How does aspirin work for migraine relief. What is the recommended dosage of aspirin for migraines. Are there any side effects of taking aspirin for migraines. How does aspirin compare to other migraine treatments.

Understanding Aspirin’s Role in Migraine Treatment

Aspirin, a widely available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has emerged as a popular choice for migraine relief. Its accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness make it a go-to option for many individuals suffering from migraines. But how exactly does aspirin work to combat these debilitating headaches?

Aspirin’s mechanism of action involves blocking an enzyme responsible for producing prostaglandins, compounds that play a crucial role in inflammation and pain processes. By inhibiting this production, aspirin effectively controls pain and reduces inflammation associated with migraines.

When to Take Aspirin for Migraines

Timing is crucial when using aspirin for migraine relief. For optimal results, individuals should take a single dose as soon as they notice the onset of migraine symptoms. This prompt action aims to prevent the progression of the migraine, potentially reducing its severity and duration.

Can aspirin be used as a preventive measure for migraines? Some studies suggest that taking lower doses of aspirin daily may help prevent recurring episodes. However, the evidence supporting this approach is mixed, and more research is needed to establish its long-term efficacy and safety.

Dosage Guidelines for Aspirin in Migraine Treatment

Determining the right dosage of aspirin for migraine relief is essential for maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Here are the recommended dosages based on current research:

• For acute migraine treatment: A single high dose between 900–1,300 milligrams (mg)
• For potential migraine prevention: 81–325 mg per day

Is aspirin as effective as other migraine medications? A 2014 review comparing aspirin to sumatriptan, a commonly prescribed migraine medication, found that 1,000 mg of aspirin provided comparable pain relief to a standard dose of sumatriptan. Interestingly, aspirin also caused fewer side effects than sumatriptan in this study.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While aspirin is generally well-tolerated when used at safe dosages, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. As with all NSAIDs, aspirin can cause adverse reactions in some individuals.

Common Side Effects

• Digestive irritation
• Indigestion
• Nausea

Less Common Side Effects

• Worsened asthma symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Rare but Severe Side Effects

• Ulcers
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe allergic reactions

Who should avoid taking aspirin for migraines? Certain groups of people should not use aspirin for migraine relief, including:

• Children under 12 years old
• Children and adolescents with flu or chickenpox symptoms
• Individuals allergic or sensitive to NSAIDs
• People with stomach ulcers
• Those with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
• Pregnant women, unless directed by a doctor

Why should children and adolescents avoid aspirin? Aspirin use in this age group has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition that can cause brain swelling and lead to coma or death.

Comparing Aspirin to Other Migraine Treatments

While aspirin has proven effective for many migraine sufferers, it’s not the only option available. Understanding how aspirin compares to other treatments can help individuals make informed decisions about their migraine management.

Other NSAIDs for Migraine Relief

NSAIDs are considered a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate migraines. Besides aspirin, other commonly recommended NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac

How do these NSAIDs differ from aspirin? Each NSAID has its unique characteristics:

• Naproxen: Slowest acting but longest duration of action
• Aspirin: Faster acting than naproxen but shorter duration
• Ibuprofen: Similar onset and duration to aspirin

Acetaminophen as an Alternative

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another over-the-counter pain medication that may help with migraine pain. While not as effective as NSAIDs for migraine treatment, it may cause fewer side effects in some individuals.

For those who can’t take NSAIDs, a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine may provide relief. This combination leverages the pain-relieving properties of acetaminophen and aspirin while utilizing caffeine’s ability to enhance their effectiveness.

Triptans for Moderate-to-Severe Migraines

For individuals experiencing moderate-to-severe migraines, triptans may be a more suitable option. These medications are specifically designed to target migraine symptoms and include:

• Sumatriptan
• Almotriptan
• Zolmitriptan

How do triptans compare to aspirin in terms of efficacy? While triptans are generally more effective for severe migraines, the 2014 review mentioned earlier found that aspirin (1,000 mg) provided comparable pain relief to sumatriptan for acute migraine treatment, with fewer side effects.

