Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 37 in total

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  1. Wong LP, Alias H, Bhoo-Pathy N, Chung I, Chong YC, Kalra S, et al.
    J Headache Pain, 2020 Jun 08;21(1):68.
    PMID: 32513174 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01144-z
    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Productivity and monetary loss due to migraine in the workplace may be substantial. This study aimed to determine the impact of migraine on productivity and monetary lost among employees in the banking sectors, in a multiethnic middle income country.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among employees in two multinational banks in Malaysia between April and July 2019. Screening for migraine was conducted using the self-administered ID-Migraine™ questionnaire. Migraine-related disability (MIDAS) and headache frequency were recorded. Impact of migraine on work productivity and activities were evaluated using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Of the 1268 employees who submitted complete responses, 47.2% (n = 598) were screened positive for migraine. Strikingly, the mean percent productivity loss at work (presenteeism) was almost 20-fold higher than the mean percent work time missed due to migraine (absenteeism) (39.1% versus 1.9%). The mean percent productivity loss in regular activity (activity impairment) and overall work productivity loss (work impairment) was 38.4% and 39.9%, respectively. It was also found that the costs related to presenteeism (MYR 5392.6) (US$1296) was 3.5-fold higher than absenteeism (MYR1,548.3) (US$370). Highest monetary loss related to presenteeism was reported in migraineurs with frequency of headache of above 3 days (MYR 25,691.2) (US$6176), whereas highest monetary loss related to absenteeism was reported in migraineurs with MIDAS grade IV (MYR 12,369.1) (US$2973). Only 30% of migraineurs of MIDAS grade IV reported taking prescribed medication. Notably, a vast majority (96%) of migraineurs who had three or lower episodes of migraine per month did not seek treatment.

    CONCLUSION: The significant impact of migraine on work productivity and regular activity, appears to lead to substantial monetary loss attributed to not only absenteeism, but more importantly to presenteeism. This study also highlights the unmet needs in migraine management among employees in the banking sector.

    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/economics*; Migraine Disorders/epidemiology*; Migraine Disorders/therapy
  2. Tzeng HR, Lee MT, Fan PC, Knutson DE, Lai TH, Sieghart W, et al.
    Neurotherapeutics, 2021 Jan;18(1):569-585.
    PMID: 33111258 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00951-1
    Migraine is caused by hyperactivity of the trigeminovascular system, where trigeminal ganglia (TG) play an important role. This hyperactivity might originate from an underfunctional GABAergic system in TG. To investigate this possibility, we adapted a mouse model of migraine by inducing migraine-like grimaces in male mice via repeated injections of nitroglycerin (NTG, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), once every 2 days, for up to 5 sessions. Migraine-like facial pain scores were measured using the mouse grimace scale. Repeated NTG treatments in mice caused significant increases in migraine-like grimaces that were aborted and prevented by two anti-migraine agents sumatriptan and topiramate, respectively. After 5 sessions of NTG injections, the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, 65-kDa glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), but not the GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) or the α6 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs), was downregulated in mouse TG tissues. Taking advantage of the unaffected TG α6GABAAR expression in NTG-treated mice, we demonstrated that an α6GABAAR-selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM), DK-I-56-1, exhibited both abortive and prophylactic effects, comparable to those of sumatriptan and topiramate, respectively, in this migraine-mimicking mouse model. The brain-impermeable furosemide significantly prevented the effects of DK-I-56-1, suggesting its peripheral site of action, likely via preventing α6GABAAR modulation in TG. Results suggest that a decreased GABA synthesis caused by the reduced GAD65 expression in TG contributes to the trigeminovascular activation in this repeated NTG-induced migraine-mimicking model and that the unaltered α6GABAARs in TG are potential targets for migraine treatment. Thus, α6GABAAR-selective PAMs are potential anti-migraine agents for both abortive and preventive therapies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/chemically induced; Migraine Disorders/drug therapy*
