Book Review
Discussing Migraine with Your Patients
– A Common Sense Guide for Clinicians
By Dawn A. Marcus, MD and
Duren Michael Ready, MD
Springer, 2017
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HeadW ise ®
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Discussing Migraine With Your Patients, an outstanding new
book, was written primarily for clinicians. However, this handy
book is very easily understandable for the lay public. The book
includes a treasure of clinical pearls and wise advice.
The grey boxes throughout the book neatly summarize key
points. All of the common types of headache are addressed. For
example, the section on how to explain “tension” headache to
patients is insightful. The basic message is to “medicalize” the
condition, while not presenting tension headache as a psychi-
atric problem. There is a clear and practical exploration of the
confusing topic on medication overuse headache. When to be
concerned about more serious problems, such as a brain tumor,
is tackled. Cluster and sinus headaches are also covered.
The genetics of migraine is examined in a clear and under-
standable fashion. An excellent section on “self-efficacy,” em-
powers the patient with strategies other than simply relying on
medications. Chronic central sensitization (the nervous system
is very “excited”) and allodynia (heightened sensitivity, mostly
to touch) are important topics that apply to chronic migraine.
The authors explore these topics with clear and understandable
language. A good discourse is included on what is occurring in
the brain during chronic pain.
The association of migraine with cardiovascular conditions
(heart attack or stroke), as well as with other pain disorders
(such as fibromyalgia), is addressed. The important topic of fam-
ily and friend relationships is part of the discussion. Anxiety and
depression are increased among those patients with frequent
migraines and the authors examine these important conditions.
Acceptance of a chronic condition is crucial, and there is a
well-written section on the importance of acceptance. The
Volume 6, Issue 3 • 2017