Here you go — a book written by a doctor who . . .
- knows what a migraine episode is like because she has had them herself since she was 12-years old.
- knows about hormonal triggers because this doctor is a woman and experiences those, too.
- knows what it's like to have to work through a migraine episode and was, in fact, struck by one while taking her neurology board exams.
Dr. Peterson has done an admirable job of presenting a great deal of information in a manner that is concise and easy to follow. In addition, she has packed this book with wonderful tools and quizzes to help readers determine what may apply to them. She advises readers to be evaluated by a physician, but gives us a place to start. Here are some examples:
- IS IT MIGRAINE? TEST YOURSELF (quiz) Ten true/false questions "for you to consider in determining whether your headaches are migraines." (page 7)
- TENSION-TYPE VS. MIGRAINE (chart) A chart comparing the symptoms of tension-type headaches and migraine (page 20)
- SHOULD YOU CHANGE DOCTORS? (list) A list of six yes/no questions to help you determine whether you should change doctors (page 59)
- TIPS FOR TELLING YOUR BOSS ABOUT MIGRAINE (list) Five great tips for dealing with migraine in the workplace (page 177)
- MIGRAINE AND THE LAW (boxed section) An excellent section with basic information regarding The Family and Medical Leave Act and The Americans With Disabilities Act, also give phone numbers to call for more information. (page 179)
In "The Women's Migraine Survival Guide," Dr. Peterson has included some sections that I consider especially vital. The first of those is "The Right Doctor: The First Step to Relief." Thank you, Dr. Peterson! There is also an excellent section, "Managing Your Migraines at Work and at Home." These sections take the Survival Guide from good to great by adding much needed real-life advice to the sound medical information.
- What Is Migraine?
- The Right Doctor: The First Step to Relief
- Migraine Triggers and What to Do about Them
- The Menstrually Associated Migraine
- Migraine and Pregnancy
- Migraine and Menopause
- Medications that Make a Difference
- Alternative Remedies
- Managing Your Migraines at Work and at Home
Epilogue: Migraine and the Future
The only drawback to this book is one that cannot be helped. It is a few years old, so some of the newer trends in drug therapy aren't discussed, and some of the newer research into the cause of migraine wasn't available when it was written. Those two issues are trivial when compared to the excellent content of the book. I'm glad it's in my library, and would recommend it for yours without reservation.
