FDA Has Approved A New Medication Treatment For Migraines In Adults

Updated Feb 6, 2025 | 05:09 PM IST

SummaryMany people use the terms ‘migraine’ and ‘headache’ interchangeably. This leads many people to believe that migraines are not as serious as people make them out to be, and that cannot be more wrong, migraines have a major effect on a person’s lifestyle and the new approved medication may prove to be a great relief!
(Credit-Canva)

(Credit-Canva)

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.

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Deadly, Incurable Disease Traced To A Common Kitchen Design Choice In US

Updated Dec 13, 2025 | 02:00 AM IST

SummarySilicosis is a chronic and irreversible lung disease caused by long-term exposure to crystalline silica dust, leading to lung scarring, breathing difficulty and a higher risk of infections, especially in workers in mining, construction and stone fabrication.
SILICOSIS US

Credits: Canva

Quartz counters have become a staple in modern homes, helped by an eightfold jump in US imports and a reputation for durability, heat resistance and a polished, stone-like finish. Yet the growing demand has put a spotlight on the health risks faced by the people who cut and shape these slabs.

This week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued an alert about silicosis, a progressive and incurable lung condition. Officials confirmed the first known case in the state among a worker in the stone countertop fabrication trade.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a long-term lung condition that develops when a person repeatedly inhales tiny particles of crystalline silica found in materials such as sand, stone and quartz. These particles irritate the lungs and cause lasting scarring that makes it harder to breathe as the disease progresses. It is most often seen in jobs such as mining, construction and sandblasting.

There is no cure, though it can be avoided with proper safety controls. Common signs include a lingering cough, breathlessness, tiredness and a higher risk of infections such as tuberculosis.

Super Flu-Style Spike in Silicosis Cases Among Fabricators

Silicosis was once linked largely to mining and heavy construction. Today, it is increasingly seen among workers handling engineered stone, which carries far higher silica levels than natural options such as granite or marble. The American Lung Association estimates that about 2.3 million workers nationwide are exposed to silica dust in their jobs.

The illness develops when microscopic crystalline silica particles are inhaled during dry cutting, polishing or grinding. Early signs often include a persistent cough, mucus, breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort and swelling in the legs.

There is no cure. While symptoms can be managed, the condition can advance over time and raise the risk of lung cancer, tuberculosis and fatal complications. Massachusetts officials said the affected worker, a Hispanic man in his forties, had spent 14 years fabricating and installing stone countertops. The first US case connected to engineered stone was reported in Texas in 2015.

Growing Evidence From Across the Country

A 2023 investigation in California identified 52 workers with silicosis tied to quartz fabrication. Twenty had severe disease, and ten died before the research was completed. Despite the seriousness, quartz has not been banned. Instead, public health leaders are calling for stronger safety measures.

“This case is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not a far-off concern. It is present and harming workers here in Massachusetts,” said Emily H. Sparer-Fine, who leads the state’s Occupational Health Surveillance Program. She added that everyone in the supply chain has a role to play, including choosing materials with lower silica content.

Proposed protective steps include improved ventilation and routine medical checks for workers.

Why Regulators Are Sounding the Alarm

“Our study raises an urgent warning,” said Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, a pulmonologist with UC San Francisco and a co-author of the California report. “Unless action is taken now, we may see hundreds or even thousands of additional cases. Even with immediate change, new cases will continue to appear because silicosis develops slowly.”

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration set two national standards for respirable crystalline silica in 2016, capping workplace exposure at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour shift. Yet inspections in California in 2019 and 2020 showed that roughly 72 percent of the state’s 808 fabrication shops were likely not meeting these requirements, placing many workers at risk.

California has since adopted emergency silica rules, which became permanent in late 2024.

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Super Flu Surge In The UK Driven By Children Aged 5 To 14, New Infection Data Shows

Updated Dec 13, 2025 | 12:00 AM IST

SummarySuper flu cases are rising across the UK, with new data showing record infections among children and a sharp jump in hospital admissions. Here is what the latest UKHSA figures reveal and why health officials are urging vaccination before Christmas.
super flu cases

Credits: Canva

Flu infections are rising sharply in the community, according to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency. Children are now at the centre of this increase, which is the highest recorded for this point in winter. Health officials track flu spread through several monitoring systems, including lab checks on samples sent in by hospitals and GP practices when patients arrive with flu-like symptoms.

Superflu Cases Climb Across England

The latest UKHSA data shows that the flu positivity rate in England has risen to 21% from 17% the week before. Swabs taken specifically by GPs were 34% positive for flu, up from 24.2% last week. Children and young people aged five to fourteen continue to show the highest positivity levels.

This follows NHS reports confirming that the number of people in hospital with flu is at a record high for the season, with a 55% jump in admissions in only a week. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it, but time is running short before Christmas. If you are eligible, this is the last chance to arrange protection before the holidays, so book an appointment with the NHS now. If your child has not yet been vaccinated by the school immunisation team, they can still get their dose at a community clinic over the coming weeks.”

