DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 40-year-old woman and suffer from headaches. I have seen several doctors, who diagnosed me with migraines or stress headaches. I have seen my general physician several times over the years, but he has not ordered any testing. He told me I have migraines and gave me a narcotic medication to take as needed.

Is there is a possibility that the headaches are caused by head trauma? During a previous marriage, my husband was abusive and beat my head against concrete. I was also in a car accident a few years later, and my head went through the windshield. I was never tested with an MRI or CT scan following these injuries. I don’t recall if the headaches started after one of the events, but I do know that they have been increasing in severity over time.

I am so tired of being in pain because of my headaches. Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER: Chronic headaches can be very difficult to treat. Nearly everyone experiences headaches at some point in their lifetimes, often because of stress. Some people, however, have headaches regularly for a variety of reasons, or no reason at all. Migraine sufferers know all too well what it is like to feel perfectly fine and then all of a sudden have the beginnings of a headache that can escalate to a rapidly debilitating state.

There are several types of headaches, including tension (caused by stress), cluster (caused by blood-vessel abnormalities) and migraine (caused by abnormal levels of serotonin and blood-vessel abnormalities). Migraines can cause blurred vision, stiff neck, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light or noise and more. Tension headaches can cause neck and shoulder stiffness or soreness and head pain. Cluster headaches generally cause only head pain but occur in clusters over several days, weeks or even months. Because you do not say what symptoms you have other than pain, I cannot be sure what type of headache you have. However, you have been diagnosed repeatedly with migraines by several different doctors, so I must assume that the doctors are correct.

You should see a neurologist, who can order thorough testing of your brain to determine whether your head trauma has caused permanent brain damage. The neurologist will also be up to date on the latest treatment options, or, if he or she believes the headaches are not coming from your brain, can refer to you an appropriate specialist.

In the meantime, take steps to prevent the headaches as much as possible by reducing daily stress and relaxing whenever possible. Let me know what happens.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Headaches.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092.



DEAR DR. GOTT: Awhile ago, a reader wrote in with a recommendation for hair loss. Since I was starting to have problems with thinning hair, I decided to try it and write you with my results, as you requested. The products were TRESemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo and TRESemme Vitamin E Moisturizing Conditioner.

They work great! My hair has started to come back thicker, stronger and healthier than before. I also use TreSemme hairspray and have found that it is not sticky like other products and doesn’t negate the beneficial effects of the shampoo and conditioner. I would like to thank the reader for the suggestion and you for printing it in your column. Thank you!

DEAR READER: I have had several letters similar to yours from readers who have success with the TreSemme products. Like everything else, it does not work for everyone, but, thankfully, there are other options. Other seemingly effective treatments (based on the letters I have received) include taking a daily folic acid supplement or B-complex tablet. Folic acid one of the B-vitamins which may explain why the B-complex is also effective.

Hair loss, especially in women, can be devastating, and many hair-replacement techniques are costly. Simple home remedies are preferable, and I am happy to say they work for many.

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If readers would like to contact Dr. Gott, they may send their mail directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Ohio address.

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