Robbins Headache Clinic Blog
Stress Elicits Anxiety, Prompting Recruitment of Immune Cells to the Brain
A new study with mice may explain why we feel anxious when we're under stress. Researchers found that when mice were exposed to prolonged stress, immune cells called monocytes were "called up" to the brain. Study researcher John Sheridan, professor of oral biology and...
“Get Your Flu Shots Here” Signs Popping Up Everywhere
Since last year, government health officials recommend that everyone six months or older be immunized against the flu. And with grocery stores and drugstores offering walk-in flu shots it's easy to add vaccines to your list of errands. "We know that our...
In Keeping Weight Off, Intensity More Important Than Duration
A new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that even a few minutes of brisk physical activity can help to prevent against obesity. Study researcher Jessie X. Fan, a professor of family and consumer studies at the University of Utah said, "What we...
Headache Pearls, Continued
Headache Pearls by Larry Robbins. M.D. REFRACTORY HEADACHES: MEDICATIONS * Botox * Opiods * MAOI's * Stimulants * Frequent (daily) triptans MAOI's * Ideal patient: Refractory headaches, depression, no insomnia, no weight loss, mature and responsible * Phenelzine...
Extra Strength Tylenol Will Have New Warning Label
Coming in October bottles of Extra Strength Tylenol will have a new warning label in bright red lettering on their caps saying "Contains acetaminophen. Always read the label." Johnson and Johnson, Tylenol's parent company is adding the warning in an effort to reduce...
New Compound Blocks Light Sensors – Potential Migraine Drug
Salk Institute for Biological Studies researchers have discovered that a series of compounds called opsinamides can block a receptor in the eye called melanopsin - a receptor found in neurons linking the eyes and the brain. Ten years ago the researchers found that...
Caffeine Facts
What is one of the most common drugs in the world that stimulates the central nervous system, which can make you feel more alert? Yes, you're right... caffeine! In moderate amounts it can boost your concentration and memory, and coffee in particular may help decrease...
Advanced Headache Pearls
Advanced Headache Pearls by Larry Robbins M.D. * DEFINITION OF PAIN "Official Definition" vs. "Pain is what the patient says it is, and it's as bad as the patient says it is. * MEDICATIONS : MINIMIZE Balance between headaches and medication. We do NOT want to...
The “Nocebo” Effect
The following is an article we posted on the Robbins' Nest Blog last August. We often hear about the "placebo effect"; it seems timely to mention again the "nocebo effect." A placebo is typically a fake medication used as a control in a medical trial. It can have...
Brain Workouts
A recent study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago was published in the July issue of Neurology. It found that greater cognitive activity in childhood, as well as middle age can make for a better brain in older age. Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen have a few...