The Diamond Headache Inpatient Unit at Saint Joseph Hospital Resurrection Health Care, Chicago, Illinois

Some headache and migraine sufferers need more intensive care than is possible in an outpatient setting. These include patients with complicating medical problems, and those using excessive amounts of analgesic agents and ergot preparations. Such patients often benefit from admission to the Diamond Headache Inpatient Unit at Saint Joseph Hospital Resurrection Health Care. Admission to the Unit is based on an evaluation at the Clinic.

The Headache and Migraine Inpatient Unit is located on the 9th floor and can accommodate up to 38 patients. A self-contained unit, of mostly private rooms, it is distinct from other hospital areas and is limited to headache care. The environment of the Unit, with its beautiful view of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, encourages well-behavior, coping with discomfort in healthy, constructive ways. Patients wear street clothes, eat meals together and participate in recreational and therapeutic programs. The Unit discourages relapse into pain behaviors, such as withdrawal or lack of routine. Diagnosis and treatment is by a multidisciplinary approach. A team of physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, dietitians, physical and activity therapists and counselors are involved in the care of each patient.

Specific therapy methods that may be used include:

Individualized Drug Therapy. This is based on diagnosis and previous response to therapy. Some patients benefit from multi-drug therapy, which requires close monitoring.

Psychological Intervention. Patients participate in group therapy sessions. If indicated, individual psychological and psychiatric counseling may be initiated.

Biofeedback Training. This non-drug therapy augments other therapies and can be extremely helpful to many patients. Learn more about biofeedback.

Physical and Activity Therapy. This includes exercise, diathermy, and such activities as stress management, relaxation training and art therapy. Patient education, discussion groups, meetings with the staff pharmacist and classes with the dietitian are a few of the ways patients learn to understand the causes of headaches and the principles of successful treatment.

Detoxification. Medically supervised withdrawal from analgesic medications is often necessary to lessen or eliminate drug dependence.

Family Involvement. Family members are encouraged to be involved in the program. This is important, since family understanding often relieves anger and frustration caused by the patient's behavior. It also identifies behaviors by family members that may contribute to stress on the patient.

Saint Joseph Hospital is an over 400-bed, not-for-profit hospital overlooking scenic Lincoln Park. It is a member of Resurrection Health Care system.

Learn more about the Inpatient Program.

Learn more about the Inpatient Program weekly schedule (download Word document).

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