The cover says, "practical, easily readable guide to the diagnosis and management of headache patients, written with both primary care physicians and neurologists in mind." It fills that bill admirably. Having met Dr. Evans and knowing his dedication to patient education, I read the book and found what I expected. He and Dr. Mathew have written a book that's also quite appropriate for patients on a quest for education. A good medical dictionary will be helpful, but don't let that stop you.
Features of the Handbook of Headache
- Sound information about relatively new drug treatments including Topamax (topiramate), Axert (almotriptan), Relpax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Botox, (botulinum toxin), and Zanaflex (tizanidine).
- Excellent information about when preventive therapies are appropriate, what medications are used and why, as well as sound information about specific preventive medications and their potential interactions with other medications.
- An explanation of the rationale of copharmacy (the use of two or more medications) in preventive therapies.
- 42 case studies highlighting diagnostic and treatment approaches in real-life scenarios.
- A full chapter devoted to patient education materials and complementary therapies.
- "The Headache Quiz," a question and answer review of material in the text, complete with references to the sections of the book where the answers can be found.
- Good use of tables and illustratons.
What patients will need to get the most from this book
- A basic knowledge of headache and Migraine and the basics. I would rate this book "Intermediate Level." There are parts of it that get more scientific that most of us will be able to follow. However, it is more than worth reading for the sections that we can follow.
- A medical dictionary or access to an online headache and Migraine glossary.
- The desire to learn more about headaches and Migraine disease.
- Some peaceful, quiet time to read.
- A copy of the book would be helpful, of course!
Summary
Evans and Mathew have come through with a good, solid book. Sometimes, second editions seem as if they were done just to sell more books. Such is not the case with this book. It has been heavily updated to include the newest medications on the market at its release date as well as current theories of disease pathology and management. If you're a doctor ready to make an addition to your library, this would be a prime addition. If you're a head pain sufferer looking for your first book on headaches and Migraine disease, this would not be my recommendation. If, however, you have a good, basic book under your belt, this is an excellent next step. Take your time, keep a medical dictionary or access to an online glossary close at hand, take notes if necessary, and get all you can from this book. It will be well worth the time. In the vast majority of cases, headache disorders and Migraine disease can be brought under our control with the proper treatment regimens. That makes them something we can control rather than them controlling us. The key to that empowerment is knowledge. This book is a welcome addition to my empowerment library. Thank you, Dr. Evans and Dr. Mathew.Contents of Handbook of Headache
- Diagnosis of Headaches and Medico-Legal Aspects
- Migraine
- Treatment of Acute Attacks of Migraine
- Preventive Treatment of Migraine
- Chronic Daily Headache
- Tension-type Headache and Miscellaneous Primary Headache Disorders
- Cluster Headaches and Other Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias
- First or Worst Headaches
- Posttraumatic Headaches
- Headaches During Childhood and Adolescence
- Headaches in Women
- Headaches Over the Age of 50
- Vascular Disorders and Headaches
- Headaches and Neoplasms, High and Low Pressure, and HEENT Disorders
- Other Secondary Headaches and Associated Disorders
- What's My Headache?
- The Headache Quiz
- Patient Resources, Educational Materials, and Alternative Treatments
