BeCare Link

05/15/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞

Migraines are far more than “just headaches.” For millions of people, migraines can cause disabling pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and interruptions to work, family life, and daily functioning. One area of growing interest in migraine treatment involves the occipital nerves—important nerves located at the back of the head—and a procedure called an occipital nerve block.

The occipital nerves are a group of nerves that travel from the upper neck into the scalp. The two most important are the greater occipital nerve and the lesser occipital nerve. These nerves provide sensation to much of the back and top of the head.

Because they originate in the upper cervical spine and connect with pain pathways involved in migraine processing, irritation or overactivation of these nerves may contribute to headache symptoms. Many patients with migraines notice pain that begins in the neck or back of the head before spreading forward. Others experience scalp tenderness or sensitivity around the occipital region.

The brain’s pain-processing system is highly interconnected. Signals from the occipital nerves can interact with the trigeminal nerve system, which plays a major role in migraine generation. This overlap helps explain why pain originating in the neck or back of the head can trigger or worsen migraines.

Occipital neuralgia is a separate but related condition involving irritation of the occipital nerves themselves. Patients often describe sharp, shooting, electric-like pain in the back of the head. Sometimes occipital neuralgia can coexist with migraines, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

An occipital nerve block is a relatively simple office-based procedure in which medication is injected around the occipital nerves near the back of the head. The injection usually contains a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and sometimes a small amount of corticosteroid.

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes. During the injection, the physician identifies the location of the occipital nerve and injects medication into the area around the nerve. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, though the scalp may feel numb temporarily afterward.

Occipital nerve blocks may reduce migraine frequency and severity by calming irritated pain pathways. The anesthetic can interrupt pain signaling, while the steroid—when used—may decrease local inflammation.

For some patients, relief occurs within hours. Others may notice improvement over several days. Occipital nerve blocks are most commonly considered in chronic migraine, prolonged migraine attacks, migraines associated with neck pain, occipital neuralgia, or in patients who cannot tolerate certain migraine medications. The duration of benefit varies widely. Some patients experience relief for days, while others may improve for weeks or even months.

Occipital nerve blocks are not a cure for migraine disease. Instead, they are one tool among many available migraine treatments. Occipital nerve blocks are considered quite safe. Side effects are usually mild and temporary and may include soreness at the injection site, temporary numbness, mild bruising, or lightheadedness. Rare complications can include infection or allergic reaction.

The occipital nerves play an important role in the complex network of migraine pain pathways. For some patients, especially those with pain involving the back of the head or neck, occipital nerve blocks can provide meaningful relief and improve quality of life.

The BeCare Headache App can help by offering an exam and specific questionnaires to rule out an underlying medical illness and keep track of your headache symptoms and location as well as of your response to medications and connect you with other headache sufferers including those who have had occipital nerve blocks themselves. Be Aware with BeCare. Become empowered and be a driver in your own headache journey.

05/08/2026

𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Optic neuritis is one of the most common and often earliest signs of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When this inflammation affects the optic nerve—the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain—it can lead to sudden and sometimes alarming vision changes.

What is optic neuritis?

The optic nerve acts like a cable, transmitting visual signals so the brain can interpret what you see. In optic neuritis, inflammation disrupts this signal. In people with MS, this inflammation is caused by damage to myelin, the insulating layer around nerve fibers. Without healthy myelin, messages from the eye to the brain become slowed or distorted.

For some individuals, optic neuritis is the first clue that MS may be present. Others may develop it later in the course of the disease.

What symptoms should you look for?

Optic neuritis typically affects one eye at a time, though both eyes can be involved in rare cases. Symptoms usually develop over hours to a few days and may include:

- Vision loss: This can range from mild blurriness to significant loss of vision. Some people describe a “smudge” or dark spot in the center of their vision.
- Eye pain: Often worsens with eye movement and is a key distinguishing feature.
- Color vision changes: Colors may appear dull or “washed out,” especially reds.
- Flashing lights: Some people notice flickering or flashing when moving their eyes.
- Reduced contrast sensitivity: Difficulty distinguishing objects from their background.

