedic shoes. (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 67:827-828, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

FEBRILE SEIZURES/PERTUSSIS IMMUNIZATIONS
Febrile seizures (convulsions induced by fever) are more common after pertussis immunizations. (Pediatric Research 23(4 pt 2)558A, April 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEADACHE/DEPRESSION/HIGH VOLTAGE WIRES
Several recent studies have suggested that high voltage lines may be associated with various health problems. A study from Britain shows a relationship between overhead high voltage lines and headaches and depressive episodes. A seven-year study carried out by the New York State Power Line Project suggested that power lines may adversely affect adult learning, and several researchers are investigating a possible connection between power line exposure and cancer. (The Practitioner 232:435-436, April 22, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS/PETS/SOLVENTS
Rates of multiple sclerosis were shown to be higher in men exposed to solvents (particularly gasoline and white spirit petroleum) and welding materials in the course of their employment. Females exposed to caged birds and dogs showed higher incidences of multiple sclerosis. X-ray examination was noted to be more frequent in multiple sclerosis patients than in controls. (Archives of Neurology 45:620-623, June, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASPARTAME/MIGRAINE HEADACHE
Aspartame may induce migraine headache in patients sensitive to it. Several headache sufferers reported that aspartame-induced headaches persisted longer, and were associated with additional symptoms such as a feeling of shakiness, poor vision, and dizziness. Because aspartame is being used in so many foods the headache sufferer may do well to avoid these foods. (Headache 28:10-13, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

EPILEPTIC MEDICATION WITHDRAWAL
A study from Ireland suggests that patients who have not had an epileptic seizure in two years may continue to do well if taken off their medication. Epilepsy drugs are known to have long-term adverse effects. (New England Journal of Medicine 318:942-6, April 14, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY/VEGAN DIET
Diabetic neuropathy symptoms of sharp, stabbing, burning and/or shooting pains were entirely relieved in 17 of 21 patients placed on an animal-product free (vegan), unrefined diet, and exercise at Weimar Institute in Weimar, California. Improvement was noticed in four days in some patients. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 48(3)Suppl 926, September 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

MIGRAINE/COLD APPLICATIONS
Cold applications for migraine relief are described in an ancient Egyptian papyrus. An electrical device to cool the back of the neck and sides of the head, and heat the top has been shown helpful in the treatment of migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. Treatment must begin at the first sign of symptoms.
Only two patients in the study felt that heating the top of the head was helpful. Most patients preferred heat applications to feet, shoulders, or abdomen. Pressure over the temples, applied with a blood pressure cuff, helped some. (Headache 28:458-461, August 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASPARTAME/HEADACHE
A report presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting reports that the use of aspartame may be a significant cause of headache in sensitive people. (Headache 29:90-92, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

FAT SENSITIVITY/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Dr. Roy Swank, who has studied the relationship of dietary fat intake and multiple sclerosis progression for many years, and Dr. Aagot Grimsgaard of the Oregon Health Sciences University report that high animal fat intake may play a significant role in the development of multiple sclerosis. This 35-year study demonstrated that multiple sclerosis patients who took a low fat diet had slower progression of their symptoms as well as a much lower death rate from their disease than did those with a high fat diet. Oils had an inverse relationship on death and disability. That is, when oils were substituted for animal fats, there seemed to be some protective effect. The earlier the low fat diet is instituted the greater the benefit. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 48:1387-93, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin

LIGHT THERAPY/SLEEP PROBLEMS/ALZHEIMER'S
Boston researchers are attempting to determine if bright light therapy could be used to replace sedative hypnotic medications in elderly people with sleep problems. Sleep problems increase with age, and many physicians routinely write a prescription for sleeping medications for those people who come to them for sleep difficulties. Bright light exposure during the day may help these people.
Dr. Clifford Singer, at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, is researching the possibility that bright light exposure in the morning and again at midday may reset the circadian rhythm in Alzheimer's patients, helping them to sleep through the night, and decreasing nighttime wandering. Nocturnal wandering is a major problem in the home care of patients, and is probably the most common reason requiring that these patients be placed in nursing homes, as they require around the clock supervision. (Medical World News 30(19)25, 26, October 9, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/EPILEPTIC SEIZURES
A study at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Clinic at Ohio State University demonstrated that epileptic patients who exercised regularly had fewer seizures than those who did not exercise. (Journal of Medicine 20(2)171-176, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin

CLUSTER HEADACHES/NASAL PLUG
A 64-year-old man who had suffered recurrent cluster headaches for more than five years observed that stuffing tissue up the left nostril produced an immediate improvement in his symptoms. He inserts the tissue for two or three hours at the beginning of a headache. (Headache 27:522-523, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

