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

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.)