Integrating Aspirin into Your Migraine Management Plan

Incorporating aspirin into your migraine management strategy requires careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare professional. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Consult your doctor: Before starting any new medication regimen, including aspirin, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual needs, medical history, and potential drug interactions.
2. Monitor frequency of use: Be cautious about using aspirin or any over-the-counter pain medication too frequently. Overuse can lead to medication overuse headaches, potentially worsening your migraine condition.
3. Keep a migraine diary: Track your migraine episodes, including triggers, symptoms, and the effectiveness of aspirin or other treatments. This information can help you and your doctor optimize your management plan.
4. Consider combination therapies: In some cases, combining aspirin with other treatments (such as caffeine or other medications) may provide more effective relief. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider.
5. Be aware of potential side effects: While aspirin is generally well-tolerated, remain vigilant for any adverse reactions, especially if you’re using it regularly or at higher doses.

When to Seek Professional Help for Migraines

While aspirin can be an effective tool for managing migraines, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Your migraines are becoming more frequent or severe
• Over-the-counter medications, including aspirin, are no longer providing adequate relief
• You’re experiencing new or unusual migraine symptoms
• You’re using pain medications, including aspirin, more than two to three days per week
• You have concerns about potential side effects or drug interactions

A healthcare professional can help you develop a comprehensive migraine management plan, which may include lifestyle modifications, preventive medications, or more targeted treatments based on your individual needs and medical history.

Future Directions in Migraine Treatment

As research in migraine treatment continues to evolve, new approaches and medications are being developed. While aspirin remains a valuable option for many, ongoing studies are exploring novel therapies that may offer more targeted relief with fewer side effects.

Emerging Treatments

Some promising areas of research in migraine treatment include:

• CGRP inhibitors: These newer medications target a specific protein involved in migraine pathways
• Neuromodulation devices: Non-invasive devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to alleviate migraine pain
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and migraine characteristics

How might these emerging treatments compare to traditional options like aspirin? While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions, these new approaches may offer additional options for individuals who don’t respond well to current treatments or experience significant side effects.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors

In addition to medication-based treatments, researchers are increasingly focusing on the role of lifestyle factors in migraine management. This holistic approach considers aspects such as:

• Stress management techniques
• Sleep hygiene
• Dietary modifications
• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness and relaxation practices

Can lifestyle changes enhance the effectiveness of aspirin or other migraine treatments? While more research is needed, many experts believe that combining appropriate medications with lifestyle modifications may lead to better overall migraine control and improved quality of life for sufferers.

The Importance of Individualized Migraine Management

As we’ve explored the role of aspirin in migraine treatment, it’s become clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each person’s experience with migraines is unique, and what works for one individual may not be as effective for another.

Factors Influencing Treatment Choice

When deciding whether aspirin is the right choice for your migraine management, consider the following factors:

• Frequency and severity of your migraines
• Your overall health and any existing medical conditions
• Potential drug interactions with other medications you’re taking
• Your tolerance for potential side effects
• Your response to previous migraine treatments

How can you determine the most effective treatment plan for your migraines? Working closely with a healthcare provider who specializes in headache medicine can help you develop a tailored approach that takes into account your individual needs, preferences, and medical history.

The Value of a Multifaceted Approach

While aspirin can be an effective tool in migraine management, it’s often most beneficial when used as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. This may include:

• A combination of acute and preventive medications
• Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., biofeedback, acupuncture)
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers
• Stress management techniques
• Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to assess and adjust your treatment plan

By taking a holistic approach to migraine management, you can maximize the benefits of treatments like aspirin while minimizing potential risks and side effects.

Empowering Migraine Sufferers Through Education

Understanding the role of aspirin and other treatment options in migraine management is crucial for empowering individuals to take control of their condition. By staying informed about current research, treatment guidelines, and potential side effects, migraine sufferers can make more informed decisions about their care and actively participate in their treatment planning.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

As a migraine sufferer, it’s essential to be your own advocate in your healthcare journey. This may involve:

• Keeping detailed records of your migraine episodes and treatments
• Asking questions and seeking clarification from your healthcare providers
• Staying up-to-date on new developments in migraine research and treatment
• Joining support groups or online communities to share experiences and learn from others
• Being proactive in discussing new treatment options or concerns with your doctor

How can self-advocacy improve your migraine management? By taking an active role in your care, you can ensure that your treatment plan aligns with your goals and preferences, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The Future of Migraine Care

As our understanding of migraines continues to grow, so too does the potential for more effective and personalized treatments. While aspirin remains a valuable option for many, ongoing research may lead to even more targeted and efficient therapies in the future.

