Headaches are a common symptom of a stressful lifestyle, your body not feeling well and other issues. While headaches can be dealt with easily, migraines are not so easy to handle. Migraines are a type of headache that feels like severe throbbing and pulsing sensation, almost like you are hearing your own heartbeat in your brain, usually on one side of the brain. Many people believe that migraines are not that big of a deal because you just have to deal with the pain, but that is not all migraine is, some people find it very difficult to do their daily tasks as they experience dizzying spells, nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound! These attacks can last hours and make it difficult for people to go about their daily lives as well. While there are medications available for migraine patients, these medications need time to take effect, so you may be in a lot of pain, but there are not many quick reliefs you can have in place other than learning the symptoms of a migraine attack and taking medication before it happens. But a new approval by the FDA may change this!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Symbravo, a new medicine to treat acute migraine attacks in adults. This means adults can now use Symbravo to get relief from their migraine symptoms. The FDA's decision was based on the results of three big studies, called Phase 3 trials. These trials involved over 21,000 migraine attacks, so the FDA has a lot of information about how well Symbravo works and how safe it is. The FDA only approves medicines that have been shown to be both safe and effective through a thorough testing process.

Importance of New Treatment Option

"Migraine attacks can happen suddenly and really mess up people's lives. It's estimated that over 39 million people in the U.S. alone get migraines," said Herriot Tabuteau, M.D., CEO of Axsome Therapeutics told US News. This shows how common migraines are and how important it is to have good treatments. "Symbravo gives patients and doctors a new option that can quickly stop a migraine attack, keep it away, and let people get back to their normal activities, all with just one dose." Having a medicine that can give fast and long-lasting relief from migraine pain is a big deal for millions of people. This new treatment is a real step forward in how we treat migraines.

Symbravo Trial Results, How Was It Approved

The trials took place in 3 steps, the Momentum trial study focused on people whose migraines had moderate to severe pain. The results showed that a lot more people taking Symbravo felt pain-free two hours after taking the medicine compared to those who took a placebo which is a dummy pill. Even better, many people felt relief for up to 24 and even 48 hours after just one dose. This long-lasting relief is really important for people with migraines because it means they can get back to their normal lives without worrying about the pain coming back. The study also looked at how many people were free from their worst symptom, like sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea. Symbravo worked better than the placebo in this area too.

While the intercept trial looked at people who took Symbravo when their migraine pain was still mild. Even when the pain was just starting, Symbravo was effective. The results were similar to the MOMENTUM trial, with many people getting pain relief and relief from their worst symptoms. Treating migraines early is often better because it can stop the pain from getting really bad.

And lastly the Movement trial which was to see how safe the medication is when people take it regularly. This study followed 706 people who had at least two migraines a month. The most common side effects people experienced were sleepiness and dizziness. While these side effects are important to know about, the study showed that Symbravo is generally safe for people to use on a regular basis.

A treatment already popular in the US for skin care, pain relief, and faster healing may soon be known for something far more serious. A new study suggests red light therapy could help protect football players’ brains from chronic inflammation caused by repeated hits to the head.

Experts say the findings are early but promising, especially in the ongoing search for ways to reduce long term brain damage in contact sports.

What Is CTE?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. It is commonly found in former football players, boxers, and military personnel exposed to blast injuries. Over time, the condition can cause memory loss, confusion, mood changes, aggression, and eventually problems with movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. There is currently no cure, and doctors still do not know how to slow its progression.

Why inflammation matters in CTE

For now, the only proven way to lower CTE risk is to reduce repeated brain trauma through better helmets, rule changes, and fewer hits to the head. But with more than 100 former NFL players diagnosed with CTE after death and many more suspected cases, experts agree that prevention tools alone are not enough.

Researchers believe chronic inflammation in the brain plays a major role in how CTE develops and worsens over time. If that inflammation can be reduced early, it could potentially limit long term damage.

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, has already been shown to reduce inflammation in other parts of the body. It works by stimulating energy production inside cells and improving blood flow, which helps tissues repair and recover.

Inside the football study

To see whether the therapy could help the brain, researchers at the University of Utah Health studied 26 collegiate football players during a full season. Half received active red light therapy using a light emitting headset and a small device placed inside the nose. The other half used an identical looking device that did not emit light.

Players completed three 20 minute sessions each week over 16 weeks. Brain scans were taken before and after the season.

Read: 21-year-old Billy Vigar Of Chichester City Dies Of Sustaining Brain Injury

The results were striking. MRI scans showed that players in the placebo group experienced a significant increase in brain inflammation by the end of the season. In contrast, those using red light therapy showed little to no increase, with protection seen across most brain regions.