FEBRILE SEIZURES IN CHILDREN/MATERNAL SMOKING/ALCOHOL USE
Mothers who use alcohol or smoke during their pregnancy or after the birth of their child, may be increasing their child's risk of suffering febrile seizures (seizures which develop during a fever). Febrile seizures are most common between six months and five years of age, with the greatest incidence from six months to three years of age. It has been estimated that from two to five percent of children suffer at least one seizure before they reach the age of five years.
A study from the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, at the University of Washington in Seattle, reveals that the use of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy and cigarette smoking both increased the risk of febrile seizures. (American Journal of Epidemiology 132:462-473, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

ICE PACK/MIGRAINE
An ice pack may be helpful in pain relief for those who suffer migraine headaches. Dr. Lawrence D. Robbins, director of the Robbins Headache Clinic, says that patients who use ice packs while waiting for their pain medication to take effect reported faster relief of symptoms. The patients were told to wrap the ice pack around the head snugly enough to provide moderate pressure. Pain relief may begin in 12-15 minutes. (Emergency Medicine, August 15, 1990, p. 139-142) Copyright Phylis Austin

DRUGS/FEBRILE SEIZURES
John M. Freeman, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland, says we should "just say no!" to drugs for the treatment of febrile convulsions. He points out that febrile seizures are generally benign and do not require treatment. Furthermore, phenobarbital, the medication most commonly used, has been shown capable of lowering the child's I.Q. He urges health care providers to provide counseling and reassurance to parents rather than medications. (Pediatrics 86(4)624, October 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

WALKING/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
A group of Alzheimer's disease patients ranging in age from 60 to 87 years, were placed on a structured exercise program in which the patients walked with a partner for 30 minutes three times a week for ten weeks. The exercise group was compared with a similar group who were talked with for 30 minutes three times a week. After ten weeks the exercised patients had a significant improvement in their ability to communicate.
Progressive decrease in ability to communicate is a common problem with Alzheimer's patients.
Earlier studies showed an improvement in working memory, reasoning ability, reaction time and cognitive reasoning with exercise.
While Alzheimer patients require supervision, walking is an inexpensive and generally safe method of exercise for the elderly. (Journal of the American Geriatric Society 39: 650-654, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA/CAFFEINE
About 15,000 new patients each year develop trigeminal neuralgia, a severe burning or stabbing pain over the course of the trigeminal nerve, found on the side of the face. The pain may appear suddenly, persist for about a minute, then quickly subside. Chewing, smiling, talking or touching the face may induce the pain.
The cause is not understood, nor is treatment entirely satisfactory. Many patients are subjected to surgical procedures, which may lead to loss of motor control or facial sensation.
One 50 year old lady had marked decrease in her symptoms within two to three weeks after she began a low caffeine diet. Patients who suffer trigeminal neuralgia may benefit by eliminating caffeine from their diet. (Journal of the American Dietetic Association 91(9)1120-1121, September 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

CESAREAN SECTION/NEUROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Infants born by cesarean section are apparently deprived of the catecholamine surge induced by vaginal birth. A study of 30 infants demonstrated less optimal neurological responses in those delivered by cesarean section. The authors feel that high catecholamine levels may be important in the infant's neurological development in the first few days after birth. (Early Human Development 26:51-60, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

CHILDHOOD MIGRAINE/TINTED GLASSES
The use of rose-tinted glasses reduced the incidence of migraine attacks in a group of children. Blue tinted glasses were also used in the study, but were not as effective as the rose tint. (Headache 31:533-536, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/MIGRAINE
Exercise reduces the incidence and severity of migraines in some sufferers. A regular exercise program, leading to a high level of fitness, may be necessary for the best results. (Headache 31:616- 618, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG)/HEADACHES
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) may cause headaches in sensitive individuals. Many who read food labels are unaware that MSG may be listed as "flavoring," "natural flavoring," or "hydrolyzed vegetable protein." Hydrolyzed vegetable protein may be 10-30 percent MSG. (Headache 31:107-110, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

CAPSAICIN/TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
Capsaicin, from red pepper, has recently been reported helpful in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. An ointment containing capsaicin was applied over the painful area three times a day. Six of 12 patients had complete pain relief, four patients reported a decrease in pain, and two patients reported no benefit. (Anesthesia and Analgesia 74:375-377, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

MENTAL ACTIVITY/ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
Elderly people who are mentally active may be less affected by memory loss with Alzheimer's disease, according to a report from psychologists from San Diego, California. Autopsy studies of the brain of Alzheimer patients showed decreased numbers of synapses in the brain of patients with the most severe mental symptoms. The neurophysiologists feel that the number of synapses in the brain is a measure of the degree of health-- more synapses mean better health. The number of synapses increase as mental activity increases. (Longevity, March, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

