The first Irish research project into migraine will investigate whether psychological factors (anxiety, stress and depression) influence headache type. Levels of brain neurochemicals, serotonin in particular, will also be examined, as will the possibility of a genetic factor in migraine. Heading the research team is Dr Eugene Cassidy, clinical fellow in neuropsychiatry and psychiatrist at the Migraine Clinic in Beaumont Hospital. There are an estimated 350,000 migraine sufferers in the Republic. More details of this project will be given at the Migraine Association of Ireland information day and a.g.m. on Sunday next at the Royal Dublin Hotel, O'Connell Street, Dublin from 2 p.m to 5 p.m. Speakers include Dr Orla Hardiman, consultant neurologist, Beaumont Hospital and Ann Turner, director of the Migraine Action Association, London. Admission £5, tel: 018724137.
People who experienced a reduced oxygen supply either before or at birth, or who were born after a long and complicated labour, may be at higher risk for developing schizophrenia. A study of just under 700 people born between 1959 and 1966, found that 6 per cent of those who suffered a reduced oxygen supply either before or at birth developed schizophrenia while 0.39 per cent of those without such complications developed it. Birth complications may be the trigger that promotes schizophrenia in those with a genetic disposition to the mental illness, concludes study co-author, Dr Gwen L. Zornberg of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. (Reuters Health)
UP to 225 children with learning disabilities in parts of the Eastern and North Eastern Health Board regions took holidays with host carers in 1998. As well as providing a break for the family, the scheme, known as Breakaway, has created a better community awareness of the needs of the children. A group of agencies with responsibilities for children with special needs is recruiting new host carers who will complete a short preparation course. Carers are paid daily expenses during the holidays. Contact Catherine Boylan, St John of God Centre, Islandbridge, Dublin 8, on tel: 01-6778593.
Work by artists, including Fergus O'Ryan, Desmond Carrick and Nancy Larkin, will be on sale on Saturday and Sunday next as part of a fund-raising initiative for the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght. The exhibition takes place in the Education Centre of the Adelaide and Meath Hospitals, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
lifelines@irish-times.ie
