HEADACHES
A headache-health book by Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, PhD
Reviews
Amazon - Jennifer Brumley
This book, "HEADACHES Why You Have Them What You Can Do About Them" by Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, PhD is a MUST read for anyone dealing with headache or migraine. It is filled with solid information on how to identify your headache or migraine type and how to treat it and/or how to seek the proper treatment. In addition, if you have been diagnosed with New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) I beg you to purchase and read this book. “NDPH is not a diagnosis, it is a particular headache presentation focusing on the way the headache developed.” I am a mom with a child that developed a constant headache for several weeks after a head cold and I’ve been on a relentless search for answers. We've seen multiple doctors including a headache specialist at a renowned children’s hospital, an ENT surgeon, and others. The typical recommendation? “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. No answers, just drugs and time. This book provides so much knowledge and will give patients and parents of patients the information we need to seek healing. It provides clear, practical information on identifying the type of headache or migraine you’re dealing with, which is absolutely crucial. As a mom with a child that is in pain I spend all night every night researching, trying to find the source of his pain, the next doctor, the next treatment to try. It’s exhausting and when I found this book, my heart felt more at peace because it gave me solid direction and knowledge in order to focus the strategy of the appointments I set for my son and his treatments. 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. I can’t recommend this book enough to anyone dealing with chronic headaches or migraines and especially to parents navigating this for their child. It has helped bring some peace in a time of frustration, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Citi of Books, New Mexico
If you’ve ever felt the crippling weight of a headache interrupt your day - or worse, your life - then Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them is the guidebook you’ve been waiting for. Dr. Egilius L. H. Spierings, a globally respected neurologist and headache specialist with deep credentials in both medicine and pharmacology, delivers what few books in this category manage to do: depth, clarity, and true hope. Drawing on decades of experience as a clinician, researcher, and professor at top institutions like Tufts and Harvard, Dr. Spierings demystifies the science of headaches with elegant simplicity. Whether you suffer from migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, or facial pain, he not only explains why it happens but, more importantly, what you can do about it - practically and effectively. Why This Book Stands Out: • Authoritative Yet Accessible: Written with the authority of a world-class neurologist but in the tone of a caring guide, it’s suitable for both medical professionals and everyday readers. • Evidence-Based and Practical: Each chapter is filled with actionable strategies - from lifestyle adjustments to treatment options - that reflect the latest in 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. What makes this book a true standout is not just its intellectual rigor, but its genuine empathy. Dr. Spierings understands that headaches aren’t just a physical ailment - they are a personal, emotional, and often misunderstood burden. His approach restores dignity and control to those who feel powerless. Whether you’re a lifelong migraine sufferer, a concerned parent, or a healthcare provider, Headaches is the essential companion to understanding and conquering one of the most common - and debilitating - health challenges of our time. Final Verdict: Dr. Spierings doesn’t just treat headaches. He translates them, treats their roots, and teaches you how to live beyond them. This book belongs in every household and clinic. It's that important.
AR Press LLC, Massachusetts
Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings - renowned neurologist, pharmacologist, and academic expert - offers 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. This is not just a book - it's a life-changing medical reference backed by clinical expertise and international credentials.
Inks & Bindings, California
Dr. Spierings’ expertise shines through every page, making this an indispensable resource for anyone suffering from chronic headaches.
Jane Oliveira, Portugal
This book is an absolute gem for anyone dealing with headaches—whether you are a patient, caregiver, or medical professional. It stands out for its clarity, depth, and heart. • Clear: The layout is intuitive and easy to follow, with chapter overviews, a glossary, and an index that make it simple to find exactly what you need. It presents even complex topics in a straightforward, readable way. • Comprehensive: Dr. Spierings covers everything - from types of headaches to their causes and treatments - using medical terminology without making it overwhelming. It is informative yet completely accessible. • Constructive: What I really appreciate is that this book does not stop at theory. It offers real, practical advice -medication dosages, treatment options, lifestyle tips, and more. You can truly act on it as a guide. • Compassionate: Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Spierings writes with empathy. He sees the whole person, not just the headache. He explores underlying causes and the emotional and physical toll headaches can take. Written with the wisdom of a lifetime of experience and research, this book is not only smart - it is sincere. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for answers, hope, or a better understanding of headaches.
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025 Headaches are among the most common health complaints in the world, yet they are also some of the most misunderstood and improperly treated conditions. In Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them, Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings offers a critical resource for both patients and healthcare professionals seeking a deeper understanding of this complex issue. With decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, Dr. Spierings brings clarity, authority, and practical advice to a topic that affects millions but is often shrouded in confusion and misinformation. This book is important to read because it demystifies the nature of headaches through a combination of scientific rigour and accessible language. Dr. Spierings, a pharmacologist and neurologist with specialized training in headache and facial pain, offers insights not only from a clinical perspective but also from extensive research and academic expertise. His interdisciplinary training in neurology, psychiatry, and pharmacology enables him to explore the physical, emotional, and chemical causes of headaches, making the book uniquely comprehensive. One of the book's primary benefits is that it empowers readers with knowledge. Many people suffer from chronic headaches without fully understanding their triggers or knowing how to prevent or manage them. This book gives readers the tools to identify different types of headaches -whether they are tension-type, migraines, cluster headaches, or others - and provides evidence-based strategies for managing them. It also offers guidance on when to seek medical help and how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Another benefit of reading this book is that it bridges the gap between patient and professional understanding. For healthcare practitioners, especially those not specialized in neurology, the book serves as a valuable reference that distills complex headache mechanisms into practical applications. For patients, it offers validation and clarity - an acknowledgment that their pain is real and that solutions exist. Moreover, Dr. Spierings addresses not just the symptoms of headaches but their broader impact on daily life. He considers the emotional toll, the effects on productivity and relationships, and the societal burden of this pervasive condition. By doing so, he situates the experience of headache within a broader health and wellness context, which can be profoundly comforting and motivating for readers seeking holistic healing. In conclusion, Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them is an essential read for anyone affected by headaches - whether as a sufferer, caregiver, or medical professional. It offers clear explanations, practical advice, and compassionate insight grounded in decades of specialized experience. Dr. Egilius L.H. Spierings' work stands as both a scientific resource and a beacon of hope, helping readers take control of their health and improve their quality of life through informed action.