WEEKENDS/MIGRAINE ATTACKS
Many people report increased numbers of migraine headaches occurring over the weekend. A study from London suggests that these people may be suffering from caffeine-withdrawal migraines, as they consume less caffeine than during the week. (Cephalgia 12(2)99-100, April 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

DAILY COOLING/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
A daily cooling treatment has been found helpful in the relief of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Twelve chronic multiple sclerosis patients were given cooling suits which lowered their core body temperature about one degree. They used them twice a day. The patients reported less fatigue, improved ability to walk, and improvement in vision for two to three hours after each cooling treatment. (Neurology 43(4 Suppl)A261, April 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin

HEADBANDS/MIGRAINES
Some migraine suffers have achieved relief with the application of an elastic band around the head. Dr. Nazhiyath Vijanan of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, provides his patients with a headband secured with velcro, under which they place rubber discs over the areas of greatest pain. Sixty of sixty-nine headaches improved with the use of the bands for 30 minutes. The bands used in the study were 4-5 cm wide and 60-65 cm long. Discs were 1 cm thick and 3 cm wide.
Some patients developed scalp tenderness and were unable to use the headbands. (Internal Medicine News 25(156)5, August 1, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

IRON DEFICIENCY/SEIZURE THRESHOLD
An iron deficiency may decrease the risk of febrile seizures. A study of 51 children coming to the emergency room because of fever indicates that those who had febrile seizures had higher iron levels. (Pediatric Research 29(4 Pt 2)144A, April 1991) Think twice before giving your child iron supplements. Copyright Phylis Austin

BREAST FEEDING/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
A study of multiple sclerosis patients in Naples, Italy revealed that multiple sclerosis patients were less likely to have been breast-fed for long periods of time than were healthy controls. (British Medical Journal 308:1411-1412, May 28, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

CAFFEINE/EPILEPSY
Caffeine is sometimes given to patients before they undergo electric shock therapy as it lowers the seizure threshold. It is possible that caffeine intake may cause higher rates of seizures in some epileptics. (Psychosomatics 35(2)187-188, March-April 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Aerobic exercise may increase energy levels, improve neurological function, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve fitness in multiple sclerosis patients. A study group from Salt Lake City used exercise bikes for 30 minutes at a time, four days a week. They used fans to keep the patients cool during exercise. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society study demonstrated improvement in symptoms at the conclusion of the 15 week study. (Annals of Neurology 36(2)298, August 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

BREASTFEEDING/NEUROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Nine-year-old children who were breast-fed were compared to a similar group who were not. The breast-fed children showed better neurological development. It may be that the longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk may produce this benefit. (The Lancet 344:1319-1322, November 12, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

DIET/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Still another study shows a relationship between a diet high in animal foods and multiple sclerosis. A survey of dietary practices across the world revealed that high intakes of saturated fat from animal foods increases the risk of multiple sclerosis. It was also observed that multiple sclerosis rates are highest in countries where gluten and milk are consumed most frequently. (American Journal of Natural Medicine 3(2)17, March 1996; American Journal of Epidemiology 142:733-737, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin

IRON DEFICIENCY/SEIZURES
An iron deficiency appears to decrease the risk of both febrile and posttraumatic seizures. The collection of iron around sites of brain injury are felt to contribute to postinjury seizures. (Journal of Child Neurology 10:105-109, 1995) Still another reason to view iron supplementation as not risk free. Copyright Phylis Austin

EXERCISE/MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis patients who exercise have improvement in both physical condition and mood. Multiple sclerosis patients placed on a 15-week program of arm and leg exercise for 40 minutes three times a week had greater extremity strength, improved blood profiles, and less depression and anger than non-exercisers. Dr. Kenneth Johnson of the University of Maryland comments that his experience has shown that exercising patients have a better long-term outcome. (Annals of Neurology 39:432-441, April 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin

GLUTEN/NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE
Neurological abnormalities are associated with celiac disease. A study of neurological patients suggests that gluten may be a contributing factor in a wide variety of neurological symptoms. (The Lancet 347:369-371, February 10, 1996) A trial of a gluten- free diet may improve neurological symptoms. Copyright Phylis Austin

DIET/PARKINSON'S DISEASE
A study from Germany concludes that diet may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease. A study of nearly 700 Germans revealed that Parkinson's disease patients consumed fewer raw vegetables than did the control subjects. Parkinson's disease patients used more sweets, snacks, and more organ meats and raw meats than controls.
Raw vegetables contain antioxidants which protect the body from damaging oxygen-free radicals. (Neurology 47:636-643, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin