and clinical decisions will be made for the patients based on their progress and individual requirements.
At the initial visit, the new patient should expect to spend 2 to 3 hours meeting with the healthcare team with the goal of establishing a multidisciplinary, individualized treatment approach. After providing a comprehensive headache history, each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including a physical and neurological examination. Laboratory studies that are usually required include complete blood count, thyroid testing, urinalysis, and EKG. An MRI or CT scan of the head or neck may be required or repeated. The team will review the patient’ s medical and surgical history, conduct a nutritional assessment, and discuss life-style and stress questions in order to determine any triggers or contributing factors to the patient’ s headache pattern. Utilizing the total evaluation, the physician can establish an appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic regimen. Treatment may include a series of outpatient procedures, specific preventive and abortive agents, and lifestyle modifications in the areas of diet, recreation, and sleep hygiene. Interventional procedures may be prescribed, such as facet blocks, nerve blocks, Botox injections, TPI( trigger point) injections, and SPG( sphenopalatine ganglion) blocks. Alternative therapies may be considered, including acupuncture, biofeedback, massage therapy, physical and recreational therapy, and psychological intervention.
If admission to the Diamond Inpatient Headache Unit is recommended, the inpatient stay will likely range from 7 to 10 days. Hospitalization may be started on the same day as the initial visit. If indicated when scheduling the new patient visit, the patient may be advised that admission is possible and they should be prepared to be hospitalized. A follow-up Clinic visit will be 4 to 8 weeks after the first appointment.
At the Clinic, each staff member strives to make the patient’ s every visit as comfortable and convenient as possible. They appreciate that preparation for the initial visit may be overwhelming and provide pre-visit, useful information regarding the Clinic, treatment options, procedures, etc.
When giving general advice to a headache patient, the staff would reassure them that they understand the distress, history of unsuccessful treatments, and out-of-control symptoms. They want each patient to feel that they have been listened to and informed, and will receive a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to manage the headache, and live their“ best life.”
When asked if the Clinic anticipates significant growth or changes during the next few years, the COO / CFO, Konrad Kothmann, replied:“ Currently, there are so many exciting things going on in the world of headache medicine. The new CGRP Antibody drugs will be coming to the market within the next few years and will be a game changer. Not only are the clinical results amazing in the early stage trials, but there will also be an increase in funds spent on education and patient awareness which will hopefully bring many silent sufferers out into the open where they will seek treatment. A significant challenge for headache patients in many parts of the world, especially rural areas, is difficulty in obtaining local quality care. Diamond Headache Clinic, in an effort to serve more patients, is currently exploring several options to meet this need. Whether that may be operating satellite clinics around the country, or by participating in telemedicine, we expect to evolve to make care more accessible to individuals who need it.”
Dr. Merle Diamond was asked why she decided to practice headache medicine. Her response was:“ I was tired of the craziness of the Emergency Department and wanted more patient contact. The gift was that I was not even sure that I would like headache medicine but I did it to join my father in practice. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened in my medical practice. I love patients, their families, and participating with them in their health journeys. The joy I feel when patients do well is almost so great, it is beyond words.”
The entire health care team at the Diamond Headache Clinic adheres to the same principles, centered on listening and remaining open-minded to patients and to treatment opportunities. The Clinic’ s mission and philosophy are best described in the words of the founder, Seymour Diamond, MD:“ This is a place that’ s always been and always will be about providing a continuum of care. Our patients need us to persevere at every stage of the process – to accurately diagnose their condition; to adjust their treatment; to continue our follow-up; and, to show them an opportunity for life beyond headache.” HW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLINIC, PLEASE VISIT:
www. diamondheadache. com Diamond Headache Clinic 1460 North Halsted Street, Suite 501 Chicago, Illinois 60642 1-800-HEADACHE
38 HeadWise ® | Volume 6, Issue 2 • 2016