# Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them — A Patient's Guide to Dr. Spierings' Highly Rated New Book Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings, a neurologist and headache specialist with nearly five decades of experience, has released a comprehensive new book titled *Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them*, which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike. The book earns a 5.0 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon and provides practical, evidence-based guidance on identifying headache types, understanding their causes, and pursuing effective treatment options—from medication dosages to lifestyle adjustments. One reviewer shares a powerful personal story of navigating her child's unexplained chronic headaches, finding in this book the direction that multiple doctors could not provide. The book stands out not only for its medical authority but for its compassionate, whole-person approach to a condition that affects millions worldwide. # Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them — A Patient's Guide to Dr. Spierings' Highly Rated New Book ## Table of Contents - Key Points - Why This Book Matters: The Headache Crisis Nobody Talks About - About the Book and Author - What the Book Covers: Headache Types and Treatments - A Critical Insight About New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) - A Parent's Story: Jennifer Brumley's Amazon Review - What Reviewers Are Saying - Clinical Implications: What This Means for Patients - Limitations: What the Reviews Cannot Tell You - Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers - Source Information - Frequently Asked Questions ## Key Points - Headaches have neurological, physical, and chemical causes; understanding your specific type guides treatment. - NDPH is a headache presentation, not a final diagnosis; investigate the underlying cause. - The book provides specific medication dosages, lifestyle tips, and evidence-based treatment strategies. - Patients should actively participate in care, ask specific questions, and seek second opinions if needed. - Headache treatment should be individualized; no one-size-fits-all approach exists. ## Why This Book Matters: The Headache Crisis Nobody Talks About Headaches are among the most common neurological complaints in the world—yet they remain some of the most misunderstood and improperly treated conditions. Millions of people suffer in silence, cycling through doctors' offices, urgent care visits, and pharmacy aisles without ever finding a clear answer about what is wrong or how to fix it. The consequences go far beyond the pain itself. Headaches disrupt productivity, strain relationships, and take a profound emotional toll. For parents watching a child suffer, the experience can be absolutely devastating—especially when medical professionals offer little more than "wait it out" or prescribe medications that may take weeks to show any effect. Misinformation about headaches is rampant. Patients are often told their pain is "just stress" or "all in their head," when in reality, headache disorders have complex neurological, physical, and chemical underpinnings. This is precisely the gap that Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings aims to close with his book. ## About the Book and Author *Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them* is available now through **Amazon.com** and **BarnesandNoble.com**. The author, **Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, PhD**, is a globally respected neurologist and headache specialist with deep credentials in both medicine and pharmacology. He has served as a clinician, researcher, and professor at top institutions including **Tufts** and **Harvard**, and his website can be found at www.help4headache.com. What sets Dr. Spierings apart is not just his academic pedigree—it's the sheer depth of his clinical experience. He has spent **nearly five decades** at the forefront of headache research, treatment, and education, treating thousands of patients with headache and facial pain disorders. His interdisciplinary training spans **neurology, psychiatry, and pharmacology**, allowing him to explore the physical, emotional, and chemical causes of headaches in a way that few authors can match. Perhaps most impressively, Dr. Spierings played a **direct role in the development of major classes of migraine treatments**: - **Triptans** — a class of medications specifically designed to relieve migraine attacks by targeting serotonin receptors - **CGRP antibodies** — a newer class of preventive treatments that block a protein involved in migraine pain signaling - **Gepants** — a class of medications that block CGRP receptors and can be used both acutely and preventively He brings firsthand knowledge of how these medications work, when to use them, and how to realistically assess their effectiveness. The book is grounded in science yet written for the layperson, presenting complex neurological concepts in clear, straightforward language. ## What the Book Covers: Headache Types and Treatments The book provides comprehensive coverage of a wide range of headache and facial pain conditions, including: - **Migraines** — including their triggers, warning signs, and treatment strategies - **Tension-type headaches** — the most common headache