Published earlier this year, The End of Migraines is the latest work from neurologist and migraine specialist Dr. Alexander Mauskop. There are a lot of books on migraine out there, and of course a lot of information online. So is this particular book worth your time?
Dr. Mauskop admittedly comes to the topic from a unique perspective. Not only has he suffered from migraine himself, he has also treated migraine patients personally for decades. He founded and directs a migraine clinic (the New York Headache Center), and has also been involved for many years in migraine research. There are few professionals in the world that could boast the same credentials.
He has also written before, both books for migraine patients and for professionals, and has published in many scientific journals.
So in his new book, Dr. Mauskop has combined that experience with a recognition of the quickly changing and advancing world of migraine medicine. He decided to publish in eBook format, not only to make it affordable, but also “to be able to update this book regularly, as new scientific data emerges”.
Along with important background and basic information on migraine (as well as quite a few other headache conditions), the book is basically an index of current migraine treatments – hence the full title, The End of Migraines: 150 Ways to Stop Your Pain. Combining his extensive personal experience with the scientific literature, he discusses each treatment and actually gives it a rating from 1-10 (although he doesn’t include any 1s, and doesn’t give anything a 10). The eBook format allows him to link directly to articles, studies, papers, and other resources for those who want to investigate further.
One of my favourite quotes from the book: “When a link to a scientific study is provided, you need not assume that the study proves something.” We would all do well to take that advice. It’s not skeptical in a negative sense – it’s realistic. For years, doctors and researchers have been expressing their concerns about the way in which studies are used. Dr. Mauskop’s recognition of the the value and limitations of these studies, including the reality that every person is complex and different, is a breath of fresh air.
No one, including myself, will agree with all of Dr. Mauskop’s choices of treatments. (There are some interesting treatments on the list, such as the unusual combined discussion of prayer and cursing (not blessing and cursing – more like certain forms of prayer, and swearing!)) But I appreciate the approach of admitting that there is always some subjectivity involved, while also pointing to the research of others.
Many of you will also appreciate the fact that this is not a listing of drugs. Yes, there is extensive discussion of various medications. However, Dr. Mauskop doesn’t begin with medications or push them as the only or even preferred solution. Migraine-fighting devices, lifestyle choices, triggers, supplements, and many other treatments and related conditions are investigated.
And they are all discussed succinctly – that is, a lot of information is quite often packed into a couple of paragraphs or a couple of pages. This is a book that is easy to scan, and an invaluable resource when you want to get the quick facts on some new treatment you’re considering. You could just flip through and do further investigation of any treatment that was rated higher than “6”. Or look up that treatment that Auntie Lisa mentioned. Or simply flip over to Dr. Mauskop’s top 10.
So yes, I highly recommend The End of Migraines. The combination of up-to-date information, prioritizing of what seems to work best, and experience with real people, make this a book that every migraine patient should have on their virtual shelf. (I should note that yes, you can purchase a printed copy if you prefer, but I would recommend the digital copy if possible – the many links are invaluable.)
One more quote that may help you understand this book, before we go. Many of us are rightly skeptical when we hear anyone who is trying to offer us hope. Like many of you, I have heard the line from a doctor “We’ve tried everything”. While recognizing that there are difficult cases out there, the truth is that – no, you most certainly have not tried everything.
Writing about refractory or resistant migraine, the author lists 16 treatments that some suggest you should try before being diagnosed. Then he writes:
If a doctor labels you as having refractory migraines, do not despair – these are only 16 out of over 150 methods you can try.
Dr. Alexander Mauskop – The End of Migraines
Exactly. It’s time to fight back.