What might the future hold for migraine treatment? Some potential developments include:

• More sophisticated genetic testing to predict treatment response
• Advanced imaging techniques to better understand migraine pathophysiology
• Development of new drug classes targeting specific migraine mechanisms
• Integration of artificial intelligence in migraine prediction and management

By staying informed about these advancements and working closely with healthcare providers, migraine sufferers can look forward to increasingly effective and personalized treatment options in the years to come.

How it works, dosages, side effects, and more

People can take a range of medications for migraine, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. For many, aspirin is an affordable, convenient, and effective migraine treatment.

It is available over the counter (OTC) and on prescription. However, this medication is not suitable for everyone.

This article offers an overview of taking aspirin for migraine, including how it works, dosages, and side effects. It also looks at how it compares with other migraine treatments.

People can take aspirin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to stop the progression of migraine. Typically, a person takes a single dose as soon as they feel symptoms developing. The aim is to prevent the progression of the migraine to reduce pain.

Aspirin may also work as a preventative medication when taken daily at lower doses, although evidence on the effectiveness of this approach is mixed.

Aspirin works by blocking an enzyme that makes the body produce prostaglandins, which are compounds with many bodily functions, including inflammation and pain processes. By stopping this production process, aspirin can control pain and inflammation.

People generally use aspirin for mild-to-moderate migraine that does not trigger nausea or vomiting, as vomiting may mean they do not absorb the medication. Those who experience vomiting during migraine episodes may need antiemetics to ensure the body can absorb other medicines.

A 2020 review states that people using aspirin as a treatment for current migraine symptoms can take a single high dose between 900–1,300 milligrams (mg).

The review also states it is possible to take aspirin daily at lower doses to prevent recurring episodes. However, the evidence is mixed for this approach. People who wish to try this method can take between 81–325 mg per day.

A 2014 review of previous research found that taking 1,000 mg of aspirin was comparable to a standard dose of sumatriptan in terms of acute pain relief. Aspirin also caused fewer side effects than sumatriptan.

In the review, out of 2,027 participants from six studies, 24% were pain-free 2 hours after taking aspirin, compared to 11% taking a placebo.

Many people who take aspirin tolerate it well at safe dosages. However, as with all NSAIDs, it can lead to side effects.

While the 2014 review found that aspirin had fewer side effects than sumatriptan, aspirin has the highest risk of side effects out of all NSAIDs available for migraine.

The most common side effects of aspirin are:

• digestive irritation
• indigestion
• nausea

Less commonly, people can experience:

• worsened asthma symptoms
• shortness of breath
• tinnitus

Rarely, severe adverse effects include:

• ulcers
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• severe allergic reactions

A 2018 review cautions against using OTC pain medications for long periods. If a person experiences migraine episodes or headaches frequently, they may need to consider other options.

Some people should not take aspirin, including:

• children under 12 years old
• children and adolescents with symptoms of flu or chickenpox
• people who are allergic or sensitive to NSAIDs
• people with stomach ulcers
• people with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
• people who are pregnant, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor

Children and adolescents should not use aspirin because the medication has links with Reye’s syndrome. People with this condition may develop swelling in the brain, which can lead to coma and even death.

People should speak with a doctor before trying aspirin if they have a preexisting condition, such as:

• asthma
• digestive conditions
• liver or kidney disease
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, as aspirin may trigger anemia in these individuals

Certain medications may also interact with aspirin. If someone takes existing medicines, speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using aspirin.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate migraine. Examples that doctors and pharmacists may recommend include:

• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• naproxen
• diclofenac

Naproxen is the slowest acting NSAID, but it has the longest duration of action. Aspirin works more quickly, but does not last as long.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an NSAID, but a common OTC pain medication that may help with migraine pain.

A 2018 review notes that acetaminophen is not as effective as NSAIDs for treating migraine. However, it may cause fewer side effects in some people.

Those who cannot take other types of migraine medication may instead try a combined regimen of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

Triptans

People with moderate-to-severe migraine may require triptans. These medications work specifically for migraine, including drugs such as:

• sumatriptan
• almotriptan
• zolmitriptan

The 2014 review found that sumatriptan and aspirin are similarly effective for migraine. However, they come with their own side effects and risks, particularly if people combine them with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants.