Why experts are paying attention

Specialists who reviewed the findings say the results align with what scientists already understand about inflammation and brain injury. Reducing the inflammatory response after repeated impacts could help limit the damage that builds up over time.

Another advantage is that the therapy is non invasive and does not involve medication. Most users report no major side effects, which makes it especially appealing for athletes.

That said, experts caution against buying over the counter red light devices. The therapy requires very specific wavelengths that can penetrate skin and tissue effectively. Many consumer products do not meet those standards.

Researchers stress that more studies are needed to confirm long term safety and effectiveness. A large Department of Defense funded trial is already planned, involving 300 people with persistent concussion or traumatic brain injury symptoms, including veterans and first responders.

If future research continues to show benefits without harm, red light therapy could one day become part of how teams protect athletes’ brains, not just in football, but across many sports.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi opened up about a cancer scare. Now, 38, the Jersey Shore star, posted on her TikTok an emotional video, where she explained that she has been dealing with abnormal pap smear results. She said that it has been about four year since the precancerous cells were found. Because of that she had to undergo an "uncomfortable" colposcopy and biopsy.

She said that when the results came back, the doctor informed her that her cervix is "Not looking great". The doctor had found cancerous cells on the top of her cervix. She said that she would soon need a cone biopsy under anesthesia for further testing. "I am terrified. It is scary, but we have to get it done because cervical cancer is nothing to joke about."

She said, "But whatever to keep me healthy and safe to be here for my kids that I have now," referring to her three children with her husband Jionni LaValle.

In her TikTok video, she said that she is scared and freaking out. She also said that she hopes to find community on social media with other women who have been through the same.

She also agreed to delaying her routine examination because of fear. "I waited on my appointments because I knew I might not get great results but also because I didn't want to feel the pain. I didn't want to deal with the stress of having to deal with all of this," she said.

Talking about her TikTok video, she said, “Just making this video to spread awareness to make sure you get your pap smears. And if your doctor calls you to do it again, do it, Make sure you are fine and prevent all the bad things that could happen, like cervical cancer." She said she was nervous but also shared that she received a lot of support from her friends and family. "Being a woman is not easy and is definitely a scary thing. I know I am going to be fine. It is just scary."

Read: Oncologist Reveals 5 Subtle Cervical Cancer Signs That You May Miss

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact.

When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous.

Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries. Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests).

Dr Ninad Katdare told News18: "In its early stages, it is often more of a whisper than a shout. As a cancer surgeon who has treated hundreds of women with gynaecological cancers, I can say with confidence that recognizing these subtle cues can lead to earlier diagnosis and significantly better outcomes."

Nipah virus outbreak in India has led to nearly 100 people being quarantined. The first two cases identified in the eastern state of West Bengal in two nurses working in the private hospital in Barasat, near the state's capital Kolkata, has led to more testing. New cases, including a doctor, a nurse and a health staff member was confirmed and reported by the news wire agency PTI.

People with latest infections were admitted to the infectious disease hospital in Beleghata, whereas the earliest two people are still admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital. Reports noted that the condition of the male nurse is improving, however, the woman nurse remains to be in a critical condition.

India is facing Nipah virus cases and contagion every year now. Experts are now cautioning people against the zoonotic nature of the viral infection. Rajeev Jayavedan, the former president of Indian Medical Association, Cochin, told The Independent, that infection among humans are rare and caused by the accidental spillover due to human-bat interface, which means consumption of fruits that may have been infected by bats. “This is more likely in rural and forest-adjacent areas where agricultural practices increase contact between humans and fruit bats searching for food,” he said.

Health and Me previously reported on how doctors are now advising people to be cautious while eating food. Speaking to TOI, Dr Aishwarya R, Consultant, Infectious Diseases at Aster RV Hospital advised people against eating certain food, including fruits fallen from trees, unpasteurized date palm sap and any other fruits without washing. The doctor explained that this infection can spread with infected animal who could bite fruits and spread the virus through their saliva.

Read: Nipah Virus India: 100 People Quarantined, Doctor Issues Food Warnings

Nipah Virus Tested In West Bengal Bats

A survey conducted on bats in West Bengal found no active Nipah virus infection. Though there were antibodies detected in one specimen, which indicated prior exposure. This was confirmed by a senior state forest department official on Tuesday. The survey was conducted amid the identification of two confirmed Nipah virus cases.

What Is Nipah Virus?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.

During the first recognized outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal.

In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products (such as raw date palm juice) contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection.

Human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus has also been reported among family and care givers of infected patients.

Read: Doctor Debunks Five Myths Around Nipah Virus

Nipah Virus Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough and sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain and severe weakness