FAQ's
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Headache Clinic?
What is a Headache Clinic?
A headache clinic focuses on diagnosing and treating migraines and head pain. These clinics are led by a doctor with expertise in migraine and other primary headache disorders. Multi-disciplinary teams typically provide services at these clinics.
A headache clinic can assess whether your symptoms are consistent with migraines, evaluate your current treatment options, and offer management strategies and treatments for the condition.
What are primary headache disorders?
What are primary headache disorders?
Primary headache disorders—such as migraines, cluster headaches, tension-type headaches, and indomethacin-sensitive syndromes—are not caused by other conditions but are problems themselves. Migraines and certain rare headaches can be severe, often affecting daily life and sometimes leading to misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment. We take an individualised approach, thoroughly evaluating your symptoms and their impact to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective care.
What is Migraine?
What is Migraine?
Migraine is the most common primary headache disorder, involving abnormal brain activity, nerve signals, and blood vessels. More than just a headache, migraine can significantly impact daily life and is diagnosed after at least five attacks that fit specific criteria. Symptoms during an attack may include head pain, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and fatigue.
Attacks usually last 4 to 72 hours, with varying severity and symptom combinations, and most people feel well between episodes. The severity and combination of symptoms can vary, and although stages of a migraine attack are recognised, they may not always be clearly distinguishable for everyone.
Do I need to be referred to The Migraine Clinic?
Do I need to be referred to The Migraine Clinic?
We offer self-pay in-person appointments, and do not require a referral.
How to prepare for a first appointment?
How to prepare for a first appointment?
For your initial visit to the headache clinic, bring any records you keep of your attacks, such as when they occur and how severe they are. This helps the doctor understand your symptoms better. Also, list current and past medications with their names and doses if available.
What are some of the treatments options available?
What are some of the treatments options available?
Due to the range of headache types and symptoms, a number of options may be offered. While there is currently no cure for primary headaches such as migraine or cluster headache, once a diagnosis is confirmed, we will recommend evidence-based approaches to help you manage and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. These may include newer medications, together with guidance on lifestyle modifications and self-management strategies aimed at minimising the impact on daily life.
For example, some specialist options for migraine may include Botox injections, CGRP monoclonal antibodies, Gepants, Nerve Block injections and acute medications.