Specialized Care for Headache Disorders at Burjeel Medical City
Understanding Headache Disorders
Headache disorders represent one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While occasional headaches are a normal part of life, recurrent or severe headaches can significantly impact quality of life, work productivity, and overall wellbeing. At Burjeel Medical City’s Headache Clinic, we offer specialized care for patients suffering from all types of headache disorders, from common tension headaches to complex migraines and rare headache syndromes.
Types of Headache Disorders We Treat
Our headache specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of headache disorders:
Primary Headache Disorders
- Migraine: With or without aura, chronic migraine, vestibular migraine, hemiplegic migraine
- Tension-Type Headache: Episodic or chronic
- Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias (TACs): Cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, hemicrania continua
- New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
- Hypnic Headache
- Primary Exercise Headache
- Primary Cough Headache
- Thunderclap Headache
Secondary Headache Disorders
- Medication Overuse Headache
- Post-Traumatic Headache
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Headache attributed to vascular disorders
- Headache attributed to non-vascular intracranial disorders
- Headache attributed to infection
- Headache attributed to disorders of homeostasis
Our Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective headache management. Our clinic employs a thorough diagnostic process that includes:
Detailed Clinical Assessment
- Comprehensive headache history
- Pattern and characteristics of headaches
- Triggers and relieving factors
- Impact on daily functioning
- Family history of headache disorders
- Review of previous treatments and responses
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
- Neuroimaging: MRI and CT scans when indicated
- Laboratory testing for underlying conditions
- Specialized migraine screening tools
- Headache diaries and tracking applications
- Interdisciplinary consultations when needed
Personalized Treatment Plans
We recognize that each patient’s headache experience is unique. Our specialists develop individualized treatment plans that may include:
Acute (Abortive) Therapies
- Targeted medications for rapid relief during attacks
- Non-oral delivery options for patients with nausea
- Rescue protocols for severe or prolonged attacks
- Emergency department protocols when necessary
Preventive Therapies
- Traditional preventive medications
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention
- Neuromodulation devices
- Lifestyle modification strategies
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Biofeedback and relaxation techniques
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Physical therapy for cervicogenic components
- Stress management programs
- Sleep hygiene education
Interventional Procedures
- Nerve blocks
- Trigger point injections
- Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks
- Greater occipital nerve blocks
- Advanced neurostimulation techniques
Specialized Headache Programs
Chronic Migraine Program For patients experiencing headaches 15 or more days per month, our chronic migraine program offers comprehensive care including CGRP antagonists, combination preventive approaches, and lifestyle modification.
Hormonal Headache Management We address menstrual-related migraine, perimenopausal headache patterns, and pregnancy-related headache management with specialized protocols that balance effectiveness and safety.
Pediatric and Adolescent Headache Program Our pediatric neurologists provide specialized care for children and adolescents with headache disorders, with age-appropriate evaluation and treatment approaches.
Post-Traumatic Headache Clinic For patients whose headaches began after head injury or concussion, we offer targeted assessment and multimodal treatment approaches specific to post-traumatic headache.
Refractory Headache Program For patients who haven’t responded to standard treatments, our multidisciplinary team explores innovative approaches and combination therapies.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our headache center brings together specialists from various disciplines:
- Neurologists with Headache Subspecialty Training: Expert diagnosis and treatment planning
- Pain Management Specialists: Advanced interventional approaches
- Clinical Psychologists: Behavioral pain management techniques
- Physical Therapists: Addressing musculoskeletal contributors
- Neuroradiologists: Specialized imaging interpretation
- Headache Nurse Specialists: Patient education and ongoing support
- Nutritionists: Dietary trigger identification and management
- Integrative Medicine Specialists: Complementary approaches when appropriate
Patient Education and Support
We empower our patients through:
Comprehensive Education
- Understanding headache mechanisms
- Trigger identification and management
- Medication use and potential side effects
- Non-pharmacological coping strategies
- When to seek emergency care
Ongoing Support
- Headache nurse specialist follow-up
- Digital tracking and communication tools
- Support groups for chronic headache patients
- Resources for families of headache sufferers
- Workplace accommodation guidance
When to Seek Care at Our Headache Clinic
Consider consulting our headache specialists if you:
- Experience frequent or severe headaches that impact your quality of life
- Have not found adequate relief with standard treatments
- Need help managing medication use or side effects
- Experience new or changing headache patterns
- Have headaches accompanied by concerning symptoms
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy and have migraines
- Have a history of complicated or unusual headache types
- Require comprehensive, specialized headache management
