Joshua Batson, Owner
Age: 37
Hometown: Lake Butler, Florida
Degree earned at Valdosta State: Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012 and Master of Science in Nursing in 2014
What led you to open your own business in Valdosta?
My first career was in business. I learned a lot of skills during those years. One skill was to recognize a need as an opportunity. I began working in neurology as a nurse practitioner after getting my Master of Science in Nursing. Common conditions I saw every day were migraines, neck neuropathies, and back neuropathies (nerve pain). These patients had very little in the way of options if they had a flare-up or episode, especially on the weekends. Going to the emergency room is an awful experience for these kinds of patients. My wife is a severe migraine sufferer, and I have been with her during an emergency room visit. Through my training in neurology, I learned how to abort migraines and relieve other nerve pains with simple, safe, and effective procedures. What started as a solution for my patients and my wife turned into a successful business that is about to celebrate its third anniversary!
What separates your approach to migraines and other neuropathies from those of your peers?
My motivation. My wife has been a severe migraine sufferer for most of her life. I’ve experienced the devastation of migraines from the personal side. I’ve been to the emergency room with my wife. I’ve felt helpless as I’ve watched her cry in pain. I’ve had to explain to our kids why mommy hurts so bad. A migraine is a debilitating disease that affects the whole family.
What is the difference between a migraine and a headache?
I get this question a lot. As a headache specialist, I would give you the nerdy answer: “Headaches are the overall general term for head pain. There are several different types of headaches. Migraines are a type of headache.” Most people associate the term migraine with how severe a headache is. For instance, bad or painful headaches are migraines and less intense headaches are just headaches. This is not true. A migraine can be mild in intensity or severe, but either way, it is still a migraine. In the same way, a tension headache can be very severe, but it is still not a migraine. Migraines present in a particular way. They are usually on one side and have a throbbing characteristic. They also bring with them lots of other symptoms besides head pain, such as light sensitivity, nausea, irritability, and the list goes on. Each type of headache has characteristics, and that’s why sometimes you need a professional to help guide you with proper management.
What is the No. 1 cause of migraines that you see in your patients?
Migraines are genetic, so I see a lot of family connections. As far as triggers go, it is a close one between weather and pollen in our area.
Do you think a massage or going to the chiropractor helps reduce symptoms for people that suffer from migraines?
It can. Migraines are a trigger disorder. Meaning certain things cause or trigger a migraine attack. A very common trigger is neck disease. Neck pain or stiffness can certainly lead to a migraine. For those migraineurs, massage or seeing the chiropractor can certainly be beneficial. However, it’s not for everyone.
When should someone who suffers from migraines be concerned or see a specialist?
You should see a professional if the migraines begin negatively affecting your life.
Are there any holistic remedies that you would suggest to someone unable to go to a specialist?
In the age of information and technology, there are no shortages of proclaimed “remedies.” The trick is finding valid sources. Using university-based headache centers and associations are a good place to start. There are a lot of claims that certain diets and vitamin supplements can help reduce migraines. Unfortunately, for the more moderate to severe sufferers, there is no substitute for seeing a headache specialist to help guide your management. That’s one of the thoughts I had when opening The Migraine and Spine Clinic. I want to give people easier access to help.
What did you pursue after you graduated from VSU?
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I went to work at South Georgia Medical Center in critical care as a staff nurse. I worked on the Cardiac Progressive Unit and the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit during my time there.
What advice would you give to yourself when you were in college?
Hang in there! All the studying and sacrifice will be worth it!
Justin Haskin
Age: 31
Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia
Degree earned at Valdosta State: Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012 and Master of Science in Nursing in 2016
What did you pursue after you graduated from VSU?
After graduation, I worked at South Georgia Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit for a couple of years. After I got my Master of Science in Nursing, I began working with Josh at a neurology office, and The Migraine and Spine Clinic.
How did your VSU experience prepare you for your career in the medical field?
I’m proud to be a VSU alumnus, and I had some great professors that taught me not only the book but also real-world scenarios that benefited me greatly when I got my first job in nursing. I earned the opportunity to work as a graduate assistant at the Student Health Center where I was able to interact with students, which allowed me to teach and better learn the material I was taught. VSU also provided great lab scenarios where we were able to practice our assessment and diagnostic skills in a controlled setting. VSU theatre students would act as patients and we also had realistic mannequins to practice on.
What advice would you give to yourself when you were in college?
That real-world practice is not just about book work and doing good on tests. Being able to establish a rapport with your patients goes a long way in having them trust you with their care and increases their compliance and understanding of your care plan for them.
James Garrett
Age: 29
Hometown: Leesburg, Georgia
Degree earned at Valdosta State: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology in 2013 and Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014
(He also holds a Master of Science in Nursing, which he earned in 2018 from South University.)
What did you pursue after you graduated from VSU?
I worked in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at South Georgia Medical Center for four years. I then obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner.
How did your VSU experience prepare you for your career in the medical field?
With both of my degrees, VSU allowed me the opportunity to get hands-on training with patients and other healthcare workers, which shaped me into the medical provider I am today.
What advice would you give to yourself when you were in college?
I would tell my college self to be content with where you are right now and enjoy these years because they fly by. Also, you make friends in college that truly last a lifetime.
