New Hope for Headache Sufferers

The Headache Center of Southern California Offers Free Monthly Clinics

Encinitas, Calif.  Migraine headaches have been a part of Marisa’s life since she was five years old. Until recently, the 39 year-old executive used to leave her office early to sleep off her incapacitating condition. Despite having a large circle of friends, Marisa’s social life was limited because of her migraines.

If she did accept an invitation, it came with exceptions. For example she’d first eat at home because restaurant food could generate a migraine. In fact, these migraines even impacted Marisa’s shopping habits. “If I go into a department store or office where a fluorescent light is flickering because it’s about to burn out, I walk right out,” she explains. “I can’t tolerate that environment because it triggers migraines. I can’t sit next to a woman wearing cheap perfume, or I’ll get a migraine because of the fumes and smell. Aerosol air fresheners and hairspray are also a problem, along with second-hand cigarette smoke, chemicals and pollution.”

Marisa and numerous other migraine sufferers is now benefiting from Botox injections for pain management rather than for cosmetic reasons. Marisa repeats the injections every three months. “When I get a headache, I follow my doctor’s advice closely,” she says. “In the past, I’d have to stay in bed all day, but now within a couple of hours, the headache is reduced to a minor irritation, and I can function at almost full capacity.”

Botox injections are merely one method of treatment for migraines. Marisa discovered its use via a radio commercial announcing a research study. Coincidentally, her husband, a physician, conducted his own investigation to find the best migraine treatment center in Southern California. Both sources turned out to be The Headache Center of Southern California. It was only then that Marisa felt fully confident in seeking treatment there under the care of Dr. Jack Schim.

First, Dr. Schim took a complete medical history, focusing on Marisa’s headaches. He asked when they began (age five), what events triggered the migraines, and where the pain was located. He then took a Midas score, ranking how badly headaches had altered her life. “My Midas score was 50 or higher when I first went to see him, and now after a couple of years of Botox injections, it’s gone down to 0,” Marisa said proudly.

Marisa recommends that headache sufferers begin their own research by attending free classes offered by the Headache Center of Southern California. These are held the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Center’s conference room adjacent to Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas.

During a patient’s first visit to the Headache Center, doctors review medical history, including illnesses, injuries, family medical conditions, and any medications the patient may be taking. Patients also receive an examination to determine if an underlying physical problem is causing the headaches.

The Center’s six neurologists are experts in diagnosing and treating headache pain. In addition, they conduct ongoing research on headache treatment as well as regular community classes.

For more information please visit www.the-headachecenter.com or call (760) 732-0557.