type, often linked to muscle tension and stress - **Cluster headaches** — severe, recurring headaches that occur in patterns or "clusters" - **Facial pain** — pain conditions affecting the face that are often misdiagnosed as dental or sinus problems - **New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)** — a particular headache presentation that begins suddenly and continues without letup Reviewers consistently note that the book is **clear, comprehensive, and constructive**. The layout is intuitive and easy to follow, featuring chapter overviews, a glossary, and an index that make it simple to find exactly what you need. Even complex topics are presented in a straightforward, readable way, using medical terminology without making it overwhelming. One of the book's standout features is that it does **not stop at theory**. It offers real, practical advice—including specific medication dosages, treatment options, lifestyle tips, and more. You can truly act on it as a guide. ## A Critical Insight About New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) For patients who have been diagnosed with **New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)**, one particular insight from the book could be life-changing. Dr. Spierings makes a crucial distinction that many patients and even some doctors fail to grasp: "NDPH is not a diagnosis, it is a particular headache presentation focusing on the way the headache developed." This single statement has profound implications. Rather than being a specific disease with one cause, NDPH describes a pattern—a headache that starts one day and simply doesn't go away. The underlying cause could be infectious, inflammatory, vascular, muscular, or something else entirely. Understanding this distinction matters because it means the treatment approach must be guided by identifying the **underlying cause**, not just treating the symptom of a "constant headache." This is the kind of clarity that patients desperately need. A child who develops a constant headache after a head cold, for example, may have a post-infectious inflammatory process that requires a very different approach than a teenager whose constant headache began gradually with no identifiable trigger. ## A Parent's Story: Jennifer Brumley's Amazon Review One of the most powerful reviews in the collection comes from **Jennifer Brumley**, a mother whose child developed a constant headache for several weeks after a head cold. Her story will resonate with countless families navigating the confusing world of headache disorders. Brumley describes her "relentless search for answers," which included visits to **multiple doctors**: - A headache specialist at a renowned children's hospital - An **ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon** - Several other medical professionals Yet the typical recommendation she received was frustratingly vague: "Wait it out," try medications that may take **4–6 weeks to work**, just ignore the pain, and come back later if the medication does not work. In her words: "No answers, just drugs and time." This is a scenario that plays out in countless families every day. Parents spend night after night researching, trying to find the source of their child's pain, searching for the next doctor, the next treatment to try. It's exhausting—and as Brumley describes, finding this book brought her heart a sense of peace because it gave her solid direction and knowledge to focus the strategy of the appointments she set for her son. She writes: "Headaches and migraines are complicated and having knowledge quickly via the information presented in this book is priceless. This book and the author are a life saver because now I have the information and can ask the right questions to seek care for my son to treat his specific headache presentation." Her review earned a **5.0 out of 5 stars** rating on Amazon, with the headline: "If you struggle with headache or migraine, you HAVE to read this book ASAP!" ## What Reviewers Are Saying The book has drawn praise from reviewers across the United States and internationally. Here is what several of them had to say: **Inks & Bindings (California)** called it "A transformative guide that not only demystifies the causes of headaches but offers practical strategies to reclaim one's quality of life," noting that "Dr. Spierings' expertise shines through every page, making this an indispensable resource for anyone suffering from chronic headaches." **Citi of Books (New Mexico)** described it as "A Masterclass in Headache Relief" and "the Definitive Guide for Sufferers Everywhere." The review highlighted the book's unique combination of "depth, clarity, and true hope," praising Dr. Spierings for explaining not just *why* headaches happen but, more importantly, *what you can do about it*—practically and effectively. The review emphasized three standout qualities: - **Authoritative yet Accessible** — written with the authority of a world-class neurologist but in the tone of a caring guide, suitable for both medical professionals and everyday readers - **Evidence-Based and Practical** — every chapter is filled with actionable strategies reflecting the latest neurological research and real-world clinical success - **Whole-Person Focus** — Dr. Spierings doesn't just treat symptoms; he addresses the patient behind the pain, integrating