Solving the mystery of a year-long pain crisis

Taffy Hopkins, 73, was in debilitating pain for a year, leaving her bedridden. The Palm Beach resident had been told she was simply experiencing migraines, but the migraine medications did not work and left her suffering, with no answers in sight. After seeking care at NYU Langone Medical Associates—West Palm Beach, 1515 North Flagler Drive, she finally received a diagnosis—and relief.

Hopkins began experiencing relentless pressure headaches in April 2024, with the pain so severe that it prevented her from carrying out everyday activities. Over the next 12 to 18 months, she pursued care from numerous specialists across the country, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, ENT specialists, acupuncturists, and emergency departments. Despite extensive imaging, blood work, clinical trials, and procedures, her symptoms persisted without a clear diagnosis or lasting relief.

"I knew these weren't migraines, but everything kept coming back to migraine medications that didn't help," Hopkins said. "I was desperate for answers. I was spending my life going from doctor to doctor."

Hopkins was finally referred to Andrew J. Harb, DO, a pain management specialist at NYU Langone Medical Associates—West Palm Beach, 1515 North Flagler Drive and a clinical assistant professor in Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. During Hopkins's initial visit, Dr. Harb conducted a focused clinical evaluation and reviewed prior imaging, identifying the source of her pain as cervicogenic headaches caused by moderate to severe cervical arthritis.

Cervical spine degeneration can irritate surrounding nerves and muscles, leading to chronic headache patterns that are often mistaken for migraines. Once the true pain generator is identified, a treatment of trigger point injections can be highly effective

Andrew J. Harb, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

During the same visit, Dr. Harb administered targeted injections into the muscles of Hopkins's cervical spine. Depending on the patient's needs, the treatment may involve a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, dry needling. Within minutes of receiving the injections, Hopkins experienced complete resolution of her headache pain.

"For the first time in over a year, the pain was gone," Hopkins said. "It honestly felt like I got my life back."

Since beginning treatment at NYU Langone Medical Associates—West Palm Beach, 1515 North Flagler Drive, Hopkins has reported sustained improvement, with a significant reduction in headache frequency and severity.

Her care plan includes periodic trigger point injections, a home exercise program, and physical therapy aimed at improving posture, muscle strength, and long-term spine health. As her symptoms continue to improve, she and her care team are discussing gradually tapering her headache medications.

Dr. Harb notes that Hopkins's case is not unusual but often overlooked. "This is a condition we see regularly, but it requires a comprehensive evaluation and truly listening to the patient," he said. "When the underlying cause hasn't been fully identified, patients suffer, underscoring the importance of precise diagnosis and individualized care."

Today, Hopkins says she is once again able to enjoy daily life, noting that even getting up and out of bed is no longer something she takes for granted after the severity of her symptoms. Since her treatment, she has been able to enjoy travel comfortably again, including a recent trip to South Carolina, and is looking forward to her annual summer river cruise through Europe—experiences that felt impossible during months of debilitating headaches.

"I wasn't doing anything except existing," she said. "Now I'm back to doing life."

NYU Langone Health has six practices in Southeast Florida and is committed to continuing to grow its presence in the region, as the world-class health system readies for the opening of the Julia Koch Family Ambulatory Care Center at 324 Datura Street in West Palm Beach later this year. The state-of-the-art, eight-story, 77,000-square-foot facility will have space for 50 physicians and serve 150,000 patients annually, allowing NYU Langone to dramatically increase the scope of care it provides in the region.