Comprehensive Headache Care Services
A unique service in Southeastern Wisconsin, Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Care believes in a multidisciplinary approach to care that incorporates all aspects of wellness to enhance your overall quality of life.
Persistent and severe headache pain. Disabling migraines. If you suffer from either of these, call us.
We specialize in prevention approaches to diagnose and treat headache pain relating to:
- Myofascial, neck and shoulder pain dysfunction
- Migraine/ Improper diet that may often trigger migraines
- TMJ
- Poor posture and repetitive strain
- Muscular tension/Stress induced headaches
- Mechanical problems in the cervical spine
- Faulty body mechanics during daily activities
What You Can Expect
At the Initial Visit
Prior to your first appointment, you may be asked to have a diagnostic test called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or some additional lab tests. At your initial visit, a neurologist, a specialist in conditions that affect the nervous system, will examine the results of your test and will conduct an initial assessment along with a multidisciplinary team to work with you to create a personalized care plan. After meeting with the physician, you will then receive an initial evaluation from the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints Clinical Dietetics Department staff to assess your diet and eating habits that may be causing your headaches. You also will meet with a physical therapist who will assess the physical dysfunctions that may also be a root cause of your headaches. Finally, a nurse will provide you with information related to the plan of care outlined and answer any questions you might have.
Personalized Care Plan
Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Care takes a multidisciplinary care approach to resolving or reducing your pain. Depending on your individual diagnosis, your care plan may include any of the services we offer, including:
Nutrition
A registered dietitian will assess and counsel you on identified medical nutrition therapies that may help prevent chronic migraines and headaches. After the initial visit, follow-up appointments with the dietitian are available: in Racine – go to Clinical Dietetics on the second floor of the All Saints site at 1244 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine.
Physical therapy
Under the guidance of your physician, a physical therapist performs an in-depth evaluation to reveal contributing factors to your headaches. The therapist then determines your treatment plan which may include interventions such as:
- Education in the anatomy and biomechanics involved with your headaches
- Soft tissue mobilization/Myofascial release of the restricted muscles
- Therapeutic exercises to increase or restore flexibility, strength, and stability
- Joint mobilization and muscle energy techniques to assist in normalization of joint mechanics
- Specific modalities, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction to assist with recovery of function and pain management
- Incorporating a home exercise program designed to fit your needs
- Possible vestibular rehab if dizziness and/or balance issues occur
After your initial assessment, follow-up appointments may be necessary and you can choose from a variety of Wheaton Franciscan Rehabilitation Services’ locations convenient from your work or home.
Biofeedback
This painless, non-drug therapeutic intervention helps give you the control in decreasing some of the triggers leading to headaches. With assistance from an occupational therapist, you will learn methods to aid in self-regulation of particular autonomic nervous system responses including heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure and temperature regulation.
The outpatient biofeedback program consists of approximately 10 sessions. Topics addressed in sessions include headache physiology, thermal and EMG training, relaxation techniques and establishment of a home program for self-regulation, pain management and stress reduction.
Massage
A massage therapist helps with headache management by reducing muscle tension and breaking the cycle of muscle spasms and pain, thus improving feelings of well-being.
Psychology
A clinical psychologist provides group and individual sessions focused on stress management, pain management, relaxation and guided imagery to assist you in reducing stress and gaining a feeling of control over your health and well-being.
Botox treatments
Botox injections (Botulinum toxin A or B), administered by the neurologist, may be used in the treatment of migraines to stop the expression of pain by stopping muscle contractions in the forehead, neck or other areas around the head that lead to spasm. It can also inhibit nerves that transfer pain responses to the brain and spinal chord.
Medications
Administered under the direction of the neurologist, utilization of the proper medications can be a helpful addition to the control and treatment of headache pain.
Medical Staff
Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Care is led by neurologist Traci A. Purath, MD. Dr. Purath, who has a specialized interest in the care of patients with headaches, completed her medical degree at the National University of Ireland and completed residencies in internal medicine and neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dr. Purath is involved in research studies at both Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Care and the Medical College of Wisconsin aimed at identifying new treatment possibilities for headaches. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Martha Aregbesola, NP, received her bachelor of science degree and her masters of science degree in nursing as an adult nurse practitioner from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.
Laura Granetzke, NP , Laura Granetzke received her bachelor's degree from Carroll College/Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee and her master's degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Our Locations
West Professional Office Building - B 3805 Spring Street, Suite 330
Follow-up Care
The various health care professionals involved with your care will ensure that you receive the follow-up care that you need. After your initial assessment and depending on your personalized plan of care, you might have appointments with a registered dietitian or a rehabilitation expert. About a month after the initial assessment, you will be scheduled for an appointment with a nurse practitioner who will evaluate your plan and answer any of your questions. Since close monitoring of your condition is an important part of your overall well-being, you will return to Wheaton Franciscan Comprehensive Headache Care for about six follow-up visits in the first year.
Billing
The basic initial visit includes an examination by a neurologist and an assessment by a clinical dietician, physical therapist and psychologist. Co-payment is due at the time of service. We will submit your bill to your insurance company.
For More Information
National headache Foundation (NHF)
www.headaches.org
American Council for Headache Education (ACHE)
www.achenet.org
National Migraine Association (MAGNUM)
www.migraines.org
International Headache Society
www.i-h-s.org
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints recognizes that people may seek health care information on a variety of topics for a variety of reasons. This page contains links to other World Wide Web sites with health information. In providing this service, however, All Saints does not condone or support all practices covered in these sites. As a Catholic health care system, All Saints acts in accordance with the Catholic moral tradition and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Spring Street Campus
West Professional Office Building - B 3805
Spring Street
Suite 330
Racine, WI 53405
For further details or an appointment in Racine, call (262) 687-5333
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Franklin
10101 S. 27th Street
Franklin, WI 53132
For an appointment at the Franklin office, call (414) 325-4710.
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