Geisinger Neurologist Explains When a Headache is More Than Just a Pain Geisinger Neurologist, Abigail Chua, explains that if you have headaches, you know how debilitating and intense they can be. Sometimes, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to dull the pain. But what if you need more? There are actually hundreds of different types of headaches, all with different causes and treatments. It’s also important to remember that headaches can occur in children as well, not just adults. When you understand the type of headache you have, you can treat it more effectively. Here are some of the common headache types and what treatments may work for each one. Tension headache A tension or stress headache is the most common type of headache. These headaches cause noticeable pressure and tightness on both sides of your head, can occasionally be caused by stress and the pain comes and goes. Tension headaches are typically treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people also find relief by exercising, taking a hot shower or taking a short nap. Migraine A migraine is a neurologic disease that causes painful headaches as well as other symptoms. Migraine symptoms can include: Pounding, throbbing pain Visual changes, like blurred vision or bright flashing lights Pressure in your face that feels like a sinus infection Sensitivity to light or sound Nausea or vomiting Some migraine attacks are associated with triggers, including: Changes in the weather Lack of sleep Fatigue Emotional stress Loud noises Strong smells Missing a meal A change in caffeine, alcohol or chocolate consumption If a migraine is caught early, it can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some people with migraine headaches may also require treatment with prescription medications. Cluster headache Cluster headaches are considered the most severe type of headache, and people typically have piercing or stabbing pain behind one eye when they have an attack. People with cluster headaches usually feel restless during their attacks and can’t sit still. Treatment for cluster headaches can include injected medications, inhaled oxygen or steroids. Preventive medications can help in some cases. Rebound headache Rebound headaches, also called medication-overuse, or medication adaptation, headaches, can develop because of regular, long-term use of medications that treat headaches, including migraine. Taking pain relievers to treat headaches on a regular basis for a longer period, usually three months or more, can actually trigger daily rebound headaches. The good news? Once you stop taking the medication causing your headaches, the rebound headaches usually subside. However, people with a rebound headache can also have a migraine, so the migraine attacks may continue to occur. When to worry about headache pain While most headaches are treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, there are some symptoms and warning signs that may need more attention. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you notice: A sudden or significant change in the pattern of your headaches. Headaches that are accompanied by weight loss, slurred speech, vision change, weakness, numbness, seizures or cognitive dysfunction. A headache along with a stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion or decreased alertness. Headaches following a blow to the head. Always seek medical attention immediately if you experience this. Exceptionally bad pain that you haven’t felt before. Headaches when you wake up that get worse when you move, cough or lift weights. While it’s rare to have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them if you feel your headache isn’t normal. They could indicate medical emergencies that need immediate care. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A doctor will conduct the appropriate tests to confirm whether your headache is just a headache or something more. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger to Host Men’s Health Talk To celebrate men’s health month, Geisinger urologists Ryan Mori, MD, and John Ramey, MD, will host a free PA Health Talk about erectile dysfunction, bladder cancer and prostate conditions. The live discussion will be held at the Wilkes-Barre Penguins Practice Pavilion on June 12 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will include a light dinner. Everyone is welcome at this relaxed, casual event, including women who have questions about a loved one’s health. It’s predicted that by 2025 over 300 million men will have erectile dysfunction, and 30 million men will be diagnosed this year. Treatment options can include medication and surgery. Men are also at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with an individual’s risk of prostate cancer varying by age, race/ethnicity, and other factors. Drs. Mori and Ramey will discuss multiple urological conditions, their causes and treatment options, followed by a question-and-answer session. Questions can be submitted ahead of time and will be asked anonymously. Attendees interested in a tour of the practice facility should arrive by 5:10 p.m. The tour will start at 5:15 p.m. Boston Scientific will also be there to showcase products used to help treat erectile dysfunction. To register, visit events.geisinger.org. Space is limited. The practice facility is located at 40 Coal St., Wilkes-Barre.
