Vestibular migraine is a disabling health condition characterized by severe, recurrent attacks of vertigo. A Cochrane review assessed the benefits and potential harms of medications used to try to prevent these attacks. Key Facts: Only 3 small studies, with 209 participants in total, were identified that compared medications to placebo or no treatment The studies …
Ménière’s disease, a debilitating inner ear disorder, has long puzzled scientists and patients alike with its unpredictable episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Recent studies have explored the potential benefits of lifestyle and dietary changes in managing this condition, but the evidence remains uncertain. Key Facts: Ménière’s Disease Impact: Affects the inner ear causing …
New research provides clarity on the most effective cessation aids available. Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes help the greatest proportion of people quit long-term. Slowly tapering nicotine dose before ending treatment may also boost success rates. Bupropion slightly raises the risk of serious side effects. Key Facts: Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes have the highest quit rates, …
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting up to 15% of adults. While sedative medications are often prescribed, their long-term use can lead to dependence. As an alternative, antidepressants are widely used in clinical practice despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy and safety for insomnia. Key Facts: Insomnia affects up to 15% of adults, causing …
Current antidepressants can take weeks to improve symptoms of depression. New research explores reasons for this delay and provides clues to develop more rapid-acting drugs. Key Facts: Most antidepressants increase brain serotonin and norepinephrine, but their mood benefits are delayed for weeks. Researchers are investigating other mechanisms that could explain this lag. Two leading theories …
Minor or subthreshold depression causes significant suffering and impairment, despite falling short of a major depression diagnosis. Effective early treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent progression to major depression. Both psychotherapy and antidepressants show efficacy, with antidepressants possibly having a slight advantage. In a shared decision-making model, patient preferences and values …
New research reveals that people with a history of methamphetamine dependence face a startling elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or related movement disorders later in life. Key Facts: Individuals dependent on methamphetamine had almost 3 times the rate of Parkinson’s outcomes compared to matched controls from the general population. For women with methamphetamine dependence, the risk …
A large review of research found that talk therapy works about as well as antidepressant medications for treating depression. The study also looked at other non-drug options, like exercise. While benefits were similar across treatments, side effects differed. Key Facts: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) achieved comparable results to medications for treating major depression. Remission rates …
The NLRP3 inflammasome is increasingly being recognized as a mediator between inflammation and depression. Targeting this molecular complex shows promise for developing new antidepressant therapies. Key Facts: The NLRP3 inflammasome is made up of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins that trigger inflammatory responses when activated. Evidence shows the NLRP3 inflammasome is overactivated in the brains …
The naturally occurring peptide BPC 157 shows potential to treat stroke, schizophrenia symptoms, and spinal cord injury in animal models. Key facts: BPC 157 rapidly counteracted stroke damage and led to full recovery of memory, coordination and movement in rats. The peptide alleviated schizophrenia-like symptoms and catalepsy in rodent models by modulating dopamine, glutamate and …
