Some people suffer from headaches or migraines when they fly, but soon this may be a thing of the past. A study carried out in November, 2016 by Aalborg University may have successfully discovered mechanisms responsible, opening ways to develop a cure.
Flying to your destination in an airplane should be a treat but according to a detailed study by Aalborg University, two out of ten people who take flight means a crippling headache. Now, the same research group has been successful in investigation and finding a solution to the problem, and they also have a preliminary explanation.
“Significant changes occur in cabin pressure at take-off and landing, which may cause tissue inflammation and damage in the sinuses. This causes a release of substance PGE2, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels in the brain, leading to head pain,” says master’s student Michael Bao Dinh Hui.
Michael Bao Dinh Hui and Jorben Peterson conducted a study as a part of their studies in Medicine with specific Industrial Specialization (MedIS) at Aalborg University in association with their supervisors, Pasha Gazerani, Associate Professor. The results of this study has been published extensively in The Journal of Headache and Pain.
Tests in Flight Simulator
These Master’s students put their subjects in special pressure chamber that closely simulates pressure changes during a flight. During this “trip” regular saliva samples were taken to measure the stress hormone cortisol and PGE2 levels. Both these substances were prominent in people who suffered headache while flying.
“The elevated cortisol levels showed that all those who fly are very stressed. We already know that many of those who fly develop stress and anxiety when they travel, which can sometimes trigger a headache. It’s actually a vicious cycle. “ says master’s student Michael Sebastian Bao Dinh Hoi.
This Aalborg University research group has finally identified coritsol and PGE2 as the main cause of airplane headache, but this case is far from closed. Actually, it’s just a pilot project at this stage and more studies are needed to arrive at a final conclusion.
Treatment is Definitely on the Way
“We’re presenting our findings on the real cause of frequent airplane headaches, and thus, we’re also inching towards some good treatment,” says Master’s student Michael Bao Dinh Hoi.
Although more intensive data is required, the group is moving towards the last state of this three-stage interesting research project. After successful mapping of the extent of airplane headache, and then investigating the reasons for the problem, the group has more clues to work with. Michael is now starting his Master’s thesis at the University where he will closely examine potential treatments for airplane headache.
“There are already good results with the use of migraine medication tirptans to treat airplane headaches, as they prevent expansion of blood vessels in the brain. In my thesis, I will further measure various biological effects of triptans by inspecting saliva samples from several passengers while they are traveling, “ says Michael Bao Dinh Bui.
The project is slated to begin this spring where select passengers from Aalborg Airport will initially serve as the test group.