headache relief that's close to home

45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches each year—that’s one of out six people in the U.S.

Studies show that roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches each year—that’s one of out six people in the U.S.

And headache pain stems from many sources and can be categorized into different “types”.  What’s termed “primary” headaches are the most common, occurring, with an estimated 90 percent of all headaches. This includes tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are headaches that occur due to another underlying problem.  

“When headache pain starts to interrupt your daily life, that’s when it’s necessary to see a physician,” says Traci Purath, MD, who leads Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Comprehensive Headache Center in Racine.

Dr. Purath is a neurologist specializing in headache pain relief.  She sees patients from around the world at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group’s Comprehensive Headache Clinic in Racine.  Her comprehensive approach includes a team of nutritionists, physical therapists and other medical leaders, providing a comprehensive approach in identifying the cause and treatment of headache pain.

“We do know women more commonly have headaches and are more misdiagnosed in having ‘tension headaches’ when they’re really migraines,” said Dr. Purath. “Sometimes, women have headaches due to hormonal changes, such as drops in estrogen during their monthly menstrual cycle.  Sometimes, headache pain is a result of anemia…so, there are a number of causes.”

After having her third baby, it was something Gwen Nguyen started to relive.

“As a teenager I had horrible migraines, but after having my first two children they seemed to go away,” said the 30-year-old.  “After my third baby was born, and ever since, the migraines returned and were more intense.”

Gwen indicates she would have anywhere between one and three migraines a month.  The pain would often force her to stay in bed.  “I would become nauseous, and I would see auras, or what appeared to look like little fireflies,” recalls Gwen. She became sensitive to light, and began covering her windows with blankets.  She even found sounds from her television and her children playing to be unbearable. 

 “It was a mystery why these migraines returned, and the pain was intense, tiring and getting worse,” Gwen said.

After seeing a number of physicians with little change, Gwen was referred to Dr. Purath from her OB/GYN during a routine visit.  “Until now, I thought my headaches were something I would simply have to suffer through,” she said. 

Now, after a series of tests—including an MRI and meetings with a nutritionist—Gwen is living virtually migraine-free.  Thanks to a combination of physical therapy and medication, she has seen a dramatic reduction in the number and severity of her migraines, and is starting to get her life back.

“Again, there may be a number of causes for headache pain—including other unrelated health issues that may be causing such pain.  If you’re suffering from severe headache pain, see your physician,” said Dr. Purath.

Traci Purath, MD, is the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Headache Center at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group in Racine, WI and this spring in Franklin.  Call (262) 687- 8322 or visit www.mywheaton.org for more information.