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