Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS
Posts by Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN, FAHS
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Alcohol and headaches
Do you sometimes get a headache after drinking red wine or mixed drinks? It’s a common belief that red wine is more likely to give you a headache than other types of alcohol, but there is very little evidence to support this.
A blog post on blog posts: Fact, fiction, and friction
Blogs can sometimes blend fact with opinion, so it’s important to know when a blog, even one written by a clinician, is an opinion. While clinicians operate with experience, some clinical advice can still spark healthy debate. And make sure the headlines you’re reading are not just sensationalized, which can easily happen in the non-medical media.
Acupuncture: A point in the right direction, or a stab in the dark?
Though some people surely benefit from acupuncture for the treatment of pain, its drawbacks (cost, length of treatment sessions, short duration of relief) mean that it may be a less effective choice than physical therapy or a medication.
How good is my doctor? Awards, acronyms, and anecdotes…Oh my
It’s already hard enough to pick the right doctor for yourself without all these awards and designations to pull apart. Which ones actually mean something and which ones don’t? These awards and the acronyms following a doctor’s name might be easier to interpret than you think. Just make sure not to judge a book by its cover – or a doctor by his or her labels.
White coat syndrome or white coat logo syndrome? The pitfalls of doctor shopping by “brand”
Branding has the power to influence people, but it should not necessarily be a significant, or the only, factor when it comes to health care. Picking a physician based on the name of their hospital does not always correlate with quality of care, and it could even cost you a larger copay.
Unlocking the lock jaw: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Most of us don’t appreciate the temporomandibular joint. It’s what lets us upon and close our mouths. Eating, chatting, yelling at a football game. Life just isn’t the same when there is a problem with this joint. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is painful and can worsen existing headache disorders. Learn more about TMJ, how to prevent it and how to treat it.
Snored to death: The symptoms and dangers of untreated sleep apnea
It’s important to get adequate sleep, but getting good quality sleep is just as important. Snoring can detract from a good night’s sleep whether you’re the snorer or the bed partner. Even more important, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. Untreated, sleep apnea increases our risk for serious health conditions including stroke and heart attack.
Lost in translation: Getting your doctor to be fluent in “patient”
Medical knowledge is growing at a rapid pace and technology is playing a larger role in medical practice. Office visits are becoming shorter in length and there is usually much to cover. That can make a doctor’s appointment challenging for both patient and physician. Strong communication is essential to help ensure that both patient and doctor make the best use of this time. Some simple steps can help you get the most from your time with your doctor and help ensure that you understand and can successfully act on his or her recommendations.
Spinning out of control: Vertigo
Vertigo occurs when the systems the body uses to maintain balance send contradictory information to the brain, causing a sensation of movement when you’re actually standing still. It’s very common for people to experience vertigo while on board boats. There are several medications that can ease the discomfort of vertigo.
Sinus headache or sign-us up for a migraine consultation
Because many of the symptoms are similar, many people who experience migraines mistakenly believe they have sinus headaches. An incorrect diagnosis can result in a person taking medications that may not help, as well as contributing to an inaccurate family history.