The Women's Migraine Survival Guide: The most complete, up-to-date resource on the causes of your migraine pain--and treatments for real relief (Paperback)

by Christina Peterson (Author) "Her migraine came on without much warning, leaving Amy temporarily paralyzed..." (more)
Key Phrases: menstrually associated migraines, continuous estrogen therapy, tensiontype headache, Awoke With No Headache, Hours Headache Free, Hours Neutral No Mild Afternoon Afternoon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
As a neurologist specializing in migraine and headache care (and one of America's 18 million female migrane sufferers as well as), Peterson is well prepared to advise women on coping with this chronic problem. While admitting up front that medical science has not yet learned just how or why migraines begin, she nevertheless provides a great deal of basic, helpful information, describing the different kinds of migraines and their symptoms and demolishing the many confusing myths about them. She outlines the most common factors that trigger migraines and demonstrates how to keep a headache diary that will help a woman and her physician identify her specific triggers and thus avoid them. The all-important matter of finding the right doctor is treated frankly, and the vast assortment of medications and alternative therapies currently available is described fully. Since hormonal changes are the reason why three times as many women as men have migraines, Peterson's discussions of the effects of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause on migraines are especially valuable. Helpful tips on coping with migraines at work and at home are also included in this practical, accessible guidebook. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
An Oregon physician provides smart advice on how to identify migraine headaches, treat them, and prevent their interference with day-to-day life. She discusses the difference between migraines and other types of headaches, the newest medications available, and touches on alternative therapies that might work. She even covers how to get your insurance company to pay for a headache specialist. There is a practical discussion of identifying migraine triggers such as food, stress, and alcohol and avoiding them. Though much of the advice in this book would be appropriate for men as well, the chapters on migraine during pregnancy, menopause, and the menstrual cycle explain the "women's" in the title. The tone is clear and readable with a you-can-do-it attitude. Inexpensive and useful, this book is recommended for public and academic libraries.AElizabeth A. Williams, Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Ctr. Lib.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Collins Living; 1 edition (September 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060953195
• ISBN-13: 978-0060953195
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #394,451 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a MUST READ for migraineurs & their families, November 22, 1999

By	Toni S. (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

My best friend suffers from migraines and I wanted to get her a book that might help.

I chose Dr. Peterson's book because it was the one with the latest information. I read it to better understand what my friend is going through and learned that:

a) A migraine it isn't just a headache and some migraines are menstrual

b) There are all sorts of alternative treatments available

c) Headache sufferers had rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

d) There are lifestyle changes (such as avoiding foods) and therapy options (emotional issues can cause headaches) that can help headache sufferers.

Finally a knowledgeable doctor who talks TO you, not down to you.

I also found that Dr. Peterson practices in my state (Oregon) and, after doing a little detective work, found she is taking new patients!

Best of all, my friend Marie LOVED the book as it helped her understand that she was not alone and that there was help out there.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most helpful book I've ever read, August 22, 2000

By	Katelyn Dixon (Castro Valley, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews

I'm 16 and have had migraines my whole life. My mom and I went from doctor to doctor for years trying to figure out what my headaches were all about. when we finally found the right doctor, she gave me some medacine that accually works and had me start a migraine journal. I hadn't followed my doctors like I should have, I didn't write down what I was feeling, because I didn't know how to describe it. But when I found this book and read it cover to cover, I finally realized that I'm not aelone and discovered a way to describe my symptoms. After only a fiew months of following what my doctor and the book told me to do, I've found what triggers my headaches, and how I can manage them, prevent them, and avoid them. So this is a wonderful book with useful information that will help anyone and everyone weather they get migraines or not understand what migraines are all about.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not very helpful if you've already done research on your own, April 29, 2002

By	Michelle "mwoodall5" (Birmingham, AL United States) - See all my reviews

I've been under the care of a neurologist for 3 years because of severe menstrual migraines. I've also done extensive research online - about migraines and the drugs I've been prescribed. I did not feel like this book told me anything new. It also did not include the most up-to-date information about new drugs, including small doses of epilepsy medication for migraine sufferers. I DID find the "migraine diary" to be helpful. If you are unsure of the cause of your migraines, this tool could prove useful.