Migraines For Dummies

If you get migraines you know how laughable it is to hear them
described as "headaches." As one poet put it,
"the migraine is a beast from Hell, a bone-crushing,
brain-twisting, heart-rending, apocalyptic scourge--an insult
to all that's holy." And that's putting it
mildly. People have been trying to tame the migraine beast for
thousands of years. Some early healers bored holes into their
patients' skulls, the Greeks inhaled the smoke of burning
coffee beans, while in ancient Egypt, doctors tied herb-stuffed
clay crocodiles to migraine sufferer's heads. Fortunately, we
live in more enlightened times and there are now medically sound
approaches that are relatively simple and inexpensive--and
they don't leave scars or involve extreme fashion statements.
Your complete guide to taking charge of your migraines and
getting your life back, Migraines For Dummies offers a
focused, fleshed-out program that works in the real world. This
friendly guide fills you in on what you need to know to:
* Understand migraines and why you get them
* Relieve symptoms
* Pinpoint pain triggers
* Sort through the various medications
* Evaluate alternative remedies
* Make simple migraine-busting lifestyle changes
* Stop migraines from disrupting your family and work lives
* Find a good doctor to help you manage the beast
The authors look at the whole spectrum of the problem--from
dealing with the number-one issue of pain relief, to handling the
peripheral problems like absences from work skepticism from
friends, and impact on family. They also explore a range of
critical related issues, including:
* Different types of migraines, including abdominal, ocular,
hemiplegic, opthamoplegic, and women's hormonal
migraines
* Triggers, such as environmental allergens, stress, dietary
triggers, and even exercises that can cause migraines
* Over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal
supplements
* Biofeedback, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and other
alternative remedies
* The pros and cons of prescription remedies, including
ergotamine derivatives, antidepressants, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, botox and more
You've tried Aunt Edna's camphor-soaked head cloths.
Now explore a sensible, medically sound approach, and get on the
road to full-fledged pain relief with Migraines For
Dummies.

Diane Stafford has been a health writer for 20 years. Jennifer Shoquist, MD, is a family practice physician. This author team also wrote the popular Potty Training For Dummies.