  3. Toh, Tsun-Haw, Lim, Kheng-Seang, Ng, Ching-Ching, Imran Idris, Sherrini Bazir Ahmad, Lim, Thien-Thien, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary disease of small cerebral arteries. This case series aims to describe the mutations in NOTCH3and their phenotypes in Malaysia. We includedpatients who were genetically confirmed to have CADASIL, diagnosed at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Family members who fulfilled clinical or imaging criteria, and patients from two previous published Malaysian families were also included. Six families (eleven cases) were included in this series. Genetic testing revealed NOTCH3 mutations in c.328C>T (p.Arg110Cys, R110C), c.553T>G (p.Cys185Gly, C185G), c.1630C>T (p.Arg544Cys, R544C) and c.160C>T (p.Arg54Cys, R54C). Two out of four Chinese families had R544C mutation in exon 11, with a later age of onset, absence of migraine and lack of anterior temporal pole involvement on MRI. One family with mixed Indian and Chinese ancestry had a mutation in exon 3 with R110C and another Indian family exon 4 with C185G mutation. This case series highlights the genotypic and phenotypic variability of CADASIL in a multi-ethniccountry. The finding of p.Arg544Cys mutation among the older Chinese families, similar to those reported in Jeju Island and Taiwan, suggest the need to screen the older Chinese stroke patients with typical MRI changes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
  4. Teo WP, Kannan A, Loh PK, Chew E, Sharma VK, Chan YC
    J Clin Diagn Res, 2014 Sep;8(9):MM01-2.
    PMID: 25386478 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/9377.4886
    BACKGROUND: Two small studies had evaluated the efficacy of rTMS in migraine. One tested high frequency rTMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex while the other evaluated 1 Hz rTMS over the vertex.
    AIM: To test the feasibility of 10 Hz rTMS of motor cortex as an adjunctive therapy in patients with chronic migraine
    Materials and Methods: We randomized (2:1 ratio) chronic migraine patients on medical preventive treatment to receive either rTMS or sham therapy for 10 sessions. rTMS (80% resting motor threshold, 10Hz, 20 trains, 5 secs/train, inter-train interval 1 min, total 1000 stimuli/session) was applied over the right motor cortex.
    RESULT: Nine patients were randomized. Six received rTMS and three had sham therapy. Three patients in the rTMS arm withdrew from the study due to increased headache frequency and discomfort from the treatment. The remaining six cases (3 rTMS, 3 sham) completed the study. The study was prematurely stopped due to the significant worsening of headache from rTMS. No significant differences in outcome measures were found between real and sham rTMS.
    CONCLUSION: Although the study was terminated prematurely, the high dropout rate (50%) due to worsening headaches suggested that rTMS over the motor cortex is poorly tolerated in chronic migraine.
    KEYWORDS: Adverse effect; Central sensitization; Chronic migraine; Cortical excitability; Headache; rTMS
    Study site: Neuroscience clinic of National University Hospital, Singapore
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders*
  5. Tan, Ciang Sang, Haiza Hani Hamidon, Zainah Shaikh Hedra
    MyJurnal
    Background: A 9 year old boy presented with history of persistent headache and recurrent vomiting for 1 month post dental extraction. CT brain was performed for the possibility of space occupying lesion but it was normal. Subsequently, he was treated as migraine after exclusion of meningitis and intracranial lesion. Unfortunately, he developed 3rd, 4th and 6th cranial nerve palsy two weeks later. Repeated CT brain showed subtle finding and inconclusive. MRI brain performed at the time showed features suggestive of basal skull osteomyelitis with congestion of right orbit and optic nerve swelling. Case was referred to Paediatric Neurologist and he was diagnosed to have cranial nerve palsy secondary to basal skull osteomyelitis, post dental extraction.

    Conclusion: Dental procedure is common among children, however basal skull osteomyelitis with cranial nerve palsy is a rare complication. Adequate treatment of dental infection post dental procedure is important to prevent this complication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
  6. Tan HJ, Suganthi C, Dhachayani S, Rizal AM, Raymond AA
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):56-8.
