MEL 8674: Elective in Headache and Pain Medicine

Drs. Kavita Kalidas, Nina Tsakadze, A. Carvel Gipson, and Headache and Pain Fellows

Third or fourth-year medical students may spend a two or four-week elective participating in the Headache and Pain Clinics at Tampa General Hospital (Rehabilitation Bldg), Tampa General Hospital Headache and Pain Medicine Consultation Service, USF South Tampa Medical Clinics and the USF Morsani Clinics. The elective is designed as a preceptorship under the supervision of Neurologists and Headache and Pain Specialists. The student will become an integral part of a team that specializes in Headache and Pain Medicine. The ability to obtain a comprehensive medical and neurological history as well as a detailed neurological examination wil be stressed. The student will observe a variety of interventional procedures such as botulinum toxin injections, trigger point injections and peripheral nerve blockade. The student will have the opportunity to learn acute treatment of a variety of headaches by attending the Headache Infusion Suite. Finally, the student will get acquainted with the interdisciplinary therapeutic Headache and Pain Medicine Team including but not limited to Neuromuscular Re-education/Biofeedback, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Intervention. Opportunities to participate in research projects are available. Participation in Didactic Lectures and Journal Clubs is mandatory.

1. Manage the chronicity of headaches and the development of migraines
2. Obtain a comprehensive medical and neurological history as well as a detailed examination
3. Differentiate a variety of elements implicated in headache management
4. Understand the role of neurotoxins, trigger point injections, and peripheral nerve blockade in the management of migraines and other headaches
5. Understand the role of Neuromuscular Re-education/Biofeedback, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological intervention plays in the treatment of headache and migraine

Learning Outcomes

Students will see patients at the Headache and Pain Clinics at the Tampa General Hospital Rehabilitation Building and the USF Morsani Clinics.Upon completion of this elective, students should understand the principles of diagnosis and management of patients with the diagnosis of headaches and migraines.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated by the course director at the end of the course, based largely on clinical evaluations completed by all residents and faculty who work with them.