Headache Center
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Why choose UCSF Health for headache care?
Our headache program provides comprehensive care for debilitating headaches. As a referral program for people from all over the U.S., we have deep expertise in providing pain relief. We treat migraine, tension-type, cluster, post-traumatic and neck-related headaches and other complex head pain conditions.
At UCSF Health, you have access to a full range of advanced headache treatments. We're one of the only programs offering inpatient treatment for the most challenging headaches. Our researchers are also investigating the mechanisms of headaches and promising new treatments.
We treat patients and families with respect, compassion and cultural sensitivity. Your headache care team is committed to providing you with relief.
Why choose UCSF Health for headache care?
Our headache program provides comprehensive care for debilitating headaches. As a referral program for people from all over the U.S., we have deep expertise in providing pain relief. We treat migraine, tension-type, cluster, post-traumatic and neck-related headaches and other complex head pain conditions.
At UCSF Health, you have access to a full range of advanced headache treatments. We're one of the only programs offering inpatient treatment for the most challenging headaches. Our researchers are also investigating the mechanisms of headaches and promising new treatments.
We treat patients and families with respect, compassion and cultural sensitivity. Your headache care team is committed to providing you with relief.
Advanced treatment options
Your treatment options include a full spectrum of medication and procedures, including Botox, nerve blocks and trigger point injections.Unique inpatient program
We're one of the only hospitals offering inpatient headache care for severe, treatment-resistant headaches.Convenient virtual care
If you live in California, you can have a comprehensive, virtual consultation with a UCSF Health neurologist.Complementary therapies
You have access to a range of complementary therapies for headache pain, including acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback and relaxation therapy.
Comprehensive headache care at UCSF Health
We take a highly collaborative approach to headache care to bring you relief. Your team includes experts in:
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Neurology
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Pain medicine
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Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat)
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Ophthalmology (eyes and vision)
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Integrative health (alternative and complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, herbs, meditation and massage)
Virtual care consultations
People residing in California can get specialized, thoughtful care without having to leave home. Once we receive your referral, we schedule a virtual care consultation with a neurologist specializing in headache medicine.
After the consultation, your UCSF Health neurologist sends a comprehensive note to your primary care provider or neurologist with detailed recommendations for diagnostic testing. We provide specific management suggestions, including medications, pain procedures and neuromodulation techniques.
Advanced headache treatment options
UCSF Health offers comprehensive testing and a full range of advanced headache treatments, including medications, behavioral modifications and minimally invasive injection therapies. Our pain psychologists provide support for the challenges of living with severe chronic pain.
We offer leading-edge therapies to help prevent migraines and treat them once they've started, such as:
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Botox. These injections help block pain signals, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.
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CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy. This type of medication prevents and treats migraines.
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Myofascial trigger point therapy. These injections relieve painful muscle knots that cause headaches.
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Nerve blockade. An injectable medication numbs the area around nerves to stop headache pain signals.
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Neuromodulation. Wearable devices use electric pulses to interrupt pain signals.
Inpatient headache care
If you have headaches that haven't improved after multiple treatment approaches, we can help. Treatment in the hospital with IV medication may offer the relief you need.
We admit patients to our inpatient headache treatment unit at our Mount Zion hospital on Mondays, and they stay until the treatment regimen is complete. Discharge typically happens on Thursday or Friday morning, depending on the medication used.
Other head pain conditions we treat
Experts in several UCSF Health programs provide comprehensive care for other types of facial pain, including sinus pain and trigeminal neuralgia.
Locations
Providers
Award-winning care
Best in the West and No. 2 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Cluster Headache
- Hemicrania Continua
- Migraine
- Post-Traumatic Headache
- Tension Headache
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Treatments
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Biofeedback
- Nerve Block
- Trigger Point Injection
Clinical trials
Prospective cohort study defining the natural history and progression of headaches
Long-term observational study to understand disease onset, progression, and determine better treatments for migraine and headache.Identification of ingredients in red wine which trigger migraine headaches
Investigation of migraine provocation by red wine.Relaxation and Integrative Therapy Techniques in Migraine (RITTIM)
Assessing if relaxation techniques improve migraine outcomes.A pilot trial of galcanezumab for vestibular migraineOpens in a new window
Assessing the efficacy of galcanezumab in treating vestibular migraine.
Accreditations & memberships
UCNS accreditationOpens in a new window
UCSF Health has full accreditation from the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties (UCNS).
Research initiatives
UCSF Health headache researchOpens in a new window
We're investigating a variety of therapies for headaches. You may have the option to participate in clinical trials.
Support services
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.