Headache Clinic

The Headache Clinic at Bangkok Hospital offers comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatments for various types of headaches. Our multidisciplinary team consists of highly experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, clinical pharmacists, and dieticians who specialize in headache care, as well as other specialists in all subspecialties. With advanced technology and evidence-based practices, we provide preventive programs, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatments to address individual patients' needs and improve their quality of life. 

Headaches can be a major neurological problem that requires medical attention. They can manifest as pain in any region of the head, including the neck and face. Headaches can occur on one or both sides of the head and may radiate or be isolated to a specific location. The severity and characteristics of pain can vary, ranging from sharp, throbbing, to dull aches. Headaches can develop gradually or suddenly and may last from less than an hour to several days. 

Headaches can be categorized into two major types: 

• Primary headaches: These headaches are not symptoms of underlying diseases but result from problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head. Chemical activity in the brain, nerves, blood vessels, or muscles of the head and neck can contribute to primary headaches. The most common primary headaches are: 

• Migraine: Often associated with autonomic nervous system symptoms and prodromal warning signs. Migraine can cause moderate to severe headaches, sometimes with aura (reversible neurological symptoms). 

• Tension headache: Characterized by mild to moderate diffuse head pain and tightness or pressure across the forehead or sides and back of the head. 

• Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC) headaches: Examples include cluster headaches, which cause severe recurrent pain on one side of the head, typically around the eye, along with other autonomic symptoms. 

• Secondary headaches: These headaches are symptoms of other underlying diseases that activate pain-sensitive nerves in the head. Causes can include brain tumors, brain hemorrhages, infections, inflammation, traumatic brain injuries, and abnormal intracranial pressure. Secondary headaches can also have extracranial origins, such as sinusitis, glaucoma, trigeminal neuralgia, or abnormalities in the mandible bone. 

Accurate diagnosis of headaches involves various diagnostic tests and imaging techniques. These may include: 

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity in the brain to identify abnormalities. 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Creates detailed images of the brain to detect lesions or abnormalities. 

• Functional MRI (fMRI): Measures changes in blood flow to identify critical brain functions. 

• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and Positron emission tomography (PET): Use low-dose radioactive substances to visualize brain activity and detect abnormalities. 

• Neuropsychological tests and Wada test: Assess cognitive functions and predict post-operative deficits. 

Treatment options for headaches depend on the specific type and severity of the headache. They can include lifestyle modifications, medications, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Our Headache Clinic aims to provide individualized care to address the origin of the headache and reduce the risk of recurrence, ensuring patients receive appropriate treatments tailored to their needs and quality of life. 

If you are experiencing headaches, it is important to seek medical attention for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our specialized team at the Headache Clinic is dedicated to helping patients manage their headaches and improve their overall well-being. 

The Headache Clinic at Bangkok Hospital offers comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment for headaches, utilizing advanced technology and evidence-based practices. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions to improve patient quality of life.