Link between headaches and brucellosis

The Migraine Research Institute and Headache Clinic released a press release in which it explored a link between chronic headaches in humans and brucellosis. The institute warns farmers to take necessary steps to protect their herd against this disease. Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from animals to humans. “The most common ways that brucellosis is transmitted is through direct contact with an infected animal, through your skin, eating unpasteurised products such as milk or cheese or through inhaling infected aerosols,” states the press release.

The Institute referred to the Medical Journal of Iran, and a documented case where a 25-year-old woman was treated for a persistent and severe headache that lasted for three months. Painkillers had minimal effect. She had no other symptoms and a psychological examination was conducted which showed no abnormalities.

“The most prevalent symptom of brucellosis is a constant progressive headache which can present itself up to three weeks from infection. After many tests, a blood sample indicated that the patient had brucellosis.”

The Institute recommends patients with the same symptoms to consult a doctor and ask to be tested for brucellosis. – Migraine Research Institute and Headache Clinic