Find Relief for Your Headaches
Persistent and chronic headaches affect millions of Americans. We can help you get relief today! The Comprehensive Headache Center, located at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Franklin, uses a multidisciplinary approach to treat headache pain and enhance your overall quality of life.
The staff at the headache center consists of nationally renowned neurologist
Dr. Traci Purath, as well as specially trained dietitians, nurse practitioners, psychologists and physical therapists. They work together to provide you with a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat your headache pain.
Diagnosing and treating headache pain
The first step we take is listening to you to develop a personalized care plan to resolve or reduce your pain. Depending upon your individual diagnosis, your treatment plan may involve a variety of different services. All of these services are conveniently located in our Franklin facility for ease of access and follow-up care.
What to expect during your initial visit to the Headache Center
Prior to your first appointment, you may be asked to have an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or lab tests. At your initial visit, Dr. Purath, neurologist and director of the Comprehensive Headache Center, will examine the results of your tests. She and the multidisciplinary headache team will conduct an initial assessment to create your personalized care plan to treat your headaches.
Nutrition counseling
After meeting and talking with Dr. Purath, you will receive an initial evaluation from our dietitian to assess your diet and eating habits that may be causing your headaches. The dietitian will counsel you on headache triggers and dietary tips to help prevent chronic migraines and headaches.
Physical therapy
You will also meet with a physical therapist who will assess any physical issues that may also be a root cause of your headaches. The therapist will establish a treatment plan that may include:
- Education in the anatomy and biomechanics involved with your headaches
- Soft tissue mobilization/myofascial release of restricted muscles.
- Joint mobilization and muscle energy techniques to assist in normalization of joint mechanics.
- Exercises to increase or restore flexibility, strength and stability
Stress management
You will talk with our psychologist to discuss the influence that stress and pain can have on your ability to cope and will be given recommendations to assist you with individualized stress and pain management approaches.
Nursing care
Finally, a nurse will provide you with information related to the plan of care outlined by all of the staff and answer any questions you might have.
Follow-up care
The various health care professionals involved with your care will ensure that you receive ongoing care for your headaches. A month after your initial assessment, you will be scheduled for an appointment with a nurse practitioner who will evaluate your plan and answer any of your questions. Because close monitoring of your condition is an important part of your overall well-being, you will return to the center for about six follow-up visits during the first year.
Types of headaches
- tension headaches
- migraine headaches
- cluster headaches
- sinus headaches
Headache resources
Comprehensive Headache Center
10101 S. 27th St., 3rd Floor
Franklin, WI 53132
Hours: Monday – Friday
8am – 5pm
General information and appointment scheduling: 414-325-4710