    PMID: 17682573 MyJurnal
    Migraine is associated with a variety of electroencephalographic (EEG) changes. Previous studies using analogue EEG and old diagnostic criteria may under or over report the prevalence of EEG changes in migraine. The objective of this study was to reevaluate the EEG changes in migraine patients diagnosed by applying the new International Classification of Headache Disorder -2 criteria. This was a case control study involving 70 migraine patients and 70 age and gender matched control who were subjected to scalp EEG. The EEG changes during hyperventilation (HV), which were significantly more common in the migraine group were theta activity (34 vs 22, p = 0.038) and frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) (10 vs 3, p = 0.042). Applying the new ICHD -2 diagnostic criteria and digital EEG, this study yielded previously unrecognized features including FIRDA during HV on EEG.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/classification; Migraine Disorders/diagnosis*
  7. Tan HJ, Suganthi C, Dhachayani S, Rizal AM, Raymond AA
    Singapore Med J, 2007 Apr;48(4):307-10.
    PMID: 17384877
    Migraine is associated with a variety of personality traits. The objective of this study was to reevaluate the personality traits using Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in migraine patients diagnosed by applying the new International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 criteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/psychology*
  8. Tan CT
    Family Practitioner, 1982;5(3):61-62.
    A study of 50 healthy nurses from the University Hospital showed that 72% had chronic headache. Among those who had chronic headache, 33% were due to migraine. Another 30% were probable migraine subjects and 33% suffered from tension headache. Twenty two nurses had headache more than once a month and 18 nurses described the headache as moderate to severe. The common precipitating factors mentioned were tension, exposure to the sun, lack of sleep and menstruation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
  9. Tai MS, Yap JF, Goh CB
    J Pain Res, 2018;11:1255-1261.
    PMID: 29988763 DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S158151
    Background: The literature on the dietary trigger factors of headache among the South East Asians is limited.
    Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the dietary trigger factors of migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in Malaysian patients, consisting of Malays, Chinese and Indians.
    Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, patients presenting with migraine and TTH to a neurology clinic between April 2010 and June 2017 were recruited. The patients were given a comprehensive dietary list consisting of 25 specified types of food and drink items as well as other unspecified types of food and drink items which were possible dietary triggers. The data on these dietary triggers and missing meals were collected.
    Results: A total of 684 patients with headache (319 migraine and 365 TTH patients) were recruited. One hundred and fifty-eight (23.1%) patients had missing meals as trigger. Two hundred and fifty-five (37.3%) patients had dietary triggers; 141 (44.2%) patients with migraine and 114 (31.2%) patients with TTH had dietary triggers. Eighty-four (52.8%) Malay, 28 (41.8%) Chinese, 25 (32.5%) Indian migraine patients and five (38.5%) migraine patients from other ethnic groups, had dietary triggers. Some 58 (40.0%) Malay, 27 (25.2%) Chinese, 22 (23.9%) Indian patients and 7 (29.2%) patients from other ethnic groups with TTH had dietary triggers. The most common dietary trigger factors were coffee (19.9%), chocolate (7.5%) and food rich in monosodium glutamate (5.6%). Logistic regression showed that chocolate (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.06-4.41, p = 0.035) and coffee (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.12-2.68, p = 0.014) were significantly associated with migraine compared to TTH.
    Conclusion: Chocolate and coffee significantly triggered migraine compared to TTH. Inter-ethnic differences were observed for dietary trigger factors.
    Study site: Neurology clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
  10. Tai MS, Yet SXE, Lim TC, Pow ZY, Goh CB
    Curr Pain Headache Rep, 2019 Feb 21;23(2):12.
