Regardless of what language you speak, when you have a headache, you just want it to go away. You might also want to know what caused the headache and how to prevent it in the future.
For Spanish speakers worldwide, a new book "Doctor, me duele la cabeza" by University of South Florida neurologist Maria del Carmen Wilson, MD, provides advice and solutions to prevent and treat migraines.
"I noticed a scarcity of information for the community about headaches in Spanish," Dr. Wilson said. "This book is meant to be an in-depth resource to educate the Spanish-speaking public about headaches."
The book was published in Spain in September by Editorial Planeta, the largest publisher in Spain, Portugal and Latin America, and already has sold more than 30,000 copies. Beginning in January, it will be distributed in U.S. states with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas and California.
In the book, Dr. Wilson defines and describes the different classifications of headaches and possible causes, preventions and treatments. The question-and-answer format is based on questions from patients, and an illustrative case scenario introduces each chapter.
Dr. Wilson includes a complete medication guide as well as other non-pharmacologic treatments. She also addresses special situations such as headache and pregnancy, children and the elderly.
"People suffering from headaches should be diagnosed by a physician and avoid self-medication in order to prevent chronic rebound headaches," Dr. Wilson said. "I want this book to help people gather information that will help them communicate more effectively with their physicians."
Dr. Wilson, an associate professor of neurology, is a national and international headache expert who has dedicated 10 years to the study, investigation and treatment of headaches. She is the director of the headache program at Tampa General Hospital, including a new clinic specifically dedicated to women with hormonal headaches. She oversees several ongoing clinical trials for adults and adolescents with headaches.
Dr. Wilson is on the Board of Directors of the American Council of Headache Educators, an officer of the American Headache Society and editor of the journal Headache.
For more information on headaches, please email Dr. Wilson at mcwilson@hsc.usf.edu.