Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
09:25
Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
12.0K
Tobacco, Nicotine, and Headache
1Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Headache
|July 4, 2015
Summary
Migraine sufferers often report tobacco smoke as a headache trigger, though evidence is conflicting. Reducing tobacco exposure is recommended for all headache patients to improve functionality and reduce disability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tobacco use is a significant global health issue linked to headache-related disability.
- Environmental tobacco exposure exacerbates headaches in migraineurs.
- Current migraine treatment rarely emphasizes tobacco avoidance or coping strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine tobacco product exposure in headache sufferers.
- To review mechanisms linking tobacco (nicotine) to headache pain.
- To synthesize literature on tobacco and headache, offering recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar (up to May 2015).
- Used MeSH terms: "tobacco," "smoking," "headache," and "headache disorders."
- Included case series and screened bibliographies; no language or human study restrictions.
Main Results:
- Tobacco smoke is reported as a trigger by migraineurs but not consistently among the most frequent.
- Data are predominantly noncontrolled and retrospective; limited prospective data exist.
- While some studies conflict, an association between headache, pain, and tobacco exposure persists.
Conclusions:
- Patient-reported environmental tobacco exposure as a headache trigger has conflicting evidence.
- Prospective controlled studies are needed to clarify tobacco's influence on headaches.
- Decreased tobacco exposure is advised for headache patients due to other health risks and potential for improved functionality.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
2.3K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.3K
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
1.6K
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
1.6K
01:29Stimulants
1.3K
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
1.3K
01:17Drug Dependence
1.9K
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
1.9K
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
989
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
989
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
1.3K
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
1.3K