Other medications for migraine include:

• ergots, such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine
• dexamethasone, a steroid that does not reduce immediate pain but can reduce the frequency of migraine episodes
• calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists
• opioids, although the 2018 review notes these should be a last resort

Sometimes, migraine headaches or episodes are unavoidable. While people do not always understand what causes them, they can try to identify specific triggers and find relief with diet or lifestyle changes.

Keep a migraine diary to record symptoms when they occur, alongside any factors that may have contributed to migraine that day. Over time, a person may notice a pattern.

Factors that may lead to migraine include:

• stress
• hormonal changes
• specific foods, such as cheese or chocolate
• strong smells or tastes
• bright lights
• skipped meals
• weather changes
• being too hot
• too much or not enough sleep
• drinking alcohol
• cigarette smoke
• exercise
• sex

In some people, muscle tension can also trigger migraine headaches. However, if a person’s headaches often precede neck pain, they may be experiencing cervicogenic headaches. These feel similar to migraine, but nerve, muscle, or bone issues in the neck are the cause.

Depending on a person’s triggers, they may be able to reduce the frequency of migraine episodes with:

• yoga
• relaxation training
• physical therapy
• biofeedback
• sleep aids such as melatonin
• dietary changes
• stopping smoking or drinking

Migraine pain can be severe, but severe pain can sometimes indicate another condition that requires medical treatment.

Anyone experiencing the following should seek emergency help:

• a headache that feels excruciating or comes on suddenly
• a severe headache that gets increasingly severe
• seizures
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swollen airways and trouble breathing

It is also important to speak with a doctor promptly if:

• a person is over 50 years old when migraine episodes begin
• they have symptoms of other disorders, such as high blood pressure, weight loss, or other pain
• they have signs of infection, such as fever

People experiencing these symptoms may need a referral to a specialist.

If a person has any new symptoms while taking aspirin, stop taking it and speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Aspirin can be an effective and affordable migraine treatment. People often use it in a single high dose to prevent migraine headaches or episodes from getting worse.

However, this medication is not suitable for everyone, so check with a doctor before taking it. A healthcare professional or pharmacist can recommend the best dosage and advise on alternatives if aspirin triggers side effects or is not effective.

How it works, dosages, side effects, and more

People can take a range of medications for migraine, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. For many, aspirin is an affordable, convenient, and effective migraine treatment.

It is available over the counter (OTC) and on prescription. However, this medication is not suitable for everyone.

This article offers an overview of taking aspirin for migraine, including how it works, dosages, and side effects. It also looks at how it compares with other migraine treatments.

People can take aspirin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to stop the progression of migraine. Typically, a person takes a single dose as soon as they feel symptoms developing. The aim is to prevent the progression of the migraine to reduce pain.

Aspirin may also work as a preventative medication when taken daily at lower doses, although evidence on the effectiveness of this approach is mixed.

Aspirin works by blocking an enzyme that makes the body produce prostaglandins, which are compounds with many bodily functions, including inflammation and pain processes. By stopping this production process, aspirin can control pain and inflammation.

People generally use aspirin for mild-to-moderate migraine that does not trigger nausea or vomiting, as vomiting may mean they do not absorb the medication. Those who experience vomiting during migraine episodes may need antiemetics to ensure the body can absorb other medicines.

A 2020 review states that people using aspirin as a treatment for current migraine symptoms can take a single high dose between 900–1,300 milligrams (mg).

The review also states it is possible to take aspirin daily at lower doses to prevent recurring episodes. However, the evidence is mixed for this approach. People who wish to try this method can take between 81–325 mg per day.

A 2014 review of previous research found that taking 1,000 mg of aspirin was comparable to a standard dose of sumatriptan in terms of acute pain relief. Aspirin also caused fewer side effects than sumatriptan.

In the review, out of 2,027 participants from six studies, 24% were pain-free 2 hours after taking aspirin, compared to 11% taking a placebo.

Many people who take aspirin tolerate it well at safe dosages. However, as with all NSAIDs, it can lead to side effects.

While the 2014 review found that aspirin had fewer side effects than sumatriptan, aspirin has the highest risk of side effects out of all NSAIDs available for migraine.

The most common side effects of aspirin are:

• digestive irritation
• indigestion
• nausea

Less commonly, people can experience:

• worsened asthma symptoms
• shortness of breath
• tinnitus

Rarely, severe adverse effects include:

• ulcers
• gastrointestinal bleeding
• severe allergic reactions

A 2018 review cautions against using OTC pain medications for long periods. If a person experiences migraine episodes or headaches frequently, they may need to consider other options.

