T
he following points are part of a framework Dr. Robbins is formulating to teach doctors how to choose headache medications for each person.
- Past medicines
- History of medication overuse
- Insomnia
- Weight
- Other associated medical: HTN, DM, immune system problems, arthritis
- The person’s input, and willingness to take daily meds
- Finances and insurance (can they afford the meds)
- Job requirements: can they afford to be “spacy”
- Other central sensitization syndromes (IBS, Fibromyalgia, TMD, Chronic Pelvic Pain)
- Fatigue/energy level
This framework is greatly needed. I started seeing Dr Robbins & Brooke but then my out of network deductible jumped to $5000 and I had to return to my previous neurologist. I follow this newsletter religiously. My neurologist wants to be helpful but I don’t really feel like he accepts Chronic Migraine as a disease in the way he does Parkinson’s, MS and Epilepsy. The reason I say this is…..I am starting to get those feelings of guilt and remorse after my appointments. I hope Dr Robbins has more success educating & persuading his peers than patients have had. When my husband retires in a few years and we have control over our insurance choice, you can be sure I will choose an HSA with a reasonable out-of-network deductible. Keep up the good work and thank you to Sue for this wonderful newsletter which has become my lifeline.
Thank you Dr. Robbins for your work concerning headaches. Does the above article, “Choosing Headache Medications” pertain only to migraines?
Best regards,
Jean Bowden
no not just migraines; however, 85% of those who see docs for headaches, it’s primarily migraine we are dealing with..many have “chronic migraine”, frequent headaches, only some of which have to be true migrainous headaches, but the entirety of the problem is considered all migraine, Chronic Migraine