    PMID: 30790108 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-019-0760-6
    In this review, we discussed the types and frequencies of trigger factors of primary headache [migraine and tension-type headache (TTH)] among adult patients. We assessed the influence of geographical location, ethnicity and gender on the various trigger factors of a migraine and a TTH. We also evaluated the trigger factors among the multi-ethnic Southeast Asian adult patients. In a recent study, odor triggered more migrainous headaches compared to the other primary headaches. Odor was observed to be specific of migraines. Moreover, stress is one of the most common trigger factors for patients with migraines and TTHs worldwide. Migrainous patients have an increased sensitivity in comparison to non-migrainous patients. Furthermore, these patients have much difficulty in adapting to the high level of sensitivity, and the sensitized brain is therefore more vulnerable to trigger factors. In addition, the presence of one trigger factor may increase the exposure of other trigger factors. This phenomenon is more marked in the patients with migraines who have stress and menstruation as triggers, predisposing them to be more sensitive to other triggers. In conclusion, the geographical location factor has an influence on the trigger factors of headaches. Ethnicity may have an effect due to the cultural differences. Change in weather and sunlight are important commonly identified trigger factors for headaches. Moreover, gender differences in some trigger factors are present among the patients with headaches, especially sunlight and sleep deprivation. More research studies can be conducted to have a better understanding on trigger factors in the future. This will enable proper identification of trigger factors, leading to a decrease in the number of headache episodes and an improvement in quality of life for patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/etiology; Migraine Disorders/epidemiology*
  11. Shoji Y, Cohen HV
    MyJurnal
    Migraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder. Ipsilateral radiation of pain to orofacial regions, including teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints, although not a common complaint, could occur. The area of involvement may obscure the diagnosis and lead to unnecessary dental treatment. A case is presented in which a patient initially sought dental care for left jaw pain that radiated to her left maxillary teeth and temple region and she was also experiencing discomfort in the left masticatory musculature. Subsequently a medical consult diagnosed migraine headache without aura and fortunately unnecessary dental treatment was not done. The key issue here is the complexity of the Trigeminal nerve when the dentist is assessing a patient for dental or other orofacial pain complaints and dental pathology has been ruled out. Equally as important is the dentist taking thorough medical history since a patient may not tell a dentist about a “headache” because the pain is in the teeth and/or jaws. And, perhaps most important is the final differential diagnosis whether made by the dentist or medical care provider.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
  12. Sheshala R, Khan N, Darwis Y
    Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 2011;59(8):920-8.
    PMID: 21804234
    The aims of the present research were to mask the intensely bitter taste of sumatriptan succinate and to formulate orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of the taste masked drug. Taste masking was performed by coating sumatriptan succinate with Eudragit EPO using spray drying technique. The resultant microspheres were evaluated for thermal analysis, yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro taste masking. The tablets were formulated by mixing the taste masked microspheres with different types and concentrations of superdisintegrants and compressed using direct compression method followed by sublimation technique. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content, water content, in vitro disintegration time and in vitro drug release. All the tablet formulations disintegrated in vitro within 37-410 s. The optimized formulation containing 5% Kollidon CL-SF released more than 90% of the drug within 15 min and the release was comparable to that of commercial product (Suminat®). In human volunteers, the optimized formulation was found to have a pleasant taste and mouth feel and disintegrated in the oral cavity within 41 s. The optimized formulation was found to be stable and bioequivalent with Suminat®.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/drug therapy
  13. Shaik MM, Hassan NB, Tan HL, Gan SH
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:523717.
    PMID: 25632394 DOI: 10.1155/2015/523717
    Disability caused by migraine may be one of the main causes of burden contributing to poor quality of life (QOL) among migraine patients. Thus, this study aimed to measure QOL among migraine sufferers in comparison with healthy controls.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/epidemiology*
  14. Shaik MM, Hassan NB, Tan HL, Bhaskar S, Gan SH
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:435856.
    PMID: 25121099 DOI: 10.1155/2014/435856
    BACKGROUND: The study was designed to determine the validity and reliability of the Bahasa Melayu version (MIDAS-M) of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire.