He added that parents unsure about local arrangements should reach out to their NHS school immunisation team, with schools able to direct them if contact details are not clear. Vaccination remains one of the strongest ways to prevent severe illness and hospital stays for those at risk.

Superflu Spread and GP Illness Trends

Flu and colds are both increasing, with GP practices reporting a higher consultation rate for flu-like symptoms at 18.3 per 100,000 registered patients. This is up from 13.2 per 100,000 the previous week.

Why The Superflu Season Is More Intense This Year?

The main strain circulating this winter is a drifted H3N2 variant, which the UKHSA says has left the community with “less natural immunity.” H3N2 strains tend to cause more serious illness in older adults than H1N1 strains and are linked to higher hospitalisations and deaths. This pattern adds further strain to the NHS during the winter months.

Current data shows that 71.7% of people aged 65 and over in England have received this year’s flu vaccine as of December 7. Uptake remains lower in those under 65 in clinical risk groups (37.4%), pregnant women (35.6%), and children aged two or three (41.9%).

Super Flu Precautions Ahead of the Festive Season

Dr Watson noted that there are simple steps everyone can take to limit transmission during the holiday period. Anyone with symptoms of flu or COVID-19, such as a high temperature, cough, or tiredness and aches, should try to limit close contact with others, especially those who are more vulnerable.

Regular handwashing and keeping indoor areas well ventilated can help reduce spread. For those who need to leave home while unwell, wearing a face covering is advised.

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Fact Check: Did Donald Trump Actually Use A Walker Following White House Signing Ceremony?

Updated Dec 12, 2025 | 02:44 PM IST

SummaryTrump Walker Photo: A viral photo claims to show President Donald Trump using a walker after a White House signing. Here’s what the fact-check reveals about the image and ongoing questions about his health. Keep reading for more details.
trump walker photo

Credits: Twitter/Canva

Trump Using Walker: A photograph circulating widely online shows President Donald Trump moving through the White House with the help of a walker. The image has been reposted across social platforms, driven by growing public interest in the president’s health.

Many users sharing it claim the picture was taken shortly after Trump “signed the executive order banning states from regulating AI.” The viral post comes at a time when the president’s health has been under sharp public attention, especially after reports that he recently underwent an MRI. This has raised the question: Did President Trump actually rely on a walker, or is the image artificially created?

Also Read: President Trump Says Media Reports On His Health Are All 'Fake, Seditious, Treasonous'

Trump Using Walker: Is President Trump Using A Walker To Walk Nowadays?

The picture in question shows Trump standing in a White House hallway, looking upward and appearing to support himself with a walker. The details, however, do not match reality. Another version of the same image has been shared online with the walker appearing in gold. No major news organisation or official White House photographer has released or confirmed the picture. All available signs point to the photo being edited or made with AI tools.

Several users also spread the image alongside claims that it was taken after he approved an executive order on artificial intelligence. Different versions of the post show the walker in various colours, including gold. These posts have drawn significant engagement, especially as online speculation about Trump’s health has become more frequent over recent months, often fuelled by exaggerated or misleading narratives.

Grok, the fact-checking tool, also reviewed the claims and stated, “The image appears to be digitally altered or AI-generated. No credible news reports confirm Trump using a walker in December 2025, though the executive order on AI regulation is real.”

Trump Walker: Amid Health Concerns, Donald Trump Says He "Aced 3rd Cognitive Exam"

President Donald Trump has said he recently achieved a perfect score on a third cognitive test as he works to push back against doubts about his age and sharpness. In a post on social media on Tuesday night, he wrote that, along with a set of “long, thorough, and very boring Medical Examinations,” he had taken a cognitive assessment “on three separate occasions, the last one being recently.”

“I ACED all three of them in front of large numbers of doctors and experts, most of whom I do not know,” Trump wrote. “I have been told that few people have been able to ‘ace’ this Examination and, in fact, most do very poorly, which is why many other Presidents have decided not to take it at all.”

Trump, who is 79, said he was sharing this information after what he called inaccurate reporting in The New York Times, which noted his official schedule has appeared lighter than in his first term, and pointed to moments where he closed his eyes for extended periods during meetings.

Donald Trump Walker: Donald Trump Health Concerns

As previously reported by Health and Me, President Trump has been dealing with a few medical concerns. The White House recently announced that he underwent an MRI as part of his yearly medical evaluation, which Trump described as “standard,” though he acknowledged he was not entirely sure what the doctors were assessing, according to USA Today.

Earlier this year, officials also disclosed that Trump had been diagnosed with a common vein issue that is usually manageable with treatment, after he was observed with swelling around his ankles. Despite these developments, the 79-year-old president continues to insist that his overall health remains strong.

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