What are Migraine Headache Clinics?

Migraine headache clinics are facilities where patients who suffer from migraines, a recurring headache that is severe and often accompanied by many uncomfortable symptoms, can receive specialized advice, treatment, and support from physicians who specialize in migraine medicine and procedures. These clinics generally offer methods for specifically treating migraine headaches including education, surgical treatment, and comprehensive treatment. Most patients experience different symptoms and locations of pain, which requires individualized care. The services performed at migraine headache clinics cater to the individual but can vary in methods depending on the various physicians expertise.

The educational services that are provided at migraine headache clinics are one of the key factors in treatment because the patient usually requires in-depth information on the symptoms and causes of his or her condition. Informative material enables the patient to fully understand all of the aspects of the disease and the various treatments available. Most migraine triggers are difficult to identify but may include stress, sensory stimuli such as bright lights and sounds, certain foods and beverages, some physical activities, and chemical imbalances. A certified physician usually performs an extensive evaluation to determine the patient's triggers, source of pain, and primary symptoms. Educating a patient can assist the doctor's patient diagnosis if he or she is well-informed and can articulate on pain specifics.

Surgical treatments are sometimes performed at migraine headache clinics depending on how well-equipped the facility is, but may also be performed at an outpatient surgery center. Migraine surgery usually involves removing trigger muscles primarily located in the front of the head or the upper neck as well as certain locations on the face. Side effects sometimes occur after surgery and include dryness of the nose and throat area, temporary hair loss, and possibly the inability to make certain facial expressions.

Many of the migraine headache clinics provide alternatives to prescription drugs that have proven ineffective on certain patients. These alternatives sometimes include psychological treatment in order to teach the patient how to manage stress and other related triggers. Another alternative is botulinum toxin injections, often called Botox®, which can paralyze the affected muscles, reduce pain, and possibly numb some of the other symptoms.

The variety of specialized services offered at migraine headache clinics enable the patients to receive personalized care by professionals who are certified in migraine research and treatments. These centers allow the patient to understand his or her disease and socialize with patients who suffer from the same disorder. The on-site professionals have often devoted extended periods of time to studying all aspects of the disorder and improving treatments.