Headaches Treatment: Several Ways to Go

What is the best treatment for a garden variety, occasional headache? Two experts offer advice.

Dr. Neil H. Raskin, UCSF professor of neurology and headache treatment specialist

“Most people wait too long to take action. You should deal with a headache as soon as it appears.

“One non-medical approach is to go to sleep. If you can’t do that, use acupressure points or medications. Aspirin and caffeine together are more effective than aspirin alone or acetaminophen alone. Some people do better with sinus medicine preparations containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine). People who use ibuprofen should probably take more than two tablets. Studies show it takes 600-800 milligrams (three or four tablets) for relief.”

Dr. Joel Saper, director of the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute, Ann Arbor

“As long as that’s all it is . . . a couple of aspirin, ibuprofen or (other) over-the-counter painkillers are perfectly acceptable.

“I’m not impressed with using ‘natural’ products unless they are (effective and) less expensive. If a headache changes its pattern, is accompanied by changes such as visual impairment, or doesn’t respond to medication, see a doctor.”