When choosing a place to seek help for a headache disorder, keep in mind that not all pain management clinics are suitable for the headache patient.

There are several types of clinics that are marketed to the public:

alternative medicine clinics These are usually not run by licenses medical doctors and the treatment options include so called "natural" remedies, acupuncture or manipulation. There are several important considerations here, starting with the absence of an actual medical diagnosis and it is possible for a patient to have a serious medical illness that is being missed and essential treatment delayed. Also, many of the remedies in such places do not have an established safety profile with the FDA.

general "pain clinic" These are often clinics for nerve blocks, run by anesthesiologists and are usually not geared to the treatment of headache disorders. It is very unusual for a nerve block to the head or neck to be helpful in long term headache control.

general neurology clinic A well trained general neurologist will usually be of great help in difficult headache situations. Many people prefer to see a neurologist who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and an active member of the American Academy of Neurology. The neurologist will establish a diagnosis and rule out dangerous conditions that might imitate a headache disorder.

Headache Clinic (or headache treatment program) This is usually run by a neurologist and incorporates the features of a general neurology clinic into a setting where the majority of patients have headache disorders. The staff in such a clinic is especially accustomed to treating headaches and have a greater understanding of the problems of the headache patient. Usually telephone support of the headache patient is available and patient education is particularly geared to the headache patient.

-Return to headache survival guide

© Edmund Messina MD 2002