CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Vista Healthcare is bringing world-class neurology care to Southern Utah, aiming to treat the full spectrum of headache disorders.
Dr. Bob Niemann with Vista Healthcare Neurology is a neurologist specializing in headaches and the management of neurological conditions that facilitate or cause increasing severity of headache-like symptoms.
There are many different types of chronic headaches, Niemann said. In a general sense, doctors classify chronic headaches as headaches that affect the patient more than half of the month. Headaches are unique in that many of their signs and symptoms are hidden, leaving the individual with debilitating pain. Patients often feel isolated with little information regarding the cause and progression of the disorder.
Headaches are also difficult to treat due to variations in duration and intensity. For instance, a headache may last an hour or two, or plague the patient during every waking hour of the day. Headaches may also cause disability and impairment, which can lead to depression and lack of self-confidence.
“I’ve had migraines my whole life and it runs in my family, so I empathize with people who have it,” he added. “People who haven’t experienced it don’t realize how disabling it can be.”
When treating headaches, Niemann considers the treatment regimen as an individual plan that is tailored to meet the needs and health history of the patient. Even if a headache doesn’t occur half of the month, he will often consider preventative medicine in his treatment plan to mitigate the severity of symptoms.
Niemann will see patients that experience headaches at least four days out of the month, or once per week, that are particularly debilitating. He works with each patient to develop strategies for reducing the impairment and symptoms that often accompany headaches.
There is evidence that some medications can help patients with their headaches. Utilizing the clinical skill of a neurologist may help patients better navigate their needs and reduce unnecessary treatment, enabling the patient to receive an accurate diagnosis and allowing them to get back to living symptom-free. Different therapies can be deployed to help patients with their individual needs pertaining to their headache symptoms.
“We’re putting specialties that compliment each other together so we can give a more comprehensive evaluation for people’s pain problems,” Niemann said.
Headaches can’t be treated as a one-size-fits-all type of diagnosis. Instead, Niemann looks at them as a continuum. Headaches manifest in many different ways, including the following:
- Tension headaches, which are the most common type of headache.
- Migraine headaches, the most common severe type of headache.
- Cluster headache, characterized by bouts of frequent attacks close in duration. There are chronic cluster headaches and episodic cluster headaches.
- Chronic headaches.
- Headache disorders.
Simple steps to managing headaches might start with lifestyle elements such as increasing exercise, reducing stress, improving relationships and making dietary changes. However, should the onset be more complex and chronic, Niemann will utilize advanced testing to better provide insight into how to more effectively manage headaches.
Risk factors of advanced headaches include stiff neck, fever and changes in headache symptoms. While a bit of a visual aura and numbness or tingling are common, experiencing prolonged neurological symptoms with headaches can be unusual. These should be evaluated by a medical professional well versed in neurological disorders.
Niemann has been a practicing neurologist since 1982. As the field continues to evolve while embracing new technologies and treatments, he said he believes that patient care remains of the utmost importance. He strives to communicate and listen, and to respect the trust of the patient.
Niemann said he enjoys partnering with his patients to help them experience more days without symptoms. It is his sincere hope to see his patients live a life without pain.
To schedule an appointment with Niemann, contact Vista Healthcare Neurology at 435-619-8632.
Resources
- Vista Healthcare | Address: 2891 E. Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-215-0257 | Website.
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