So, how do we go about choosing the “top ten list” for one person, regarding meds and non-medication approaches…..
There are about 50 “items” that go into this choice; each person is unique and different. Of course, it depends upon the headache history(how often, severe, etc…how they came about); the age of the person….previous reactions/results to the various medicines, OTC and prescription; PLUS:
Medical conditions the person may have
Psychological conditions(anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc)
Insomnia or other sleep issues
GI system: do they have IBS, constipation, diarrhea etc….
Work: what are their job or school requirements
Financial: can the person afford different therapies(Botox etc….)…unfortunately this is a consideration; if someone cannot afford to do Botox, we may not go there…….
Family history, and family history of psych conditions, response to meds, etc…..
History of addiction(alcohol or drugs etc…)
Patient preferences for taking daily meds etc…
Presence of neck/back pain(may recommend physical therapy, massage, etc..or injections)…
PLUS..a # of other considerations……
PLUS….our ‘gestalt”, in speaking with the patient, where to go with therapy, what is best, what will not work, what does the patient want……..
..more on this later….
