Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medications That Relieve Them- Fully Revised and Updated [Paperback]

Lawrence Robbins M.D. (Author), Susan Lang (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0618044361 | ISBN-13: 978-0618044368 | Publication Date: July 14, 2000 | Edition: Rev Upd Su

A revolution has occurred in the headache field in the last ten years. Yet many people who suffer from headaches never consult a doctor, believing that no help is available, while others become frustrated and give up the search for relief.
Fully revised and updated, this valuable book can save you time and trouble and help you stop the pain. It describes the full range of treatment options for migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. It includes easy-to-understand information on the actions and side effects of hundreds of over-the-counter and prescription medications that prevent or abort headaches or dull the pain of a headache in progress. Special highlights: Details on the medications that have revolutionized migraine treatment Discussion of how hormones affect migraines Quick-reference guides to the medications that are most likely to work for your particular condition Helpful suggestions on how to describe your headache to your physician Hard-to-come-by information on headaches in children, teens, women, and people over fifty Alternative treatments, including herbs and acupuncture Self-help strategies such as relaxation techniques and biofeedback A national index of headache clinics and organizations

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Although headaches can't necessarily be cured, they can be controlled with certain lifestyle changes and, if needed, the wise and judicious use of modern medications," says neurologist Lawrence Robbins, M.D., founder of the Robbins Headache Clinic in Northbrook, Illinois. Robbins, who suffers from migraines himself, contends that many sufferers just put up with headaches, even though revolutionary modern treatments are effective and available. "Tragically, although headache doctors now have the medical know-how to help more than 90 percent of headache sufferers, more than 70 percent of sufferers never even consult a doctor about their headaches," Robbins writes.

If you suffer from severe headaches, nondrug therapies--while certainly worth trying--may not be enough. Therefore, the authors describe nonmedication strategies, but mainly focus on the vast array of medications that can dramatically reduce headache pain. For example, 10 pages describe "first-line medications for aborting migraines" in detail (including description, typical dose, and side effects) and in a clear, understandable style. If those don't work for you, the authors present "second-line medications" in similar detail. It's better not to have the migraine in the first place, of course, so you'll also learn many ways to prevent migraines, both drug and nondrug. Headache Help also helps you with tension headaches, cluster headaches, headaches in children and adolescents, and less common headaches. The first time you find relief from a chronic headache that you thought you had to endure, you'll be glad you read this book. --Joan Price

Review

"A great little book: thorough, comprehensive, well researched." - NATIONAL HEADACHE FOUNDATION

"A reassuring book for headache sufferers and a must-read for those who work in physicians' offices." Neuropractice

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; Rev Upd Su edition (July 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618044361
• ISBN-13: 978-0618044368
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #820,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Headaches

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Migraine sufferer from Michigan, April 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medications That Relieve Them- Fully Revised and Updated (Paperback)

This is the most comprehensive headache book I've found. Other's I've read are biased towards pushing only drug therapies or only non-drug therapies. If you suffer from headaches, this is the only book you need to read. If you're doctor seems to be getting nowhere helping treat your headaches, give him/her a copy.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Headache Book I've Seen, June 29, 2000

By 

Davis Designs/Arlene Davis (Highland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medications That Relieve Them- Fully Revised and Updated (Paperback)

I have read through most of the headache books that I've been able to find. This book is a cut above the rest of them. I just got the new edition of Headache Help, and it does go into great detail about all the medications I'm interested in. What separates this book from the rest is the incredible length and depth which the book delves into all these various headache medications. It is a great book to use to help you with your doctor, and as a reference for the different headache medicines and approaches.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best I found, September 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medications That Relieve Them- Fully Revised and Updated (Paperback)

I think that this one has been the most helpful of all the books I read....I particularly like the chapters on the medicines...very complete......highly recommended...JOH