A classic feature is that vision may worsen temporarily with heat or exercise—a phenomenon known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon.

How is it related to multiple sclerosis?

Optic neuritis is closely linked to MS because both involve immune-mediated damage to myelin. In fact, a significant number of people who experience optic neuritis—especially younger adults—may go on to be diagnosed with MS, particularly if brain imaging shows additional areas of inflammation.

Doctors often use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for these changes. The presence of lesions elsewhere in the brain increases the likelihood that optic neuritis is part of MS rather than an isolated event.

The good news is that most people experience substantial recovery of vision within weeks to months. However, recovery may not be complete. Subtle issues—like reduced color vision or contrast sensitivity—can persist even after eyesight seems to return to normal.
Repeated episodes can lead to cumulative damage, potentially resulting in more lasting visual impairment over time.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual situation. In many cases, optic neuritis improves on its own. However, doctors may recommend:

- High-dose corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone): These can speed up recovery, though they do not necessarily change the final level of vision regained.
- Disease-modifying therapies for MS: If optic neuritis is part of MS, long-term medications may be started to reduce future relapses and slow disease progression.

You should seek immediate evaluation by your neurologist, opthalmologist or primary care doctor with any sudden vision change, especially when accompanied by eye pain. While optic neuritis is a common cause of visual loss in younger adults, other conditions can also affect vision and need to be ruled out by your clinician.

The BeCare MS App can help, both by detecting a decline in your visual acuity and ability to discriminate colors and also by detecting other abnormalities in your neurologic function on your remote mobile phone-based quantitative and game-like neurologic exam. Be Aware with BeCare. Become empowered and be a driver in your own neurologic health.

04/30/2026

𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤
A recent article identified four classes of drugs that may increase the risk of developing dementia.

1.Anticholinergic Medications

- Commonly found in bladder medications, sleep aids, and allergy medications (such as Benadryl)
- These meds block acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory and learning.
- Long-term use has been linked to increased dementia risk and cognitive decline.
- This class has one of the strongest associations with dementia risk.

2. Benzodiazepines

Examples: diazepam (Va**um), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax)
- Used for anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders.
- Can cause sedation, confusion, and slowed thinking.
- Long-term use is associated with increased cognitive impairment and dementia risk.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Examples: omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole
- Used for GERD and ulcers.
- May contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency or low magnesium, affecting brain function.
- Evidence is mixed, but some studies suggest a possible association with cognitive decline.

4. Certain Antidepressants (with Anticholinergic Effects)

- Some older antidepressants have anticholinergic properties.
- These may impair cognition, especially in older adults.

Other brain-active medications that may worsen cognition include:
- Antipsychotics
- Barbiturates
- Sedative-hypnotics (e.g., Z-drugs)

It is important to distinguish between true dementia and reversible side effects from these medications. The side effects can worsen pre-existing confusion previously not identified and may also increase fall risk. The association does not prove causality and - any of these medications remain appropriate when used carefully. It is imperative to frequently assess the need for the meds as well as how much you are really need as the potential for increased risk of cognitive decline is often dose- and duration-dependent. The best plan is to discuss your medication list regularly with physician. Stopping these meds abruptly may lead to greater problems.

The BeCare Neuro App can help by allowing you to assess your cognitive health over time and compare how you are doing compared to your own previous self and to the general population. Be Empowered with BeCare. Become a driver in your cognitive health journey.

04/23/2026

𝐃𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬?

Migraines often run in families, but not because of a single “migraine gene.” They are a complex neurological condition shaped by multiple genes and environmental triggers like stress, sleep, hormones, and diet. Genetics can make the brain more sensitive to these triggers, lowering the threshold for an attack. This is why symptoms and triggers vary so much from person to person, and why tracking patterns matters. While genetic testing is rarely useful, understanding the biological basis of migraines has led to more effective treatments and better long-term outcomes.

