Treatment Update and School Check-In

Dr. Barmherzig is a pediatric neurologist in the Division of Neurology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She specializes in treating children with headache and pain disorders.

Dr. Barmherzig has a deeply personal interest in helping children with headaches.

“In addition to being a headache provider, I am also a headache patient, which allows me a unique perspective in being able to join the conversation from both sides of the table,” she says.

Headache is among the top ten leading causes of disability worldwide, and there is an immense need for correct diagnosis, management and treatment, Dr. Barmherzig notes.

“This is even more critical in the pediatric population, where there is a vital opportunity for early awareness and intervention to avoid long-term disability and improve quality of life and outcomes,” she says. “I am passionate about serving the health of this population through patient-centered care, research, education and advocacy.”

Knowledge of the biology and genetics of headache disorders is expanding and overall awareness has increased. Personalized treatment models hold promise, making this an exciting time to be in headache medicine, Dr. Barmherzig says.

Along with her clinical role, Dr. Barmherzig is involved in educational outreach programs for both community healthcare partners as well as children and families.

She is pursuing research into medications and interventional procedures and devices that may benefit children and adolescents with migraine and other primary headache disorders. Dr. Barmherzig also has an interest in vestibular dysfunction in migraine.

“For many suffering with headache, this is an invisible disease. It is important that our patients and their families feel like they are being heard, clearly understood, and that their provider is committed to working with them towards their goals,” Dr. Barmherzig says.