Pennsylvania Headache Center- PHC

02/04/2026

HOW MUCH EXERCISE IS NEEDED TO HELP MIGRAINE?

Existing studies suggest that aerobic exercise has clinically relevant benefits for migraine. However the optimal standard regimen was not defined.

Recent research, led by Daniel Ogrezeanu and colleagues, published in the Journal Headache, aimed to assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on migraine intensity and frequency. The researchers conducted a dose–response meta-analysis of fifteen previously published studies evaluating the effect of exercise on migraine. The meta-analysis showed a significant decrease in pain intensity and migraine frequency between pre and post aerobic activity interventions in those with migraine and support a recommendation of: 3 weekly 30-min aerobic sessions over 10–11 weeks to achieve improvement in migraine frequency and severity.

10/17/2025

09/10/2025

You Don't Have A Sinus Headache! Take the ID Migraine Quiz.

Take this 3 question quiz to see what headache you may have and talk with your doctor about the results.

Sinus headaches are real. Most often sinus headaches are with an active sinus infection. More often than not when you have a headache and the sinus discharge is clear and not associated with a temperature or other signs of infection - it is migraine. Migraine, by itself, can be associated with autonomic symptoms due to parasympathetic pathways being activated that lead to a sterile rhinorrhea (nose running) or nasal congestion.

PHC is a non-narcotic, headache center founded by author and clinician-scientist, Dr. Lee Peterlin. PHC is dedicated to improving the lives of those with headache disorders.

07/23/2025

STROKE NOT INCREASED WITH HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION

Unnecessary confusion still surrounds the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in the setting of migraine and particularly in those with migraine with aura (MwA).

Despite new data from studies that consistently show that stroke risk is not increased with today's very low dose combined hormonal contraception containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE), contraceptive use, however, is still restricted by some clinicians and guidelines. And this restriction is largely due to concerns of increased stroke risk.

In the era of hormonal contraception containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE) such concerns are antiquated and originated from data published over half a century ago (in the era of HIGH dose contraceptives) and ignore multiple newer studies.

It is time clinicians and guidelines revisit this and consider ALL the data including the CURRENT data on stroke with today's very low dose combined hormonal contraception containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE) - particularly for women with migraine.

Data show that stroke risk is not increased with today's very low dose combined hormonal contraception containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE).

07/23/2025

The Impact of Contraception on Migraine aura: a retrospective case series

In a study published in the journal Headache in 2012, Drs. Anne Calhoun, Sutapa Ford and Amy Pruitt evaluated if extended-cycle dosing of an ultralow dose vaginal ring contraceptive decreases frequency of migraine aura and prevents menstrual related migraine (MRM). Twenty-eight women met study criteria, none of whom were smokers.

Use of an extended-cycle vaginal ring contraceptive was associated with a reduced frequency of migraine aura and with resolution of MRM.

07/07/2025

Classic Response for Novel Scientific Discoveries or Theories

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." — Arthur Schopenhauer
Truth evolves through resistance to acceptance. Professionals championing truth foster resilience, driving progress by navigating skepticism and opposition in transformative landscapes.

05/06/2025

I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR FACEBOOK OR META TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA.

04/23/2025

Episodic Migraine Risk Greater in Those with Obesity.

Multiple large epidemigical population studies have demonstrated that the risk of episodic migraine is nearly 30% higher in individuals with obesity.

04/11/2025

SKIPPING MEALS BAD FOR MIGRAINE

Did you know that skipping a meal or fasting is a more substantial trigger for migraines than individual foods?

04/08/2025

Much thanks to our amazing patients & the great team at Pennsylvaniansa Headache Center who helped make this award possible!

12/09/2024

Almost 25% of Patients on Atogepant for Migraine Prevention Experienced a 7% or More Weight Loss After 52 Weeks of Use

Migraine, whether episodic or chronic, is comorbid with obesity. Atogepant is a CGRP receptor antagonist that is associated with modest weight loss. In the most recent publication of Cephalalgia, weight loss in participants taking atogepant for migraine prevention was evaluated.

Weight loss was observed beginning at week 2 of daily use of atogepant, which reached to a 2% weight loss after 40 weeks. In the pooled long-term safety trials of atogepant lasting over a year (up to 16 months), 24% of participants on atogepant 60 mg per day experienced a 7% or more weight loss, as compared to just under 15% of those given placebo.

09/07/2024

Targeting pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a new avenue for treating migraine. The efficacy and safety of intravenous Lu AG09222, a humanized monoclonal antibody direct...