Some people should not take aspirin, including:

• children under 12 years old
• children and adolescents with symptoms of flu or chickenpox
• people who are allergic or sensitive to NSAIDs
• people with stomach ulcers
• people with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
• people who are pregnant, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor

Children and adolescents should not use aspirin because the medication has links with Reye’s syndrome. People with this condition may develop swelling in the brain, which can lead to coma and even death.

People should speak with a doctor before trying aspirin if they have a preexisting condition, such as:

• asthma
• digestive conditions
• liver or kidney disease
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, as aspirin may trigger anemia in these individuals

Certain medications may also interact with aspirin. If someone takes existing medicines, speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using aspirin.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate migraine. Examples that doctors and pharmacists may recommend include:

• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• naproxen
• diclofenac

Naproxen is the slowest acting NSAID, but it has the longest duration of action. Aspirin works more quickly, but does not last as long.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not an NSAID, but a common OTC pain medication that may help with migraine pain.

A 2018 review notes that acetaminophen is not as effective as NSAIDs for treating migraine. However, it may cause fewer side effects in some people.

Those who cannot take other types of migraine medication may instead try a combined regimen of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

Triptans

People with moderate-to-severe migraine may require triptans. These medications work specifically for migraine, including drugs such as:

• sumatriptan
• almotriptan
• zolmitriptan

The 2014 review found that sumatriptan and aspirin are similarly effective for migraine. However, they come with their own side effects and risks, particularly if people combine them with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants.

Other medications for migraine include:

• ergots, such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine
• dexamethasone, a steroid that does not reduce immediate pain but can reduce the frequency of migraine episodes
• calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists
• opioids, although the 2018 review notes these should be a last resort

Sometimes, migraine headaches or episodes are unavoidable. While people do not always understand what causes them, they can try to identify specific triggers and find relief with diet or lifestyle changes.

Keep a migraine diary to record symptoms when they occur, alongside any factors that may have contributed to migraine that day. Over time, a person may notice a pattern.

Factors that may lead to migraine include:

• stress
• hormonal changes
• specific foods, such as cheese or chocolate
• strong smells or tastes
• bright lights
• skipped meals
• weather changes
• being too hot
• too much or not enough sleep
• drinking alcohol
• cigarette smoke
• exercise
• sex

In some people, muscle tension can also trigger migraine headaches. However, if a person’s headaches often precede neck pain, they may be experiencing cervicogenic headaches. These feel similar to migraine, but nerve, muscle, or bone issues in the neck are the cause.

Depending on a person’s triggers, they may be able to reduce the frequency of migraine episodes with:

• yoga
• relaxation training
• physical therapy
• biofeedback
• sleep aids such as melatonin
• dietary changes
• stopping smoking or drinking

Migraine pain can be severe, but severe pain can sometimes indicate another condition that requires medical treatment.

Anyone experiencing the following should seek emergency help:

• a headache that feels excruciating or comes on suddenly
• a severe headache that gets increasingly severe
• seizures
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swollen airways and trouble breathing

It is also important to speak with a doctor promptly if:

• a person is over 50 years old when migraine episodes begin
• they have symptoms of other disorders, such as high blood pressure, weight loss, or other pain
• they have signs of infection, such as fever

People experiencing these symptoms may need a referral to a specialist.

If a person has any new symptoms while taking aspirin, stop taking it and speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Aspirin can be an effective and affordable migraine treatment. People often use it in a single high dose to prevent migraine headaches or episodes from getting worse.

However, this medication is not suitable for everyone, so check with a doctor before taking it. A healthcare professional or pharmacist can recommend the best dosage and advise on alternatives if aspirin triggers side effects or is not effective.

Taking aspirin and paracetamol requires caution – DW – 12/30/2013

HealthGermany

Vladimir Fradkin

12/30/2013 30 December 2013

Habit at the first sign headache mindlessly grasping for pills can result in extremely serious consequences, warn German scientists.

https://p.dw.com/p/13tBM

Photo: picture-alliance/dpa Advertisement

Headache – take a pill! Chill, catch a cold, ache a tooth, ache joints – take a pill! If one doesn’t work, take another! It would seem that it could be easier.

