Advanced Headache Pearls by Larry Robbins M.D.
* DEFINITION OF PAIN
“Official Definition” vs. “Pain is what the patient says it is, and it’s as
bad as the patient says it is.
* MEDICATIONS : MINIMIZE
Balance between headaches and medication. We do NOT want to overmedicate
* “IT TAKES A VILLAGE”
Get other villagers involved:
PT/chiro/accupuncture/psychotherapy/massage/trainers, etc. Don’t go it alone.
* VITAMINS
D3 is crucial. Multivitamins/antioxidants = “very iffy.” Less is more.
* LOW DOSES
Headache patients are somatic. Titrate slowly. Stick with these medications at least 6 weeks.
* ACCEPTANCE
Lack of acceptance leads to: search for cures, increased inner angst. “Lack of acceptance by proxy” in kids. Acceptance does NOT = resignation.
* SELF-EFFICACY: ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE COPING
PT/Exercise/Work/Volunteer/Yoga/Pilates/Biofeedback vs. “I just want to take painkillers…”