I've been dealing with chronic headaches for years and honestly felt pretty lost with all the conflicting advice out there. Then I came across Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them by Dr. Egilius Spierings, and wow—this book really helped me understand what's been going on with my head. Dr. Spierings has this way of explaining things that doesn't make you feel stupid, and you can tell he genuinely gets what headache sufferers go through. What blew my mind was learning that he actually helped develop some of the medications I've been taking—triptans, CGRP antibodies, and gepants. Finally, someone who could explain not just what these drugs do, but how to actually use them right and what to expect. The best part? Dr. Spierings doesn't try to sell you on some miracle cure or one-size-fits-all solution. He helped me realize that my headaches are complicated and that finding what works takes time and a good doctor. Reading about what he considers proper standard care really opened my eyes—I had no idea my treatment could be so much better. This book isn't some generic health guide; it's written by someone who really knows his stuff and actually cares about helping people like us who are tired of living with constant head pain. Seriously, I wish someone had told me about this book sooner. Recommends this product: ✔ Yes
It is amazing to see your true personal perspective on headaches published. I started reading it and by knowing you and having seen you practice and teaching all these years, I feel I already know many of the things you write and some of them are part of my clinical practice thanks to you. It is great how honest and personal this book is! Alberto Malacarne, DMD, Associate Professor, Craniofacial Pain Center, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Reading about Dr. Spierings’ extensive medical journey is both inspiring and deeply reassuring. His impressive academic foundation spanning bachelor's and master's degrees in medical sciences, an MD, and a PhD in experimental pharmacology speaks volumes about his dedication to understanding the complexities of the human body and the brain. What truly sets him apart, however, is the unique combination of specialties he has cultivated over the years: pharmacology, neurology, psychiatry, and headache management. His commitment to alleviating pain – especially the misunderstood and often debilitating realm of headache and facial pain – resonates as a mission of compassion fused with scientific rigor. It is rare to find a clinician who not only understands the physiological intricacies of pain but also recognizes its emotional and psychological toll. Dr. Spierings’ postgraduate training across two countries and diverse disciplines reflects a lifelong pursuit of comprehensive care, one that does not separate the mind from the body or the patient from the person. As his book includes patient stories, research insights, and his perspective on the evolution of headache and pain management, I expect it to be a deeply valuable resource both for clinicians seeking clarity in a challenging field and for patients longing for hope and understanding. His dedication to clinical trials also suggests a forward-thinking mindset, always searching for better, safer, and more effective treatments. In a world where chronic pain is often dismissed or misunderstood, Dr. Spierings' work stands as a beacon of knowledge and empathy. His story is not only a chronicle of academic excellence but a testament to what medicine can and should be: personal, persistent, and profoundly human.
5 out of 5 stars! An Essential, Comprehensive, and Compassionate Guide for Anyone Affected by Headaches!
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2025 The differential diagnosis of headache in any neurology book spans several pages. The commonality of headaches is matched by frequent misdiagnosis. So many people suffer for decades before — if ever! — they find the right path to a precise diagnosis and effective treatment. Dr. Spierings shortens that path and lights it well with his comprehensive yet easy-to-understand and conversational new book, Headaches: Why You Have Them, What You Can Do About Them. Dr. Spierings distills five decades of academic clinical expertise and cutting-edge research into a clear, compassionate, and practical guide for patients and their families. A former professor at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University, he is currently the medical director at the Greater Boston Headache Center. He played a pivotal role in the development of widely used migraine medications, including triptans, gepants, and CGRP antibodies. Dr. Spierings writes in a warm and conversational tone that makes complex neurological concepts accessible and easily understood. Each chapter feels like a one-on-one conversation with a caring expert who understands your pain and genuinely wants to help. Clinical vignettes and personal stories illustrate the headache types under discussion and emphasize the transformative impact of getting the diagnosis and treatment right. This book is comprehensive. Topics range from understanding migraine genetics, cluster headache, and concussion-related pain to practical advice on medication use, headache triggers, pregnancy considerations, and the role of general health. The focus on empowering the reader sets this book apart from more academic treatises. Dr. Spierings teaches you how to identify what kind of headache you’re dealing with, what treatment options exist (and which to avoid), and how to communicate effectively with your doctor. He covers everything from lifestyle adjustments and medication plans to deeper insights about stress, fatigue, and underlying health issues. This book provides peace of mind for anyone who has encountered headaches. Headaches can be isolating and frustrating. This book offers true understanding and sets the reader on a clear path toward precise diagnosis and successful treatment strategies. Above all, Dr. Spierings’s book provides hope.
Dr Spierings gives an excellent roadmap on how to understand what is happening that’s giving you headaches, how you could possibly avoid them, what different types of headaches there are, and who they might affect. He gives you insight into migraine and cluster headache, gastrointestinal symptoms associated with headaches and facial pain types. This book speaks to the fact that we need to advocate for ourselves and find qualified neurologists or PCPs, who can help us find answers to relieve our headaches/gastrointestinal issues/facial pain so that we can resume life uninterrupted. Kristin P.