Migraine

I'm on the search for a new neurologist. There are no other headache specialists in my area, so I had a bright idea yesterday. What about a pain management clinic? What would they do differently? Are those docs neurologists, or anesthesiologists, or what? I'm in the Western PA area, and just found out my insurance won't cover the Jefferson CLinic in Philly. I'm not working, so I don't have enough money to go to Dallas to see Dr. K.

The real story with my HA doc is that he won't support my decision to file for SSDI. I haven't been working for about a year, and really can't work right now. He has tried a number of preventatives, but does very little as far as migraine treatment goes.

So, does anyone have experience with a pain management specialist for treating their migraines? Does anyone have an opinion? I am definitely open to suggestions.

Melissa,

I'm sorry to say that pain specialists generally aren't a good solution. Very few of them know much about Migraine. Their primary goal is to manage pain, but that's not the best goal of Migraine management. As you know, it's just as important to prevent Migraines as to treat the pain and other symptoms. Pain management specialists seldom know much about Migraine prevention, Migraine abortives, and total disease management.

In the nine years I've been maintaining our list of patient recommended specialists, no one has ever recommended a pain management specialist as a Migraine specialist.

Sorry.

Melissa,
There is another migraine specialist listed that is in Pittsburgh:

Doctor:
Robert G. Kaniecki, M.D.
120 Lytton Ave., Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-647-9494

Would your insurance cover him? I

f this ends up not being an option I would like to suggest you start interviewing neurlogist that your insurance will pay for. I don't see a migraine specialist and I have been getting excellent care. What makes the neurlogist I see great is
-She listens
-Her NP listens
-They are open to suggestions on treatment
-They always return phone calls
-If one thing doesn't work, we go on to the next. They are very aware of all the meds out there and that combos of them are sometimes needed.
-It's easy to get into the NP if I need to be seen urgently.
-I truly feel the care I get from the NP is equal to that of the doctor

It's worth considering.

Cindy

Melissa,

I know of a good neuro in the Pittsburgh area. He's not a HA specialist, but he has a great deal of migraine experience and is very nice to work with. I've put in a request to Teri for permission to share his name with you. Hang in there! As soon as I hear back from her, I'll let you know!

Hugs,
jenny

Cindy, thank you so much for the info. It was so sweet of you to take the time to look all of that up! Your points about why your neuro is great are important too. All of those things add up to great care.

Jenny, I would appreciate it so much if you could give me the name of that neurologist. I even told Teri you could send it to my email.

Melissa,

I'm waiting to hear from Teri/Nancy! I promise I'll get the name to you ASAP!

jenny