‘An invisible illness’: Utah Headache & Migraine opens as St. George’s only dedicated headache clinic

The new Utah Headache & Migraine clinic in St. George, Utah, Nov. 17, 2022 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Migraine is a complex illness. Although chronic headaches are fairly common, the nuances of creating an effective prevention and treatment plan require a specialized environment that respects the uniqueness of each patient to ultimately reduce the burden of pain.

The new Utah Headache & Migraine clinic in St. George, Utah, Nov. 17, 2022 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

Now open in St. George, Utah Headache & Migraine is Southern Utah’s only medical clinic focused exclusively on helping patients manage chronic headaches and migraines. As there are over 150 types of headaches, visiting a qualified specialist is essential to proper diagnosis and treatment.

“It’s such a complex disorder that patients deserve to have a dedicated clinic,” said headache specialist Katrina Poulsen, FNP-C. “This is what sets us apart.”

The specialists at Utah Headache & Migraine are ready to listen and evaluate every patient’s case one-on-one, striving to help them get the most out of life.

Recognizing that chronic headaches affect people of every age, the clinic also works with children and adolescents. Many treatments for patients under age 18 center around lifestyle changes, but certain medications have also proven highly effective.

Researchers are still trying to discover the root cause of chronic headaches and migraines. Despite this prevailing mystery, the medical field has learned a great deal about what happens to the brain during an attack and identified many triggers.

New Utah Headache & Migraine clinic in St. George, Utah, Nov. 17, 2022 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

Migraines are linked to shifts in the body’s internal balance, meaning that even minor changes to a patient’s daily routine, like skipping a meal or missing out on sleep, can trigger an attack. Genetics and hormonal changes also play a role in developing chronic headaches.

“It’s a complex disease that’s unique to each individual,” Poulsen said. “There’s also a lot of stigma attached because it’s an invisible illness. People truly don’t understand how debilitating this can be.”

The specialists at Utah Headache & Migraine will create a personalized treatment plan for each patient following a thorough assessment. Understanding that one size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to preventing and treating chronic headaches, the clinic offers a variety of treatment options. Along with medications, patients may be able to add Botox injections, trigger point injections, lidocaine infusions, nerve blocks and medical cannabis to their toolbox.

Poulsen said non-medication treatments are essential as well. Exercise, stress reduction, cognitive/behavioral therapy, dietary changes, acupuncture, physical therapy and sleep regulation have all been rigorously studied and shown to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Despite preventative efforts, there are times when additional medications may be needed to address breakthrough headaches. Therefore, a thorough migraine response plan will be formulated as part of every patient’s tailored treatment approach.

New Utah Headache & Migraine clinic in St. George, Utah, Nov. 17, 2022 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

Successful treatment requires a long-term partnership between patient and provider, so Utah Headache & Migraine provides ongoing care. Specialists are always available to help monitor a patient’s headache and migraine management and modify their treatment plan as needed if their condition changes.

Headaches and migraines are typically lifelong conditions. Therefore, the goals of treatment are the same as any other chronic illness: to achieve the most effective management and improve patient quality of life. Fewer attacks mean more opportunities for patients to do the things they love to do, and that’s what drives Poulsen as a provider.

“We have a lot of new treatments that weren’t around even a decade ago,” she said. “With this clinic, we can reach a lot of people who are suffering.”

Utah Headache & Migraine will begin accepting new patients in January 2023. The clinic accepts all major insurances, including Medicare, and telehealth appointments are also available. Call 435-274-2980 or click here to schedule a consultation.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D   C O N T E N T • 

Resources

  • Utah Headache & Migraine | Address: 2107 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 102, St. George | Telephone: 435-274-2980Website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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