“ Don ’ t just ‘ deal ’ with your frequent headaches . They aren ’ t normal .”
Heather Callon
At the Center , each patient is provided with a headache diary and pamphlets from either the National Headache Foundation and / or the American Headache Society regarding diagnosis , treatment options , medications prescribed for them , lifestyle modifications , adjunctive therapies , and a headache diary . During their visit , patients can view several videos on primary headaches . After receiving the educational material , many patients describe the first visit as Headache 101 .
When asked if any growth or changes are anticipated during the next few years , Ms . Treppendahl noted they are focusing on research and plan to hire more nurse practitioners so that patients do not have to wait several months to schedule an appointment . To raise awareness about headache problems , the Center plans to sponsor a Miles for Migraine event in 2017 . The Center also participates annually in Headache on the Hill – a federal lobbying effort to promote NIH funding of headache research and better care for veterans with TBI . Ms . Treppendahl offered the following general advice for the patient experiencing headache :
“ Don ’ t just ‘ deal ’ with your frequent headaches . They aren ’ t normal . More than likely , if your headaches are interfering with your life , they probably are NOT tension-type headaches or sinus headaches … even if this is the diagnosis you received in the past … A good initial goal of a headache specialist would be to reduce the frequency , severity , and duration of the headaches to a point where the patient ’ s quality of life and productivity ( work , home , and social ) is significantly improved . Knowledge is power . The more a patient learns about their particular diagnosis , the better the outcome will be . A successful specialist partners with the patient and empowers the patient to regain control of his or her life and improve overall quality of life .”
When asked why she enjoys treating headache patients , Ms . Treppendahl said , “ I like winning . We win every time a patient returns to the clinic to tell us that their number of headache days has dropped in half , or that their abortive medication allowed them to resume normal activity quickly , or that we have completely given them back their lives . Nothing can explain how great that feels . We are simply providing evidence-based treatment plans and emerging treatment technologies . We also win when the patient tells us how much they appreciate the care that they have received in our clinic , especially when their friends and family do not understand how badly chronic headaches affect them .” HW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLINIC , PLEASE VISIT : www . mississippimigrainecenter . com
The Headache Center 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy , Suite 7205 Ridgeland , MS 39157 ( 601 ) 366-0855
Headache Neurology Research Institute ( HNRI ) ( 601 ) 790-1811
34 HeadWise ® | Volume 6 , Issue 1 • 2016