BeCare Headache App can help you track your headache pattern, trigger and response to both preventive abortive medications. Be Aware with BeCare. Be empowered and become a driver in your headache journey.

Read more: https://becarelink.com/do-migraines-run-in-families/

04/17/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐮, 𝐀𝐦𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐧:𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬
When people hear terms like amyloid, tau, and synuclein, they can sound abstract, but they are simply different proteins in the brain that, when they behave abnormally, contribute to neurodegenerative disease. Amyloid builds up outside brain cells and is often an early event in Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes beginning years before symptoms appear. Tau, in contrast, forms tangles inside neurons and is more closely linked to memory loss and cognitive decline. Synuclein also accumulates within cells, disrupting systems that control movement and behavior, which is why it plays a central role in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. While these proteins are often described separately, many disorders overlap in practice, making accurate diagnosis increasingly important as new biomarkers and treatments continue to emerge.

Neurodegenerative disorders do not always fit neatly into one category or another. Making the diagnosis is very important because there are new advances available to patients on a regular basis. By taking advantage of new therapeutics, patients can improve their quality of life and sometimes even longevity.

BeCare Neuro and BeCare Parkinson’s can help identifying abnormalities on your neurologic examination, which can prompt you to seek evaluation by the appropriate specialist and can direct your specialist to order the correct Bio markers.

Be aware with BeCare. Become empowered. Be a driver in your own healthcare journey.

04/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

There are numerous types of headaches and each one carries it’s own unique characteristics, as well as having different treatment regimens. Two headaches that might seem similar are cluster headaches and Ice Pick Migraines. It may seem confusing to suggest that that cluster headaches could be similar to migraines , but Ice pick migraines are not the same as classic migraines even though they are experienced by migraine sufferers. In fact, about 40 % of migraine sufferers have ice pick migraines as compared to the general population and the characteristics of ice pick migraines are very distinct from a classic migraine.

Classic migraines are generally experienced unilateral throbbing headaches with light sensitivity, nausea, are sometimes preceded by an aura, and last 4-6 hours while cluster headaches are burning pain lasting a shorter period of time and occurring in cycles.

So, let’s take a deeper dive into Cluster headaches vs. “ice pick” headaches (primary stabbing headaches) — they may both involve sharp pain, but they’re very different experiences:

⚡ Cluster Headaches
- Extremely intense, burning or piercing pain (often described as one of the worst pains imaginable)
- Usually centered around one eye or one side of the head
- Lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours
- Occur in cycles (“clusters”) over weeks or months
- Often come with tearing, nasal congestion, or a drooping eyelid
- Can happen multiple times a day, often at the same time
- Are more common in men than women (80% of people with cluster headaches are men)

🧊 Ice Pick Headaches (Primary Stabbing Headaches)
- Sudden, sharp stabbing pain—like an “ice pick”
- Very brief: typically a few seconds (rarely longer than a minute)
- Can occur anywhere on the head
- No warning, no pattern, and usually no other symptoms
- Can happen sporadically throughout the day
- Are more common in women than men (70% women), this is a 2:1 ratio of women to men as compared to 3:1 ratio of women to men in classic migraine
- Most commonly occur as random brief stabs without a full migraine developing but can also occur as pre-migraine (prodromal association); they often are experienced as superimposed sharp stabs during an ongoing migraine and often occur in the same location as the migraine pain.

🧠 Key Difference:
Cluster headaches are longer-lasting, cyclical, and come with additional symptoms, while ice pick headaches are ultra-brief, random, and isolated stabs of pain.

