Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Before we delve more deeply into the details of Migraine disease and headaches, it will help to have some background information about how many people..." (more)
Key Phrases: graine disease, neuronal stabilizing agents, ice pick headaches, United States, Social Security, National Migraine Association (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this addition to the "Living Well" series, patient advocate Robert provides current information on headaches and migraine disease, treatments, personal stories and coping techniques. The author, a longtime migraineur, stresses that although many migraine sufferers are unaware of treatment options, at least 95 percent of sufferers can benefit from preventive regimens once correctly diagnosed. Migraines, Robert explains, are not simply bad headaches, but a "genetic neurological disease that flares up when we encounter triggers" and can take many forms-tension, cluster, or rebound, which is brought on by medication overuse-each of which require different treatments. Robert notes new medication developed to treat stroke, seizures and depression are now used for migraine disease, welcome news for sufferers who have for years ridden out migraine attacks with over-the-counter pain medication. She details "trigger" identification and management by listing the many triggers of headaches and migraines, and reviews preventive, "abortive" (which adjust neurotransmittal levels) and complementary therapies. With case studies and examples of patient advocacy, Robert also urges her readers to learn coping skills and to seek support from others, providing a clear overview of her subject with the authority of personal experience and a researcher's determination.
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Review

"A breath of fresh air for headache sufferers and their families." -- William B. Young, MD, Director, Inpatient Unit, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; Associate Professor of Neurology Jefferson Medical College,Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"A must read for anyone who struggles with Migraine disease or anyone who loves, lives or works with a Migraneur." -- Michael John Coleman and Terri Miller Burchfield, MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association

"An upbeat, practical and intelligent survey of our current understanding of migraine and frequent headaches." -- Elizabeth Loder, MD, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

"This book is a wealth of knowledge, understanding, and compassion." -- Roger Cady, MD, founder and director, Headache Care Center, Springfield, Missouri

"This book will be of great help and support to those suffering with migraine and other chronic headaches." -- Robert S. Kunkel, MD, Cleveland Clinic Headache Center

"[O]ne of the most far-reaching books in educating the public about migraine disease and headaches…spectacularly empoweing." -- John Claude Krusz, Ph.D., MD, ANODYNE Headache and Pain Care

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; 1 edition (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060766859
• ISBN-13: 978-0060766856
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,346 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do You Want An Excellent Resource With Practical Answers and Solutions for Your Migraine and Headache Concerns?, November 2, 2005

By	Mary (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

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.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "An educated patient is a better patient.", December 2, 2005

By	Luan Gaines "luansos" (Dana Point, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Live Well... turn the pages and find out how, November 29, 2005

By	Phylameana lila Désy (Burlington, IA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.