Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headache: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You, That You Need to Know [Paperback]

Teri Robert's book "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches : What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know" is a superb, easy-to-read and comprehensive resource for anyone who needs help coping with chronic headaches or migraine disease.

Many friends and family members are getting a copy of this book right away -- because they desperately need the information. I can't tell you how many are migraine sufferers -- who have every classic symptom -- yet they suffer and muddle through, grabbing an aspirin here and there, thinking somehow that they're just having regular "headaches!" (Yoo hoo, friends and family, a regular old headache does NOT make you nauseous, sensitive to light, and out of commission for 2 days!!!)

I also know too many chronic sinus headache sufferers, and those who struggle with tension headaches, who need some answers, and will benefit greatly from the conventional and holistic approaches outlined by the author, who I've followed for years as a well-respected patient advocate and health writer in the area of headaches and migraine.

There's excellent advice on finding the right practitioners (it's not always as easy at it should be!), choosing the best medications, lifestyle choices that can help, and a big fat resource section in the back, filled with websites, organizations, books and other places to get additional information and help.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that anyone with migraines or chronic headaches get this book! And...pick up a copy for everyone you know who doesn't seem to be living well with their own migraine or headache problems, because this book could be the turning point for them.

The book begins with "Headache and Migraine Disease Basics" and provides specific information about types of headaches, descriptions of symptoms and current treatments. Occasional case histories personalize the text and offer insight into the debilitating pain of headache and migraine sufferers. Covering a great deal of general information, the book necessarily touches only lightly on some issues, leaving it up to the reader to pursue individual clues for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For the most part, this book addresses the types and treatments available to the patient. Although the author is not a physician, there is a thorough discussion of headache categories, symptoms, particularities and treatments, a guide through the confusing jargon and essential details for an accurate diagnosis. Part Two addresses the most important element of successful treatment: "Your Health Care Team and Treatment Regimen". The patient must chose the right doctor, ask the right questions and remain informed, proactive in his own treatment. When dealing with triggers and stress control, the author combines positive reinforcement and patient anecdotes, suggesting rigorous attention to diet and daily exercise, both critical for those seeking to alleviate constantly recurring headaches.

There is a comprehensive list of medications used for various types of headaches and a short discussion of Botox, which has proved to be quite effective for some patients, offering as much as three months of pain relief, an area to pursue with your doctor when personalizing your treatment. There is also a chapter on the triptans, specific medications (like Imitrex) that work to abort the migraine, "selective serotonin receptor agonists." A growing number of headache sufferers respond to these drugs, a light at the end of the tunnel for those who have been restricted to pain medications and the rebound headaches that occur from the use of such medications. Personally, I have had great success with triptans, allowing both physiological and psychological relief from the constant threat of headache pain. However, the use of triptans must be carefully monitored and may be mitigated by blood pressure.

"Emergency Care and Pain Management" speaks to the occasional need for an Emergency Room visit. There is a form (included) for your pain management physician to fill out, confirming the diagnosis, your regular treatment and suggested emergency room treatment. The form is helpful in avoiding the common suspicion of drug seeking behavior that is a common problem for ER staff. A glossary, frequently asked questions, recommended reading and various appendixes complete the volume. This book is helpful for the individual who needs basic information about treatment and diagnosis of chronic headaches. At the very least, the patient will be more knowledgeable and able to help the physician treat the problem as successfully as possible. Luan Gaines/ 2005.

This is THE BOOK for anyone who suffers with head pain and other symptoms associated with headaches or migraine disease. If you have been at a loss as to where to turn to get help and relief for your illness, I will tell you where to turn. TURN the pages of Teri Robert's Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need To Know. Her writings will help lead you toward wellness and self empowerment, and also assist you in managing all of your health issues, whatever they may be.

Teri Robert tells you what you "need to know" in battling symptoms that are interfering with your day to day life from a combination of approaches including: informative, educational, supportive and compassionate. As a sufferer of migraine attacks from the age of six Teri knows how it feels to have pain flood in and overtake you. She openly shares her personal experiences and ah-ha revelations in her life journey toward wellness. Testimonies from others are also included in her book which help readers feel that they are not alone.

I come from a family with a history of migraine disease and experienced my first migraine at the age of 19. My mother wasn't as lucky, hers began at age 13. I truly appreciate the journey Teri has taken in helping educate anyone who is willing to listen that we do have choices. We don't have to resign ourselves to living a lesser quality of life for the lack of available treatments or understanding doctors. If you allow her, she will help enable you in "pushing the envelope" so that you can get the help you need and also to never give up hope.