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

"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