Few experiences are as universal as headache pain. For most of us, it involves a few hours or a day of pain followed by relief. However, for some sufferers, headaches are frequent enough, and debilitating enough, to rob them of function and quality of life.
For years, treatment for chronic, severe headaches was limited to medications that seldom provided long-term relief. Recent scientific studies have increasingly pointed to a shift toward a multi-disciplinary approach for effective headache management. To meet both the growing demand for care, and the increase in therapeutic options, the Cooper Neurological Institute has opened a dedicated Headache Program under the direction of Cooper neurologist Mitra Assadi-Khansari, MD.
“An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be established through a detailed clinical assessment that includes patient reports of symptoms, not simply laboratory testing,” says Dr. Assadi.
The Cooper Headache Program has established a multi-disciplinary center that provides access to:
- Medical and pharmacologic support.
- Cranio-cervical osteopathic manipulation.
- Acupuncture.
- Occipital nerve blocks.
- Biofeedback and relaxation therapy.
One of only a handful of board-certified headache specialists in New Jersey, Dr. Assadi works with a multi-disciplinary clinical team that includes: Jerrold A. Friedman, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and Jeffrey Bessey, PhD, Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Friedman uses a skeletalmuscular approach for managing persistent head and spine pain. Dr. Bessey offers access to bio-feedback and relaxation treatments.
“Research has shown that medications are not sufficient for effective treatment of chronic headaches,” says Dr. Assadi. “The Cooper Headache Program can provide access to the additional therapies that are needed for successful long-term management.”
To make an appointment for the Cooper Headache Program call 1.888.6.COOPERCNI (1.888.626.6737).