Geisinger Hosting PA Health Talk on Fertility Prospective parents and community members are invited to join fertility specialists Jennifer Gell, M.D., and Lydia Shively, PA-C, for a virtual PA Health Talk from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Infertility is more common than most people think, and risk for infertility increases with age. Participants looking to grow their family can learn about: When to see a fertility specialist Conditions that affect fertility Testing options Fertility medications Fertility treatments and more The live event will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. To register, visit geisinger.org/fertilitytalk. During registration, participants may submit questions for the fertility experts to answer during the talk. For more information on fertility treatments, visit Geisinger’s fertility website.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s Gala Raises More Than $100,000 for Student Scholarships Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine celebrated a monumental success with its annual Black Ties for White Coats Gala, raising more than $100,000 in support of student scholarships. Held at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 20, the event brought together esteemed guests, faculty, students, and community members for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. Geisinger Commonwealth would like to thank the Diamond Sponsor of this year’s event, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Service/Discover NEPA and the Gold Sponsor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The annual gala serves as a cornerstone fundraising event for the school and is aimed at supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders. “We are thrilled by the overwhelming generosity and support shown at this year’s Gala”, said School President and Dean Julie Byerley, MD, MPH. “The funds raised will directly impact our students by enabling them to pursue their dreams of becoming a healthcare provider who will make a difference in the communities they serve.” The success of the Black Ties for White Coats event underscores Geisinger Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. By providing scholarships, the school aims to alleviate the financial burden of medical education and empower students to focus on their studies and clinical training. Each year Geisinger Commonwealth selects a Founders, Wel-lbeing and Community honoree. This year’s honorees include: Founders: Tom Churilla, MD Well-being: Shubhra Shetty, MD Community: The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Community Event Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is hosting a community event: “Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken in and What We Can Do About It” on May 14.
Geisinger Neurosurgeon Shares Information for Stroke Awareness Month Below is a piece on strokes by Geisinger Neurosurgeon Dr. Clemens Schirmer. All strokes involve potential damage to an area of the brain. And all strokes have the same symptoms — which makes it easier to know when to seek help. But strokes have different causes, and that means different treatments and different recovery paths. Strokes fall into two categories: Ischemic stroke Hemorrhagic stroke Most strokes — almost 90 percent — are ischemic. These happen when blood flow through the artery to the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. There are two types of ischemic strokes: Embolic stroke Thrombotic stroke An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and becomes lodged inside an artery. Thrombotic strokes happen when a blood clot forms inside one of the brain’s arteries. Treatment involves removing the blockage as quickly as possible. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when the brain leaks blood, damaging or destroying brain cells. Hemorrhagic strokes are typically caused by high blood pressure and aneurysms but can be caused by malformations or fistulas. There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes: Intracerebral hemorrhage Subarachnoid hemorrhage Intracerebral are the most common types of hemorrhagic strokes, they Intracerebral occur when bleeding takes place within the brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhage strokes take place when bleeding occurs between the brain and the spaces that immediately surround it due to a ruptured aneurysm or malformation. Treatment of hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. You’ve probably heard of “mini” or “warning” strokes. The technical term for these is transient ischemic, or TIA, stroke. With a TIA, blood flow to the brain is usually blocked for less than 5 minutes and symptoms resolve within 24 hours, and usually much faster. But a TIA is a warning sign that a future, more severe stroke may occur. A TIA stroke requires immediate treatment and should be managed carefully, just like any other stroke. Doing so can lower your risk of having a major stroke. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and calling 911 as soon as possible can have a big impact on recovery. Use the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs and know when to seek help: Balance difficulties Eyesight changes Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle behaviors: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables Maintaining a healthy weight Exercising regularly Limiting alcohol intake Not smoking If you think you may be at risk for having stroke, talk to your healthcare team. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Hospitals Rated Above National Average in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Four Geisinger hospitals earned the top Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization. Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital each received an “A” grade for protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital both received a “B.” While three of the four “A” grades remained unchanged from the fall, Geisinger Community Medical Center improved significantly, moving from a “C” to an “A” grade. “These achievements reflect our ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional care and continuously improving our practices to better serve our patients and community,” said Anthony Petrick, M.D., Geisinger’s chief quality officer. “With exceptional ratings at all of our hospitals, it displays the complete dedication and commitment to putting our patients first.” Founded in 2000, the Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization that assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. To learn more, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.
EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
Geisinger Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Scranton Recognized by Patient Safety Authority Geisinger Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Scranton was honored with a 2024 I AM Patient Safety achievement award from the Patient Safety Authority. The award recognizes advancements, outcomes and commitment to patient safety across Pennsylvania and the nation. The doctors and their team were selected from more than 125 nominations, foremost for their impact on patient care. The team at Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Scranton — led by Mohamed Shitia, D.O.; Kevin Colleran, M.D.; and Aaron Wey, M.D. — was nominated for the I AM Patient Safety award by the Krevey family of Pittston, whose teenage daughter Emily had multiple sports-related injuries over a five-year span. From eighth grade through her senior year of high school, Emily had fractures, tendon and ligament tears and an injury to the bone and cartilage in her ankle. Each time, the orthopaedic physicians’ care and expertise allowed her to heal and continue to play — helping Emily’s team win conference and district titles for three straight years. “The Scranton orthopaedics team members were incredible beyond words,” said Emily’s mother, Terri Lee Krevey. “The future is hers to take, thanks to this group of physicians.” Since their inception in 2013, the I AM Patient Safety achievement awards have honored hundreds of programs and people who positively impact patient safety. The awards are judged by a cross-section of national and regional health care executives; patient safety advocates; and government, university and patient representatives. The Patient Safety Authority is an independent state agency that collects and analyzes patient safety data to improve safety outcomes and help prevent patient harm.
Geisinger Allergist and Immunologist Shares Allergy Tips for 2024 Season Geisinger’s Dr. Neil Baman, allergist/immunologist at Geisinger Scenery Park, State College, shares tips to help this year’s allergy season. As the temperature outside starts to climb above 50 degrees, people start peeking their heads outside. But once it hits 60, people throw open their windows to start spring cleaning with a rush of fresh air. If you’re a spring allergy sufferer, think before you open that window. People aren’t the only ones reacting to the warm weather—pollen is, too.As the weather warms up, trees start producing pollen that can end up in our nose and eyes and cause allergic symptoms. If you get spring allergies, it’s better to be proactive than reactive—prepare for spring allergies long before it’s warm enough to open those windows.The best way to prepare for spring allergies is to understand your personal triggers, start medications, monitor pollen levels and consider alternative treatments.Stock up your medicine cabinet.There are various medications that will help you through allergy season: antihistamines, decongestants, steroidal nasal sprays and eye drops. All of these medications can be used together or separately to reduce symptoms. Antihistamines reduce your body’s allergic response. Antihistamines are available over the counter. A word of caution, though — some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so be sure you know how the medication affects you before operating any heavy machinery, including driving your car. Steroidal nasal sprays can reduce nasal inflammation and allergy symptoms. Most allergy nasal sprays are available over the counter and are usually used for one to two sprays per day, per nostril. Steroid nasal sprays are not the same as decongestant nasal sprays as they can be used longer than decongestants. There are also antihistamine nasal sprays available, but these require a prescription from your physician.Eye drops can help with reducing itchy and watery eye sensations. Make sure you remove your contacts lenses before using them. Some eyes drops are available over the counter, and some require a prescription from your doctor. Keep an eye on pollen countsMany weather and air quality news organizations report on allergen levels. Check these sites to keep track of the allergens that irritate you. If you notice that pollen counts are high, consider making adjustments to your schedule. To avoid pollen, be careful about opening windows in your house and in your car. It can let a lot of pollen in that you may not even see with your eyes. When you come home at the end of the day, change into different clothes. This can help you avoid tracking pollen into your house. In addition, before you go to bed, make sure to take a shower to wash off the pollen from the day. Thoroughly vacuum and clean your house to lower indoor pollen levels. Clean or change your air filters to make sure they aren’t full of pollen.When you spend time outside, consider wearing sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes. If you’re doing something that would make you come in contact with a lot of pollen—like gardening or mowing the grass—wearing a special filter mask can help keep pollen out of your lungs. Wear gloves when handling things that may have pollen on them. Consider alternative treatmentsWhen your hands are dirty, you wash them. This allergy season, consider doing the same for your nose. Tools like neti pots and sinus rinses can flush out the pollens that are stuck in your nose, irritating your sinuses. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on a neti pot or sinus rinse to avoid discomfort and potentially dangerous side effects.Neti pots are a great way to flush out pollen and get rid of mucus. If you use a neti pot, make sure that you’re using purified or distilled water. Using tap water increases the risk of life-threatening infections. See an allergistWhen they’re sick, people go see a doctor. But for allergies, some people choose to suffer and wait it out. Ultimately, this doesn’t get to the root of the problem, so allergies affect you each and every year. An allergist can give you insights into what’s causing your allergies and even help cure them.When you go to an allergist, they will test you for common indoor and outdoor allergens. Based on your reactions, your doctor can tell what you’re allergic to. Next, the allergist has the ability to create personalized immunotherapy injections to help decrease your allergy symptoms. These shots contain small doses of the allergens to help you build up immunity.If your allergies are particularly uncomfortable or making breathing difficult, talk to your doctor about other ways you can lessen your symptoms. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