    METHODS: Patients having migraine for more than six months attending the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, were recruited. Standard forward and back translation procedures were used to translate and adapt the MIDAS questionnaire to produce the Bahasa Melayu version. The translated Malay version was tested for face and content validity. Validity and reliability testing were further conducted with 100 migraine patients (1st administration) followed by a retesting session 21 days later (2nd administration).

    RESULTS: A total of 100 patients between 15 and 60 years of age were recruited. The majority of the patients were single (66%) and students (46%). Cronbach's alpha values were 0.84 (1st administration) and 0.80 (2nd administration). The test-retest reliability for the total MIDAS score was 0.73, indicating that the MIDAS-M questionnaire is stable; for the five disability questions, the test-retest values ranged from 0.77 to 0.87.

    CONCLUSION: The MIDAS-M questionnaire is comparable with the original English version in terms of validity and reliability and may be used for the assessment of migraine in clinical settings.

    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/diagnosis*
  15. Shaik MM, Tan HL, Kamal MA, Gan SH
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2014;13(5):828-35.
    PMID: 24040787
    Migraine is a neurovascular disease that has classically been attributed to multifactorial aetiologies, with genetic components and environmental interactions considered the main influence. Genes such as flavoenzyme 5, 10- methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), especially the C677T variant, have been associated with elevated plasma homocysteine levels. This elevation in homocysteine results in an array of metabolic disorders and increased risk of complex diseases, including migraine. Catalysation of homocysteine requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Deficiencies in these cofactor vitamins result in hypomethylation, which triggers migraine. Because migraine predominantly affects females, it is hypothesised that fluctuating oestrogen levels, which are governed by oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, are important. Another important factor is homocysteine, the production of which is dependent upon MTHFR and B vitamins. Gene expression is modulated through epigenetic mechanisms, which involve methionine. Additionally, folate plays a major role in DNA synthesis. We propose that vitamin B intake, coupled with MTHFR and oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, causes differential DNA methylation and gene expression that may contribute to the occurrence of migraine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/etiology; Migraine Disorders/genetics*; Migraine Disorders/metabolism
  16. Shaik MM, Hassan NB, Tan HL, Bhaskar S, Gan SH
    J Headache Pain, 2015 Mar 14;16:22.
    PMID: 25903056 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-015-0509-5
    BACKGROUND: The Structured Migraine Interview (SMI) is a valid and reliable instrument for migraine diagnosis. However, a Malay version of the SMI is not available to be applied to the local Malaysian population. This study was designed to access the validity and reliability of a new Malay version of the SMI questionnaire.
    METHODS: Patients with headache attending the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, were screened against the inclusion/exclusion criteria before recruitment. A standard translation procedure was used to translate and adapt the questionnaire into the Malay language. The translated version was tested for face, content and construct validities. Subsequently, validity and reliability studies were conducted (1(st) compilation), followed by retesting seven days later (2(nd) compilation).
    RESULTS: A total of 157 patients between 15 and 60 years of age were enrolled in this study. The kappa value was 0.70 (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/diagnosis*
  17. Shaik MM, Gan SH
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:469529.
    PMID: 25815319 DOI: 10.1155/2015/469529
    Migraine is the most common form of headache disorder globally. The etiology of migraine is multifactorial, with genetic components and environmental interactions considered to be the main causal factors. Some researchers postulate that deficits in mitochondrial energy reserves can cause migraine or an increase in homocysteine levels can lead to migraine attacks; therefore, vitamins could play a vital role in migraine prevention. For instance, riboflavin influences mitochondrial dysfunction and prevents migraine. Genes such as flavoenzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), especially the C677T variant, have been associated with elevated plasma levels of homocysteine and migraine with aura. Homocysteine catalyzation requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, which can decrease the severity of migraine with aura, making these vitamins potentially useful prophylactic agents for treating migraine with aura. Menstrual migraine, on the other hand, is associated with increased prostaglandin (PG) levels in the endometrium, indicating a role for vitamin E, which is an anti-PG. Vitamin C can also be used as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species for treating neurogenic inflammation in migraine patients. This paper reviews possible therapies based on vitamin supplementation for migraine prophylaxis, focusing on migraine with aura and menstrual migraine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/blood; Migraine Disorders/complications; Migraine Disorders/diet therapy*; Migraine Disorders/pathology
  18. Sathasivam S, Sathasivam S
    J Cardiol, 2013 Apr;61(4):256-9.
