Preparing Your Child for Hospitalization

After completing a thorough examination of your child and a review of his or her medical history and lifestyle, one of our expert headache specialists may recommend admission to our inpatient unit at Saint Joseph Hospital. There, your child will receive the intense and immediate treatment necessary to stabilize the condition and create an effective long-term outpatient plan.

Packing a suitcases for your stay at the Inpatient Unit might seem like a low priority right now; however, bringing needed information and familiar items can quickly help provide the stability and comfort your child will need. Because we understand your child looks to you for guidance and security, we felt it was important to emphasize the following points and recommendations before admission to our inpatient unit: 

• Pack clothing for you and your child to last 7–10 days. Your child may prefer to pack their own suitcase with the items that are most important to them. Follow behind your child to ensure they also pack the essentials. ALSO: Chicago is a four-season climate with unpredictable weather. Be sure to check local forecasts before arriving.
• Encourage your child to bring photographs of family, friends and pets to help them cope with homesickness;
• Don't forget a government-issued photo ID card for parent(s). This can be a driver’s license, passport or other official ID. Also bring a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate and their Social Security Number.
• The Pediatric Inpatient Unit does not allow parents or guardians to stay overnight with the patient. Make sure your child understands this and knows how to reach you. 
• Rooms in the Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Saint Joseph Hospital are private; however, there are patients on the Pediatric unit who are not under treatment by the Diamond Headache Clinic, so be prepared to interact with and respect the needs of all the other patients.
• Adolescents and teens will not be allowed to use cellular phones or mobile devices while at the Inpatient Unit. Access to telephones and the Internet will be provided to your child only with your permission.

Now that you know what to expect and how to prepare your child, we encourage your child to read the points below to help them understand what to expect and how to get involved in their treatment right away.

(FOR KIDS AND TEENS ONLY!!)

Preparing Yourself for Hospitalization

Having headaches is not fun. Often, it means less time with friends, missing school days, having trouble getting along with family. It's just not fun. The great news is, your time at the Diamond Headache Clinic will get you on the right track to feeling yourself again, and having fun.

Here's a list of things we want you to know before you come to the hospital:

• This is a good unit with doctors, nurses and other staff who care about you. Everyone will be trying to help you get better fast so you can get back to being with friends, going to school and participating in activities.
• You have a say in what happens to you. We will listen to you and make sure you know how to keep your headaches under control.
• Our Continuum of Care means the same doctor who treated you in our clinic will direct your treatments at the hospital. You will see other doctors and caregivers; but a Diamond Headache Clinic doctor will be there every day to make sure your treatments are going well.
• Ask questions. We will take time to give you an answer you understand.
• Write a journal while you're at the hospital. Use it to talk to your family about your treatment. Tell them in your own words how to help you get well and stay well. They have not been through the treatment with you, so they'll need your help to understand. It also will help you remember the things you've learned while you're at the hospital.

About Diamond Headache Clinic's Inpatient Unit

We were one of the first headache centers in the country to offer a complete and dedicated inpatient option. Our 37-bed unit at Saint Joseph Hospital in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago is a treatment destination for acute headache sufferers. The unit is adjacent to a secure pediatric unit, where young patients and their families can experience the benefits of early intervention while interacting one-on-one with our team of headache specialists.