The Center for Neurological Disorders - Headache Treatment & Research
Gretchen E. Tietjen, MD, Director
Academic office: 419 383-3544
Clinic appointments:419 383-3760
Headache nurse: 419 383-4902
Aim:
Prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research of headaches
Highlights:
The faculty of The Headache Treatment and Research Program at the University of Toledo are
internationally recognized for their expertise in headache management. Dr. Tietjen,
Program Director, is on the executive board of the American Headache Society and is
a reviewer for the journals, Headache, and Cephalagia. The Center offers the opportunity
for persons to participate in research protocols regarding the causes and consequences
of headache, and studies for more effective therapies.
Education:
The faculty and staff believe that with an understanding of the causes and treatments
of headache, patients are able to partner with their doctor and better manage this
often debilitating condition. Patients are also given the opportunity to participate
in monthly relaxation classes and a headache support group. The faculty also teach
courses on various aspects of headache at regional and nationally sponsored symposia,
and instruct residents and medical students on the Health Science campus.
Treatment Advances:
The Neurologists are fellowship-trained and have expertise in the latest advances
in headache treatment. The initial visit is used to take a careful history and perform
a detailed neurological examination. Health issues, such as depression and anxiety,
which impact on headache are also discussed. Together, the patient and physician devise
an individualized plan-of-care for headache prevention and acute treatment, which
may involve medication, dietary management, and complementary therapies, such as biofeedback.
The Program also offers Botox therapy for migraine, and referral to neurosurgeons
with expertise in the surgical treatment of refractory cluster headache.
Research:
In addition to research for better therapies, there are a large number of original
projects, which have advanced the knowledge of headache. Members of the Headache Program
have published their findings in both national and international journals on such
topics as the relationship of stroke and migraine, cerebral blood flow in migraine,
and menstrual irregularities in headache. The faculty just completed a five-year research
project on inflammatory cytokines in migraine in collaboration with Henry Ford Hospital,
which was sponsored by the National Institute of Health.
Collaboration:
Neurology, Nursing, Neurosurgery, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology,
Psychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Primary Care