    PMID: 23484805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2012.12.005
    There is conflicting evidence on the causal relationship of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in migraine. This review will examine the pathophysiological relevance of PFO in migraine, the epidemiological evidence of PFO causing migraine, and the existing evidence on the effectiveness of closure of PFO on the symptomatology of migraine. From the current available evidence, the role of PFO in migraine is debatable, and interventions such as closure of PFO cannot yet be considered routine treatment of migraine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/etiology*; Migraine Disorders/therapy
  19. Rahman A, Segasothy M, Samad SA, Zulfiqar A, Rani M
    Headache, 1993 Sep;33(8):442-5.
    PMID: 8262786
    The pattern of analgesic use, abuse and incidence of analgesic-associated nephropathy in 79 patients with chronic headache was studied. Sixty-eight of these patients had migraine. Most patients had consumed a combination of analgesics (81%) while 19% had taken single analgesics for their headache. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly used analgesics (96.2%) followed by paracetamol (70.9%) and aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compounds (5.1%). Mefenamic acid was the commonest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumed (97.4%). Analgesic abuse which was defined as a minimum total of 1 kg of analgesics such as paracetamol or aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compounds or 400 capsules/tablets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was noted in 65 patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly abused analgesics (89.2%) followed by paracetamol (38.5%). Forty-five of the 65 analgesic abusers had an intravenous urogram or ultrasound performed and renal papillary necrosis was documented in one patient. Three (4.6%) of the analgesic abusers had mildly raised serum creatinine levels. Mild proteinuria of less than 1 gm/litre was present in 27.7% of abusers. In conclusion, although analgesic use and abuse is common in patients with chronic headache, the short term incidence of analgesic-associated nephropathy (2.2%) and renal impairment (4.6%) was low. Prolonged observations will be necessary to ascertain the safety of these drugs for long term use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders/drug therapy*
  20. Nor Dalila Marican, Rozita Hod, Nadiah Wan-Arfah, Azmi Hassan
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):933-938.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments
    affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition constitutes a
    significant public health problem and was listed as a prevalent health
    complaint in most societies. Even though there are many anecdotal claims
    for reflexology in the treatment of various conditions such as a migraine,
    arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but very little clinical evidence exists for
    reflexology on the management of low back pain per se. This study aims to
    evaluate the effects of foot reflexology therapy as an adjunctive treatment to
    the Malaysian low back pain standard care in relieving pain and promoting
    health-related quality of life among people with non-specific low back pain.
    Methods This is a parallel randomized controlled trial with pre and post-treatment
    study design. The study setting for the intervention located at Penawar
    Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 100
    participants with non-specific low back pain will be allocated to one of two
    groups, using a randomization computer program of Research Randomizer.
    The control group will receive low back pain standard care, while the
    intervention group will receive standard care plus eight sessions of foot
    reflexology therapy. The pain intensity and health-related quality of life
    scores will be measured using Visual Analogue Scale and Euro-quality of
    life scale respectively in both groups. The study was approved by the
    Human Research Ethics Committee of University Sultan Zainal Abidin
    (UHREC/2016/2/011). The study protocol was registered at
    ClinicalTrials.gov, with the ID number of NCT02887430.
    Measurements Outcome measures will be undertaken at pre-intervention (week 1), postintervention
    (week 6) and follow-up (week 10).
    Conclusions This will be the first trial to compare the foot reflexology therapy with
    control group among people who medically diagnosed with non-specific low
    back pain in Malaysia. The result of this study will contribute to better
    management of this population, especially for Malaysia healthcare setting.

    Study site: Penawar Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Migraine Disorders
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