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Abstract
Topamax®, developed to treat epilepsy, is also used as a preventative for migraine. In this case study, students read about a woman experiencing a side-effect of Topamax and from there move to a review of acid-base balance in the human body. The case study questions force the students to think about basic concepts related to buffers, pH, and equilibria, and challenge them to make specific connections. The case has two versions: one for physiologists and a second one for chemists/biochemists (titled "One Headache After Another: Biochemistry Edition"). This is the physiology version. Both versions cover acid-base balance to a similar extent, with the physiology version covering more of the factors involved with metabolic acidosis and exercise physiology. Both versions are geared to upper-level undergraduates.