Dr. Traci Purath, neurologist, Comprehensive Headache Center, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Franklin

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People who visit Dr. Traci Purathโ€™s third-floor office at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcareโ€™s Franklin hospital shouldnโ€™t be surprised if they catch her hugging a patient who has just finished an appointment.

A neurologist who leads the hospitalโ€™s Comprehensive Headache Center, Purath is well-known among colleagues and patients for her compassion and dedication to people with debilitating migraine pain and headaches.

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Purath became interested in treating people with headaches as a result of her husbandโ€™s experience as a longtime migraine sufferer. She knows firsthand that migraines can run in families; her children also have had migraines.

Purath takes an interdisciplinary approach to treating headache pain, helping patients make changes in their lives to lessen their headache frequency and intensity.

โ€œPeople from all over Wisconsin โ€“ and outside of our state โ€“ visit her to find relief they canโ€™t find anywhere else,โ€ says Dan Mattes, president of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Franklin and St. Francis.

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When patients first come to the Headache Center, itโ€™s not uncommon for Purath to learn that headache pain has been controlling their lives. She starts by listening to patientsโ€™ stories and assessing their symptoms. She has patients meet with a clinical psychologist to address the stress in their lives. Next, they meet with a physical therapist to assess body mechanics, such as posture, which might be influencing head or neck pain. Finally, the centerโ€™s dietitian works with patients to avoid certain foods that trigger headaches. Purath prescribes medication if necessary, but not in all circumstances.

โ€œWhen patients walk out of the clinic, you can see the newfound confidence they have,โ€ Purath says. โ€œThey have the realization that they are in control of their lives and that they are not alone with their pain.โ€

For patients who have long suffered with chronic headaches, itโ€™s no wonder they want to give Purath a hug.

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She is equally grateful, she says, to be able to make a difference in peopleโ€™s lives.

โ€œAs a physician, I am extremely blessed.โ€

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