Managing Migraines

Foreword

By

Dr. Elliot Shevel

B.D.S., Dip. M.F.O.S., M.B., B.Ch.

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Migraine is one of the most common ailments of mankind, affecting young and old alike. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men worldwide suffer from migraine, most of whom remain undiagnosed and untreated. Most often, sufferers self-medicate by using harmful over-the-counter medications.

Many people do however seek medical treatment, especially when the pain is severe, when the attacks are frequent, and when their quality of life is adversely affected. They are often concerned that they may be suffering from a serious neurological condition such as a brain tumor, and seek reassurance. Fortunately, only a small percentage of patients who present with headache have serious or life threatening conditions. Most have migraine or related headache types.

It is common for migraine sufferers to drift from doctor to doctor, to physical therapist, to chiropractor, and to alternative therapist, in an effort to find relief. Eventually many lose hope, become alienated from the medical profession, and often never improve. In too many cases, their condition worsens as a result of the various drugs they are taking in a futile effort to ward off the endless suffering. Their quality of life, interpersonal relationships at home and at work, and their general ability to function on a normal level are compromised. Often this is compounded by a lack of sympathy from those around them.

But many of these unfortunates can be helped. Migraine has been shown to be genetically linked, but this does not mean that it cannot be treated. The problem is that there are so many factors that have an influence on migraine, that it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint what is important in each sufferer. Everyone is different, and must be individually assessed. There is no silver bullet!

There are a vast number of books on migraine, but most are written from one perspective only. They are usually written by a therapist who is convinced that their particular philosophy or treatment is the answer to migraine.

In this book on migraine, Claire Houlding shares her own personal experience and her extensive knowledge on the subject. As someone who suffered from migraine for many years, she is well acquainted with the frustrations encountered by migraineurs. Claire has studied the subject from many different perspectives, and as a result has been able to produce this remarkable book. The extensive and detailed information on drug interactions should be compulsory reading for medical practitioners. She has covered the many facets of migraine so comprehensively, that there will, I believe, be few migraine sufferers who do not derive benefit from reading it. Claire’s book will allow many, many people to take control and manage their migraines far more efficiently. There is something for everyone in this book.

Dr Elliot Shevel

B.D.S., Dip. M.F.O.S., M.B., B.Ch.

President, South African Headache Society

Medical Director, The Headache Clinic, South Africa