physical, psychological, and pharmacological insights **AR Press (Massachusetts)** emphasized that headaches are among the most common neurological complaints globally, yet misinformation abounds. The review called the book "the only comprehensive, medically accurate, and reader-friendly guide written by someone who has spent over four decades at the forefront of headache research, treatment, and education," adding that it's "not just a book — it's a life-changing medical reference backed by clinical expertise and international credentials." **Jane Oliveira (Portugal)** called it "A Brilliant and Compassionate Guide to Headaches," highlighting four key qualities: - **Clear** — an intuitive layout with chapter overviews, a glossary, and an index - **Comprehensive** — covers everything from types of headaches to their causes and treatments - **Constructive** — offers real, practical advice including medication dosages and lifestyle tips - **Compassionate** — Dr. Spierings writes with empathy and sees the whole person, not just the headache **Atticus Publishing (California)** noted that the book "empowers readers with knowledge," giving people the tools to identify different types of headaches and providing evidence-based strategies for managing them. It also bridges the gap between patient and professional understanding—serving as a valuable reference for healthcare practitioners not specialized in neurology while offering patients validation that their pain is real and that solutions exist. **Studio of Books (Texas)**, with reviewer **Mary Higgins**, awarded the book a **5 out of 5 stars** rating. The review emphasized Dr. Spierings' "lifelong mission to close the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding," describing the book as "a resource and a reassurance, demystifying conditions that often feel overwhelming or misunderstood." The review also noted that the book does not take a one-size-fits-all approach, instead acknowledging "the complexity and individuality of pain" and encouraging readers to advocate for proper medical care. ## Clinical Implications: What This Means for Patients The consistent message across all reviews is that this book empowers patients in ways that typical doctor visits do not. Several clinical implications emerge: **First, proper headache diagnosis matters more than a label.** Understanding whether you have migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, facial pain, or a specific headache presentation like NDPH determines the entire treatment strategy. Misdiagnosis remains all too common in this field, and Dr. Spierings' book helps patients arrive at appointments armed with the right information. **Second, treatment should be evidence-based and individualized.** There is no "one-size-fits-all" headache treatment. The book provides specific medication dosages and treatment options, helping patients understand what standard of care they should expect from their doctors. **Third, patients should be active participants in their care.** Armed with the knowledge from this book, patients can ask better questions, communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, and make more informed decisions about their treatment plans. **Fourth, the emotional toll of headaches deserves recognition.** Dr. Spierings validates that headaches are not just a physical ailment—they are a personal, emotional, and often misunderstood burden. His approach restores dignity and control to those who feel powerless. ## Limitations: What the Reviews Cannot Tell You It is important to note that the reviews themselves are subjective assessments of a book, not clinical studies or peer-reviewed research. The original article is a compilation of book reviews, and it does not contain original clinical data, study populations, or statistical findings from medical research. Readers should also keep in mind that individual reviewer experiences—such as Jennifer Brumley's story about her son—are anecdotal. A book that provided guidance for one family may not resolve every case of chronic headache, and headaches that persist despite appropriate treatment may require evaluation by a specialized headache center or multidisciplinary team. Additionally, while Dr. Spierings' credentials and contributions to migraine treatment development are impressive, the book itself was not evaluated in this article through independent clinical trials. The value of the book is supported by professional reputation and reader testimonials rather than controlled studies. ## Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers Based on the information presented in this collection of reviews, here are some practical recommendations for anyone affected by headaches: 1. **Educate yourself about your headache type.** Before your next doctor's appointment, learn about the different categories of headache—migraine, tension-type, cluster, and facial pain. Knowing which category your symptoms most closely match can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. 1. **Ask about NDPH if your headache came on suddenly and won't go away.** Remember: NDPH is a presentation, not a final diagnosis. Ask your doctor to investigate the underlying cause rather than simply assigning a label. 1. **Keep a headache diary.** Track when headaches occur, what you were doing, what you ate, your sleep patterns, and any other potential triggers. This information is invaluable for your healthcare provider. 