The research I've read about gabapentin for Chronic Daily Headaches (CDH) show a 9% improvement in head ache free days compared to placebo. This is a very small improvement. One researcher even stated that this difference is not very significant.

The question being asked is : Is it worth the high dose of gabapentin for such a small chance of improvement, especially considering the side-effects of higher doses, I.E. vomiting, dizziness, dysarthria (problems speaking), somnolence (sleepiness), and constipation. Gabapentin has shown to be better for migraines that common CDH's

Aspirin can be taken in Enteric form to reduce gastric problems. Enteric aspirin is coated so it does not dissolve until it is past the stomach. I have been taking enteric aspirin every morning for at least 20 years. I have no gastric problems even though I take 975 mgs per morning dose. The worst side effect is I bleed a lot when I cut myself.

Some people rotate acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin to lessen the effect on their bodies. Acetaminophen is the easiest to get into trouble with due to its effect on the liver. There are blood tests that can be done
occasionally to see how the liver is doing.

Her neck MRI's will not likely show anything because most radiologists do not have the skills to image and evaluate cervical MRI's at the required level for subtle injuries finer than broken bones, torn ligaments, and herniated discs. A classic diagnosis is the catch-all of bone spurs. Research even shows that there is no correlation between MRI's of the spine and symptomless. Patients with serious pain can have negative MRI's and people with drastically positive MRI's can have no symptoms.

There is even a sub specialty within neuro-radiology that is needed to make the most out of brain MRI's.

In my opinion, her neuro's comment <He said that she should be doing much better than she is and that the dose of gabapentin she is on is a hefty dose. He said that it should be taking care of her headaches. > suggests to me that he has very little understanding of PCS or gabapentin. His responses are classic for the uninformed medical professionals.

Does she keep track of her blood pressure? It is likely that her head aches have a correlation to her blood pressure. Keeping her BP at normal levels should be a priority. The concussed brain is very apt to mismanage blood pressure at the slightest trigger.

Soma (Carisoprodol) is a powerful drug and needs to be used with caution. I have used it from time to time for the past 30 years or more. It has always been dispensed to me with extreme caution from the doctor and/or pharmacist. It can be addictive or habit forming.

There is a specialist in the forces of auto accidents by the name of:

Michael D Freeman PhD MPH DC
Forensic Epidemiologist

Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine

Adjunct Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine and Epidemiology
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Aarhus University Aarhus, Denmark

Maybe some research into his work will help find some answers. I haven't looked at his work in ages.

I have his e-mail address if needed. I can forward it by PM.

Hope she has some better days. I know how bad the head aches can get. I spent all of Saturday with a head ache. Tough when I wanted to play with my grand kids.

My best to you.