About four million Germans do just that: they regularly swallow painkillers and antipyretics, especially since the most common of them – aspirin and paracetamol – are available to everyone: they are inexpensive and sold without a prescription in any pharmacy. In addition, they seem to be time-tested: aspirin has been used in medicine for more than a hundred years, paracetamol – more than half a century.

What problems can arise here? Moreover, advertising contributes to the wide distribution of not only these painkillers themselves, but also a carefree attitude towards them. Meanwhile, all this causes serious concern among doctors.

Is there no place for paracetamol in pharmacies?

The fact is that supposedly harmless pills can cause extremely severe and even life-threatening side reactions. “Today, paracetamol would not be approved as a drug at all, even by prescription, let alone free sale,” emphasizes Kay Brune, professor of pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Erlangen.

Photo: picture-alliance/dpa/DW

“Even the permitted daily dose of four grams can cause severe poisoning and damage to the liver, and just a double excess of this dose is fraught with acute liver failure,” says Kai Brune. – In other words, we have a drug on the free market that can, even with a slight overdose, cause coma and death. Moreover, acute liver failure is a very painful death that lasts several days. In short, this drug has no place in pharmacies at all.”

Taking aspirin – an unjustified risk

According to the scientist, only slightly better than paracetamol and aspirin – the second classic non-narcotic analgesic OTC. Aspirin – that is, acetylsalicylic acid – also causes too many adverse reactions, so taking this drug is justified only for patients with serious cardiovascular diseases, but not as a pain reliever.

“The analgesic effect of acetylsalicylic acid lasts only a few hours, and the blood thinning effect lasts several days,” says Prof. Brune. , a wound in the mouth after a visit to the dentist. Such patients are contraindicated in surgery, even if several days have passed since the last aspirin they took. That is, taking aspirin means an increased – and usually unjustified – risk of bleeding. ”

Aspirin does more harm than good

Therefore, to the advice given from time to time to take aspirin preventively, without any indication, just for preventive purposes – to prevent atherothrombosis and coronary heart disease or to reduce the risk of developing cancer, – the pharmacologist is extremely skeptical.

Prof. Brune is by no means alone in this opinion: a new scientific study by British doctors, the results of which were recently published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that the risks associated with taking aspirin are justified only for patients already who have had a severe myocardial infarction or stroke. The head of this study Kosik Ray (Kausik Ray), a professor at London’s St. George’s University, has no doubt: “For healthy people, aspirin does more harm than good.”

Triplets, fivers and other pentalgins

Especially dangerous, according to Professor Brune, combined preparations – all these triplets, fivers and other pentalgins. “This is just a disgrace,” the scientist is indignant. “In such drugs, the positive effects are rarely summed up, but the negative properties of each of the ingredients give a cumulative negative effect in combination. Moreover, when taking such combined drugs, the patient is practically unable to track the dosage of individual biologically active components. This can quickly lead to exceeding the maximum allowable daily doses. ”

The fact that so far no one has undertaken a more detailed analysis of the medical and biological properties of aspirin and paracetamol is puzzling, but only at first glance. Everything is explained by economic considerations, says Professor Brune: “Acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol remain on the market by tradition, our grandmothers took them. Both substances are no longer protected by patents today, any pharmaceutical company can produce them, and no one wants to invest in additional scientific research, the results of which can be used by competitors.

The alternatives are ibuprofen and diclofenac

So what do you do if your head hurts or your teeth hurt? Professor Brune recommends turning to alternative drugs – ibuprofen and diclofenac. These medicines have been thoroughly studied over the past 30 years and are approved for OTC sale in full accordance with modern ideas about the safety of medicines.

“Of course, these substances can cause harm, especially if taken for a long time and in high doses,” says the scientist. “But in general, these substances are much better tolerated than aspirin or paracetamol. The advantages of ibuprofen and diclofenac are also that they are excreted from the body faster, and therefore the risk of overdose is much lower – and it does not pose a threat to life.”

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9 0000 Headache? Do not rush to take aspirin! Go to the dentist!

Increasingly, the best members of the dental profession from around the world meet to discuss the most pressing issues in their daily practice. And in recent years, these issues are by no means related to tooth decay. Dentists discuss the relationship of bite pathology and frequent headaches that occur in every second such patient.