1. **Ask specific questions about treatment options.** If your doctor recommends a medication, ask how long it should take to work, what side effects to watch for, and what the next step is if it doesn't help. 1. **Don't accept "wait it out" as a complete answer.** While some headaches do resolve on their own, persistent pain deserves a thorough evaluation. If one doctor doesn't give you answers, seek a second opinion—ideally from a headache specialist. 1. **Consider reading this book.** Based on the reviews, *Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them* appears to be a valuable resource for patients, parents, caregivers, and even healthcare professionals. It is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. 1. **Advocate for the standard of care.** Dr. Spierings emphasizes what should be considered the standard of care in headache treatment—a vital perspective in a field where under-treatment remains common. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does the book say about why headaches happen? The book explains that headaches have complex neurological, physical, and chemical causes. It covers different types, such as migraines, tension-type, cluster, and facial pain, along with their triggers and warning signs. It offers practical, evidence-based guidance on treatments, including medication dosages and lifestyle adjustments, to help patients understand and manage their condition. ### How can I tell which type of headache I have? The book describes common headache types—migraine, tension-type, cluster, and facial pain—including their triggers and warning signs. It helps readers identify which category matches their symptoms, so they can seek proper diagnosis. Reviewers note that the book’s clear layout and glossary make it easy to find specific information for your situation. ### What is New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)? The book makes a critical point: NDPH is not a diagnosis but a headache presentation that starts suddenly and continues without letup. The underlying cause could be infectious, inflammatory, vascular, or muscular. Treatment should focus on identifying the underlying cause rather than just treating the symptom of a constant headache. ### What treatment options does the book cover? It covers practical advice including specific medication dosages, treatment options, and lifestyle tips. The author has firsthand knowledge of migraine treatments such as triptans, CGRP antibodies, and gepants. The book is evidence-based and grounded in science, yet written for the layperson, enabling readers to act on it as a guide. ### Is this book helpful for parents of a child with chronic headaches? Yes. A mother's review describes multiple doctors failing to help her son, but the book gave her direction and knowledge to ask the right questions. It helped her focus the strategy of medical appointments. The book offers comprehensive, compassionate guidance, and reviewers say it is a valuable resource for caregivers. ### What should I do if my doctor says 'wait it out'? Don't accept 'wait it out' as a complete answer. Persistent pain deserves thorough evaluation. Ask specific questions about treatment options, how long medications should take to work, and what the next step is if they don't help. If one doctor doesn't give answers, seek a second opinion, ideally from a headache specialist. ### Where can I get the book? The book is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. It was written by Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings, a neurologist and headache specialist with nearly five decades of experience. Reviewers recommend it as a practical guide for patients, parents, caregivers, and even healthcare professionals. ## Source Information This patient-friendly article is based on a collection of seven published reviews of the book *Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them* by Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, PhD. The reviews were written by Jennifer Brumley (Amazon customer review, May 14, 2025), Inks & Bindings (California), Citi of Books (New Mexico), AR Press (Massachusetts), Jane Oliveira (Portugal), Atticus Publishing (California), and Studio of Books (Texas, reviewed by Mary Higgins). The original article was compiled and published in association with the book's release and is available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Dr. Spierings is a neurologist and pharmacologist with specialized training in headache and facial pain, affiliated with Tufts and Harvard institutions, and maintains a website at www.help4headache.com. **Note:** This patient-friendly article is based on published book reviews, which represent the personal opinions of the reviewers, not randomized controlled trials or peer-reviewed clinical research. The book itself is a medical reference written by a credentialed specialist; however, individual results and experiences may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice tailored to your specific situation. --- Publisher: Diagnostic Detectives Network (https://diagnosticdetectives.com) — independent multi-expert medical second opinions, worldwide, private-pay. Author byline: Anton Titov, MD, PhD. 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