Back row : Nora Klaus ( PSR ), Annette Harlan ( MA ), Chris Duston ( MA ), Jaci Radosta ( PSR ) Front row : Martha Aregbesola , APNP , Ashley Holdridge , DO , Kate Sandstrom , PA-C
Ashley Holdridge , DO participating in Family Night
Referrals from a health care practitioner are required to be seen at the Center . The center evaluates patients from age 15 and older . About 80 % of their patient populations are women with the most typical age range being between 19 to 45years old . The most common diagnosis is migraine , followed by chronic migraine and cervicalgia . The Center specializes in the treatment of migraine , chronic migraines , tension-type headaches , occipital neuralgia , trigeminal autonomic cephalgias , cluster headaches , and atypical facial pain .
The patient / provider relationship starts prior to the patient visiting the Center . Before the initial appointment , patients will be asked to complete new patient paperwork that reviews prior medications , scans , and identifies the characteristics of their headaches . Upon arrival at the Center , the patients are greeted by the friendly patient service representatives . The medical assistants will escort patients to the exam rooms which offer light dimming capabilities in order to comfort those with light sensitivities and the carpeted hallways minimize noise exposures . All patients are offered ice packs , snacks , and water in order to ensure the patient is comfortable .
All new patients are evaluated by Dr . Holdridge and are scheduled for an hour . Dr . Holdridge believes in greeting everyone with a smile , sitting down , and making eye contact , as she knows even a simple sign of compassion can make all the difference in their headache management . This extra time allows her to investigate the causes and characteristics of a patient ’ s headaches while giving the patient the attention and time which they deserve . A
thorough neurologic exam is performed . The remainder of the visit is spent discussing a diagnosis and , together with the patient , forming a treatment plan . Dr . Holdridge strongly believes in patient education and meticulously reviews various preventative and abortive treatment options , and explains potential side effects and benefits . She also ensures that patients understand the headache cycle and when treatment is appropriate . Dr . Holdridge believes in empowering her patients by giving them the appropriate tools necessary to manage their headaches .
A typical day at the Center starts at 7am , in order to accommodate those patients who want to be seen prior to starting their work day . Late hours are also scheduled , allowing for better access for the patients . Up to 50 patients are evaluated per work day , and urgent slots are provided for those who need to be seen immediately . An IV therapy suite is available which enables patients to remain in a calm , dark environment for cycle-breaking treatments as opposed to a visit to a loud and busy Emergency Department . The Center offers a multitude of interventions such as botox injections for chronic migraine , trigger point injections , sphenopalatine blocks , and occipital nerve blocks .
At The Comprehensive Headache Center , non-pharmacologic treatment approaches are utilized . Occupational therapists provide biofeedback training . Many patients utilize the physical therapy program , and appreciate the “ dry needling ” procedure .
Currently , the Center does not have inpatient capabilities . However , the IV treatment rooms provide an alternative to the emergency department or urgent care centers .
www . headaches . org | National Headache Foundation 37
170767 _ LOT A _ NHF Feb 2017 Vol . 6 Issue 3 . indd 37 2 / 15 / 17 12:48 AM