It is likely that many dentists will soon become better known as “Headache Healers” due to a deeper understanding of the problem of headaches, which are often caused by problems in the mouth.

Dislocation of the jaw, which in medical terms means temporomandibular syndrome or temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMJD), is often an undiagnosed condition that causes aching headaches, facial pain, pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. According to studies, one in five periodically experiences pain from the TMJ.

The symptoms of TMJ are so varied that the condition during illness is in many ways similar to the symptoms of other diseases. This allows doctors to give this affliction the nickname “the great impostor.”

Dr. Brendan Stack, an orthodontist and TMD specialist with offices in Falls Church and Springfield, says people with this condition often think that their severe headaches are caused by a hereditary factor or overexertion and stress.

Dr. Brendan notes that TMJs also present with tinnitus, earache, hearing loss, back pain, dizziness, sinus or muscle pain.

Despite the fact that the temporomandibular syndrome has been known in medicine for over 40 years, only recently have there been data confirming a certain relationship between temporomandibular anomalies and headaches.

With a special X-ray machine, the cephalometric laminograph, costing about $30,000, TMS has been identified as the cause of many persistent headaches. When using it, layer-by-layer radiographic images are obtained, which allows the doctor to conduct a layer-by-layer examination of the joint in identifying temporomandibular dysfunction, explains Dr. Stack. In Russia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint is used, which also contributes to the layer-by-layer study of the joint and its ligamentous apparatus, in order to obtain a more accurate picture of the state of the disc and the posterior disc zone.

It is impossible to detect jaw dysfunctions with a conventional X-ray machine due to the location of the joint – directly under the ears, and also because of its function – it connects the mandibular bone to the skull.

In the event that the jaw is dislocated, for example, as a result of an unexpected blow or due to the gradual erasure of teeth (grinding of teeth), the spherical joint is displaced and begins to have a strong effect on the nerves of the bilaminar retrodiscal zone. In very severe cases of TMD or untreated forms, degenerative osteoarthritis of the joint occurs with unreduced disc luxation.

More subtle forms of TMJ dysfunction remain untreated due to the limited number of specialists who specialize in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction.

In addition, pains are not always permanent – they can occur spontaneously, periodically over many years, and then subside for a while – a condition that is often not regarded as a fact of the disease.

As a result, many chronic TMD patients wander from doctor to doctor in vain and look in vain for ways to get rid of their suffering, sometimes even unbearable pain, says Brendan Stack. In turn, pain, due to its intense and prolonged nature, can lead to serious emotional problems.

In fact, these patients are hostages to their pain. Many of them end up in mental hospitals because they are mistaken for crazy people. Some doctors are convinced that their pain is nothing but a fantasy, a fiction.

In reality, these patients have simply been misdiagnosed… They are sent from specialist to specialist… who are just trying to find the answer. Many live in this state for more than 20 years.

And when you tell them what is causing their pain, many begin to cry… and lose their temper. Others say: “What a pity that I did not meet you 15 years and 40 thousand dollars ago.”

But not everyone with common headaches and ailments has temporomandibular syndrome, says Dr. Stack. When medicines, massages, compresses, rest and physiotherapy, for example, do not bring permanent relief, it is likely that tension in the jaw is the cause of the pain.

In addition, a sudden blow to the jaw, teeth grinding, shifting of the teeth in the dentition (the most common cause), muscle spasms, or a wide open mouth when biting or yawning can cause joint problems.
As Dr. Brendan Stack points out, once a problem is diagnosed, it can cost no more than conventional orthodontic work to fix. For the treatment of TMJ, he places a movable plastic device on the lower teeth, similar to a denture. This device is worn for 6 to 12 months to properly coordinate jaw and facial movements, as well as to relieve unusual tension on the nerves, he says.
In the future, the work of the dentist is aimed at correcting occlusion. The treatment is painless, adds Dr. Stack.
For the treatment of malocclusion, the medical term “equilibration” was chosen, which means balancing the muscle forces on the face.

Most patients are cured non-surgical, writes Dr. Douglas H. Morgan in the Journal of the American Medical Association. He also notes that those who need surgery tend to have an organic pathology in the joint itself.

Treatment of the temporomandibular joint has already been called “a breakthrough in headache research”. Evidence of increased interest in this disease can be the fact that since 19The Academy of Cranio-Facial Pain has been in existence for 85 years.