Name: The Migraine Solution: A Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Pain Management
Rating: 3.45 (8 reviews)
ISBN: 9780312553319

Fran

Author 57 books147 followers

January 29, 2012

The Migraine Solution
Authors: Paul Rizzoli, MD, FAAN
Elizabeth Loder: MD, MPH
Liz Neporent

Reviewed By Fran Lewis

So, you think you understand your headaches! Everyone gets one at one time or another. We are all plagued by the dreaded pounding, pain and throbbing on one side of your head, behind your eyes, neck or your entire forehead. Yes! You guessed it! You have some type of headache. Unfortunately, the dreaded migraine which this great resource deals with has taken over your entire day causing that shopping spree or movie you wanted to see to be postponed or worse missing going to work or visiting with a dear friend. So, let’s get down to it and start understanding the culprit. Explaining the different types of headaches, their causes and how they are diagnosed is the first step to getting a handle on them and hopefully eliminating them and finding as the title states you own: “Migraine Solution.”

There are two types of headaches discussed: Primary and Secondary. With the help of the International Classification of Headache Disorders whose information is always being updated even as we write or read this review, the authors have created a resource with a wealth of valuable information to help you the patient be more informed. Primary Headaches are the most common. The most prevalent of those is the tension type, which by the way does not necessarily mean that you cannot handle stress. They are not always causes by tension or stress. Many experts state or speculate that they are milder forms of migraines. The diagnosis, according to the authors, is not an indication of how you handle stress. These headaches do manifest themselves across the forehead or in the back of your head. The pain is often referred to or thought of as a head sensation described as “dull tightness.” No fun to say the least. These headaches, if you get them are often accompanied with nausea, vomiting or even blurred vision. Page 6 will elaborate on the rest. Let’s move on to the Cluster Headache. These are quite scary according to the patient describing them in the book. Starting out of nowhere or shall we shall suddenly, it could take an hour or two to be in full bloom and bam: the pain is sharp, penetrating and occurs behind one eye. I am too familiar with these. There are more symptoms described in detail in this chapter on page 7. However, having experienced this type of headache you really want to read this chapter and understand it because at times you do feel like banging your head against the wall or praying for a miracle to get rid of it. The symptoms can go as fast as they come but they do come back.

Let’s meet Suzanne who shares with the reader her bouts with Chronic Daily Headache Syndrome and how this mild head pain has affected her life. Causes: People who do not get them all the time but intermittently. These headaches, according to the authors increase in frequency and eventually plague the poor headache victim on a daily basis. These are not easy to treat. They full explanation of this type of headache and the causes and much more starts on page 9. The rest of the chapter continues with the definition of a migraine and the full scope of what they are, how they can be treated and most important: Never to ignore them.

Moving to Secondary headaches next. These can be caused by a head cold, sinus infection or flu. Less common causes are infection, tumor and bleeding. There are quite SERIOUS! How they are caused and the full explanation starts on page 15. Many doctors attribute these headaches to high blood pressure, meds for high blood pressure and meds to control menopausal symptoms. They are nicknamed: thunderclap headaches. Fits, don’t you think? The chapter concludes with “How to think about your headaches and a checklist posted called when to worry on page 20.

Now: let us define migraine in Chapter 2 and the triggers in chapter 3 followed by evaluating your migraines in Chapter 4. Lots to cover. The definition started as any relentless headache. The chapter describes the types of headaches, defines the different types of auras and how to deal with them on pages 24-27. The primary cause starts in the brain and is graphically explained on the pages to follow with a full diagram and more. So! Why is it that women are three times more likely to these than men? You decide on that answer for yourself.

Some think headaches run in the family and decrease, as you get older. The percentage of sufferers is described in detail in page 31 including stomach upset on page 32. Now, let’s get down to Chapter 3 and the Migraine Triggers which includes foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and any things that can cause that painful pounding in her head. Let’s start with the fact that a gun has a trigger and when you pull it the person at the other end feels more than must pain. You: if you eat, drink do not get enough sleep and drink can think of these things as your bullet and you alone pull that trigger. Chapter four will explain how to evaluate your own headaches by keeping a headache diary which includes the frequency of your headaches, days times and much more including a headache journal allowing you to judge the gravity of your headaches. Next, finding the right doctor beginning with your Primary Care doctor followed by other resources and your Doctor’s appointment and how to prepare. What is totally invaluable are the questions on page 81 that will help you guide your visit and understand that to expect. Diagnostic Testing is vital before any treatment can take place. You might need a CT scan, MRI or other tests to help determine the gravity of your headaches and what treatment is needed. Special Cases takes up Chapter 7 including Women and Migraines the many different causes. As a child I would get a migraine right before my period and I thought it would never leave. Right before and sometimes right after. How these are treated and the reasons behind them including migraines during pregnancy are detailed and outlined in this chapter. Of course let’s not forget that men get them too especially cluster headaches. The chapter includes children and migraines and seniors.

What medications are prescribed and which ones should you take are answered in Chapter 8? Tylenol, NSAIDS, Aspirin, caffeine that is the most controversial. Some think caffeine is a trigger and others seem differently. Too much is said to produce headaches and eliminating it might not be the right thing either. The chapter continues with how some patients self-treat their migraines with Decongestants and others might take Beta- blockers, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Calcium-Channel blockers and how some migraine sufferers deal with anticonvulsants. Other solutions such are ergots, Botox, Triptans and how much to take are all discussed ending with other prescription meds. There are several new drugs on page 139 that are potential new migraine abortive drugs. Read pages 139-140 to learn about these new meds. Chapter 9 focuses on alternative treatments, which includes the definitions of complementary, alternative and integrative medicines plus manual therapy and electrical approaches. Complementary includes supplements, energy therapies to name just a few and much more. Lifestyle changes follows including exercising which does help me, getting more sleep, I even use a wedge pillow which helps my back and head, relaxation and biofeedback. There is much more but I think you need to learn the rest for yourself. The final chapters focus on migraine management, how they take their toll, hopefully explaining them to your family and getting the support you need, and getting the support at work and in general. Chapter 12 focuses on emergency care and Chapter 13 on the author’s final thoughts, which includes that there is no magic wand or perfect cure for migraines. Use this book as a great resource to help you get started. It is clear cut, easy to understand, no difficult medical terms to define and it takes the reader and the migraine sufferer gently through the journey many still need to take to find your own MIGRAINE SOLUTION! Chapter 14 has tons of resources, additional, readings, a sample health history questionnaire that you might even fill out before seeing your doctor to help you understand the process and what might be asked of you. This will keep you better informed and of course the checklist of questions to ask at your first visit. Migraine Trigger Checklist, which I found invaluable, Prodrome Symptom Checklist that includes warning signs of migraines in their early stages. This list might help you learn how to recognize your migraines before they become too severe. Page 239 will provide this list. Headache Diary page 241 and many other invaluable resources that you can read for yourself. So: What are you waiting for? Take that first step. Read the book. Learn more about Migraine and find your own special solutions. Remember: before doing anything or starting any program or taking any medications always see your doctor first.
LET’S GIVE THIS BOOK: FIVE NON MIGRAINE DAYS AND MANY MORE TO FOLLOW

Fran Lewis: Hopefully no longer a migraine sufferer.

The Migraine Solution: A Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Pain Management

Paul Rizzoli

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