If you believe you may be suffering from either cluster headache or ice pick migraines, BeCare Headache can help by offering a probable diagnosis, tracking your headache frequency, and educating you about your headache type and best treatment options through the BeCare AI assistant. Be Aware with BeCare. Be empowered and become a driver in your own headache journey.

https://becarelink.com/the-difference-between-cluster-headaches-and-ice-pick-migraines/

03/27/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭? 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐬

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurologic condition that can begin at any age, most commonly between 20 and 40. Early symptoms often go unnoticed or are mistaken for stress, leading to delays in diagnosis. Pediatric and late-onset MS are less common but present unique challenges. Age and gender can influence symptom patterns and disease course, making early awareness and specialist evaluation crucial. BeCare MS empower patients to track neurologic health, compare trends, and connect with the MS community for support and guidance.

Read more here: https://becarelink.com/when-does-multiple-sclerosis-start-understanding-onset-across-ages/

03/18/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

Migraines are not just bad headaches. For many people, they are closely tied to hormonal shifts that most people do not think twice about. From the rise and fall of estrogen during your cycle to the impact of birth control, the same hormones that regulate your body can either stabilize migraines or make them worse. Why do some people find relief on the pill while others see symptoms intensify, especially during the placebo week? Can you safely use birth control if you have migraines, and which options are actually recommended? For those with migraine with aura, why is estrogen sometimes avoided due to increased stroke risk? Understanding these answers is not just medical detail. It can fundamentally change how you approach both migraine management and reproductive health.

Read more here: https://becarelink.com/the-connection-between-migraines-and-hormones/

03/13/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐒 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often discussed as a disease of the brain, but the spinal cord plays a critical role in how symptoms develop and progress. Because so many nerve fibers are tightly packed within the spinal cord, lesions there are more likely to produce noticeable and lasting symptoms, from difficulty walking and balance issues to bladder and bowel dysfunction.

MRI remains essential for detecting these lesions early, sometimes even before symptoms appear, making early diagnosis and treatment key to slowing disease progression. With more than 20 FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies available today, proactive monitoring and timely care can significantly impact outcomes.

BeCare MS App can help by monitoring your neurologic exam over time and recording your symptoms. If you detect worsened neurologic function, you can be proactive by working with your doctor to find the most appropriate treatments to protect your neurologic health. Be empowered. Become a driver in your own MS journey. Be Aware with BeCare.

https://becarelink.com/where-are-my-ms-symptoms-coming-from/

03/04/2026

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐎𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

That dream trip to high altitudes—whether it’s the Galapagos, Machu Picchu, or a ski week in Utah—can quickly lose its glow if set in.

Altitude-related headaches are common above 8,200 feet and can bring throbbing pain, nausea, fatigue, and sleep disruption, especially for those with a history of migraines.

Gradual ascent, hydration, limiting alcohol, and preventive medications like acetazolamide can significantly reduce risk, while red-flag symptoms such as confusion or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention. Symptoms don’t always end when you land back home, either; “reverse” altitude effects can cause fatigue and headaches for a few days as your body readjusts. Tracking patterns and triggers is key.

🧠 BeCare Headache App empowers travelers to better understand, prevent, and manage headaches, so the only thing you bring home from your trip is a good story.

Read more:

Planning for that bucket-list trip to the Galapagos, Machu Pichu or for that yearly ski trip to Utah? You need to be aware of the possibility of getting headaches from high altitudes both during and after the trip, especially if you are a migraine sufferer. The more you know, the better you can prep...

02/26/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨 𝐌𝐒 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐮?

Patients with Multiple Sclerosis can experience the same illnesses as anyone else, yet overlapping symptoms often make it difficult to distinguish between baseline MS, a flare, medication side effects, and infections like the flu.

Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, headaches, and diarrhea can occur in both MS and influenza, and individuals with MS may face higher infection risk and more severe outcomes, including hospitalization.

Because antiviral treatments are most effective within 48 hours, early testing is essential when symptoms change, along with proactive monitoring and timely communication with a physician.

BeCare MS Link can help you monitor your neurologic exam to determine whether there is objective evidence of new or worsening neurologic function. Be empowered. Become a driver in your own MS journey. Use BeCare to Be Aware.

Read more: https://becarelink.com/how-do-ms-patients-fare-with-the-flu/