Foreword to the book by Dr. Martin Leonhard: “Success factors of my Kiel migraine kit”

Headaches are the number one health problem, with tension headaches and migraines being the most common neurological disorders. In Europe, 86% of women and 71% of men are affected by headaches within a single year. Chronic headaches, with more than 15 headache days per month, affect 9.5% of women and 4.9% of men. Migraines are the leading cause of disability among those under 50. Due to the severe suffering they cause, sufferers are searching for solutions. Over the centuries, many myths and prejudices surrounding headaches have developed. Diagnosis and treatment options were often not based on scientific findings. Consequently, care for those affected was inadequate. Treatment pathways were fraught with disappointment and prejudice. Often, sufferers turned away from conventional medicine and sought relief in unconventional, scientifically unproven methods.

Fortunately, there has been a significant improvement in care over the last few decades. New scientific findings have been developed, and the causes and treatment of headaches has become one of the most successful fields in medicine. A particularly outstanding development is that those affected can now directly participate in this progress and actively shape it.

Dr. Leonhard suffered from chronic headaches for many years and wanted to actively change his situation. He was referred to the Kiel Pain Clinic for interdisciplinary, multimodal pain therapy. He enthusiastically embraced the diverse range of modern therapies and motivated him to use them to improve his complex migraine condition. However, he didn't stop there. He recognized the need to advocate for others as someone affected by migraines and to share the knowledge he had gained.

With his book " Success Factors of My Kiel Migraine Kit, " Dr. Leonhard offers encouragement to others. He describes in detail how migraines develop. Many patients expect that a single cause is responsible for their migraines. They hope that if this cause is identified and eliminated, the migraine will be cured, and they can live as they wish. Dr. Leonhard dispels this misconception and explains why migraines are an independent disease, the cause itself, and not merely a symptom of another disorder. Drawing on his background as a natural scientist, he systematically analyzes current knowledge about the development of migraines and clearly describes the processes in the body that repeatedly trigger migraine attacks, driven by a genetically determined, lifelong predisposition. He shares important insights into how to take control of these mechanisms.

Against this backdrop, he explains the specific challenges faced by migraine patients in the workplace, relationships, and social environment. Through his selfless work, he encourages other sufferers. Migraine patients can achieve the greatest improvement through knowledge and information, shaping their lives in a way that minimizes the risk of migraine attacks. Dr. Leonhard's work deserves the highest recognition and applause. He shares his insights in a practical manner. His book is a prime example of self-initiative and self-help among migraine and headache patients. It is highly recommended reading for anyone affected by migraine.

Prof. Dr. med. Dipl. Psych. Hartmut Göbel,
Head Physician of the Kiel Pain Clinic

 

Order the book:

https://kieler-migraenekoffer.jimdofree.com/das-buch/buch-bestellen/