Sharon Fiorillo, Barb Wintermantel( Practice Manager), Judy McKenna, Kris McClone( Office Manager), Maggie Varhola
Sheila Devey
the Center is an individual who experiences episodic(< 15 days per month) or chronic(> 15 days per month) migraine. The next most common diagnosis is post-traumatic headaches, due in part to the close working relationship with the UPMC Concussion Center. Adults as well as children are evaluated at the Center. A referral from another health care provider is not required.
At the first appointment at the UPMC Headache Center, patients will undergo a comprehensive history and physical examination from one of the Center’ s physicians. Thorough analysis is conducted on headache details and prior treatment responses, and a review is undertaken on previous scans, testing, and treatments. With their health care provider, the patient will discuss headache type / diagnosis, physiological basis to the headaches, and treatment program tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
During a typical day at the Center, about 60 to 80 patients will be evaluated. Although biofeedback and other alternative therapies are not provided at the Center, off-site access to specialists is available. If the patient requires inpatient therapy, they will be admitted to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Kaniecki advised that the Center continues to grow each year and he anticipates that the Center will continue that path in the future.
At the Center, there is an emphasis on the patient-clinician relationship and the importance of both parties doing their parts in reducing headache frequency and intensity. They find that optimal reduction in disability and improvement in function results from the joint venture. The clinician designs the program and educates the patient. The patient commits to comply with both the natural / lifestyle measures and the medication approaches.
Dr. Kaniecki offered the following general advice for the patient experiencing headache:“ Patience – many treatment programs take months to realize benefits.” He noted that he enjoys working in Headache Medicine because“ each week, each day, we can make a difference.” HW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLINIC, PLEASE VISIT:
http:// www. neurology. upmc. edu / headache / index. html The Headache Center 120 Lytton Avenue, Suite 250 Pittsburgh, PA 15213( 412) 647-9494
34 HeadWise ® | Volume 5, Issue 1 • 2015