Headaches & Migraines

Find a Specialist Near You

Enjoy more pain-free days — faster — with advanced headache and migraine care at Houston Methodist.

At Houston Methodist,   you won’t have to wait for specialized headache and migraine care. With clinics at multiple locations, we offer same-day, urgent-care appointments for headaches.  

Our neurologist-led team of specialists  combines expertise in brain structure, cognition and the nervous system to deliver advanced, personalized headache and migraine care. Every one of our patients receives a targeted diagnosis and a unique treatment plan, tailored to his or her symptoms and lifestyle.

The physicians in our world-class headache center are board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. This means we have the experience and expertise to help patients find relief from even the most complex headache conditions.

Powerful Migraine and Headache Care

  • Dedicated headache center – Get expedited access to our specialized team of headache experts. Our doctors provide collaborative, team-based care for even the most complex headache and migraine conditions.
  • Advanced diagnosis and treatment – Using the latest diagnostic tools, we can assess your specific case and craft a personalized, comprehensive care plan.  
  • Patient navigators – These passionate advocates are your first point of contact at our headache center. They will help you set up appointments and serve as your liaison for communication and patient education.
     

Types of Headaches We Treat

Houston Methodist specialists are experts at identifying and treating five primary headache disorders:

  • Chronic headaches – These headaches occur more than 14 days every month. Pain is moderate to severe and may indicate an underlying condition. 
  • Migraines – These headaches cause severe pain and may last four hours to three days. Patients may experience nausea and vomiting; sensitivity to light, sound, and smells; and aura — sensory symptoms before migraine pain even starts. 
  • Cluster headaches – Affecting less than 1% of adults, cluster headaches are characterized by sharp, severe pain that can wake you from sleep. Pain lasts 45 to 90 minutes, often occurring on one side of the head or behind one eye. 
  • Rebound headaches – These headaches worsen or return after taking medication intended to relieve headache symptoms. 
  • Tension headaches – Often related to stress and fatigue, these are the most common type of headache. Pain is described as dull, achy and accompanied by a sore neck. Often, tension headaches come on later in the day. 

 

Call 911 immediately to get help for a new, severe headache that starts suddenly or is accompanied by fainting, confusion, weakness, stiff neck, fever, numbness or vision changes. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening infection or neurological problem.

We Are Here for Every Stage of Headache Care

How are chronic headaches or migraines diagnosed?

Diagnosing new-onset or recurrent headaches begins with a discussion about your medical history, symptoms   and headache pattern. Your specialist will conduct a physical exam to determine the type of headaches you are experiencing — primary (not caused by an underlying condition) or secondary (caused by an underlying condition).

Depending on your unique needs, your doctor may suggest CT scan or MRI imaging, blood work and/or neurological tests to eliminate other potential causes and better understand what’s causing your symptoms. Then, we will discuss how to treat — and potentially prevent — subsequent episodes.

What are my treatment options?

At Houston Methodist, we help patients with all types of headaches and migraines. Our expert neurology team offers a complete range of treatment options, customized to each patient, including:

 

  • BOTOX® injections
  • Cranial nerve blocks
  • Infusion therapy
  • Lifestyle and diet counseling
  • Medication 
  • Psychological techniques
  • Stress management

Your specialty team will guide you through long-term headache management. We will partner with you to update your plan if your symptoms, overall health or lifestyle changes. 

I am looking for advanced care or a second opinion.

A second opinion can mean relief. Our world-class team of specialists diagnose and treat the most complex headache conditions, even after doctors elsewhere seem to be out of options. For severe cases, we offer advanced treatment options including:

  • Neurostimulation devices and procedures
  • Brain surgery for underlying conditions 
  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) assessment
  • Personalized medication combinations
 

Learn More About Headaches

Adult man with eyes closed in pain and pressing fingers to temples
Patient education and community resources for chronic headache and migraine management.

Why Migraines Happen & What to Do About It

In this video, Dr. Julia Jones, neurologist at Houston Methodist, discusses migraine signs, causes and treatment options.

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