HCA Healthcare UK Headache Treatment and Diagnosis service hero image

Diagnosing headaches

Rapid, comprehensive and expert-led diagnosis and treatment plans

Diagnosis and personalised treatment

It is important to see a specialist to get a proper diagnosis particularly before beginning any type of treatment. We see and treat our patients in our comprehensive network of outpatient clinics, diagnostic centres and hospitals.

Here, all patients can expect to receive a rapid, comprehensive and expert-led diagnosis and holistic treatment plan. This can range from simple advice through to medication, minimally-invasive modalities and, when needed, complex surgery undertaken using the latest evidence-based techniques.

Consultant assessment

Patients referred to our clinic will be seen by a consultant neurologist with specific expertise in headache management. A comprehensive neurological assessment is combined with a careful assessment of the burden and impact on the patient's everyday life. A full range of investigations are also available, including:

MRI
contrast-enhanced MRI
MRI myelography
CT
cerebrospinal fluid analysis
cerebrospinal pressure monitoring
blood tests for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
blood and CSF analysis for full range of infections
full endocrine profiles
cerebral angiography

Personalised treatment plans designed with you

Treatment will reflect the latest evidence as well as the needs and wishes of each patient. Key elements of the care package may include:

lifestyle and headache trigger analysis and advice
results of investigations
on-going monitoring with headache diary
specific headache diagnosis
drug treatment, if required
management of acute headache episodes
gradual suppression of headache tendency

78 Harley Street Headache and Facial Pain Service

Headaches and facial pain

To get an accurate diagnosis for chronic headache and facial pain can be difficult, as there are many possible causes and ways pain can present itself. The Headache and Facial Pain Service at 78 Harley Street, is a dedicated team of expert consultant neurologists and neurosurgeons working with state-of-the-art diagnostics to offer some of the best support and interventions that London and the UK has to offer.

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What to expect when you visit a HCA UK neurologist

Our facilities incorporate an extensive range of the most advanced technology and equipment to help diagnose and treat all neurological conditions. Our consultants are supported by leading radiologists and highly experienced senior radiographers and nurses. Any investigations can usually be carried out the same day and reported on within 24 hours.

What will happen

Step 1 – your headache assessment icon plus
During your initial meeting with your neurologist, we take a detailed history of the headaches and any other symptoms you are experiencing including:
- How often they happen and how severe the pain usually is
- A family history of headaches
- Impact on your daily activities
Step 2 – having a scan icon plus
If your neurologist feels you would benefit from a scan you will have:
- Access to the widest range of imaging modalities in London and Manchester, including CT and MRI
- Access to same-day appointments available for scans across our network
- Access to the best diagnosis because all our scans are reported by specialist neuroradiologist
Step 3 – your treatment icon plus
Whether you are experiencing a relapse of migraine and need help to control it or you’re experiencing onset of a cluster headache we have the complete range of treatment available for you. State-of-the-art treatments are available, including neuromodulation with:
- Preventative treatment such as Aimovig®, only available privately
- Muscle relaxing injections
- Cranial nerve blocks (e.g. greater occipital nerve block)
- Sphenopalatine ganglion block
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Vagal nerve stimulation
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
- Management of headache crises can include oral or intravenous medication
Step 4 – further specialist referral icon plus
Your neurologist will deal with most aspects of diagnosis and treatment for patients diagnosed with primary headache disorder, such as migraine. Where further specialist assessment is required, patients can be referred to experts within the team in the following specialist areas:
- Ophthalmology - where disorders of the eye or orbit are suspected or where ophthalmology expertise may contribute to treatment.
- Maxillofacial surgery - in cases where facial, dental or jaw conditions may be present.
- ENT - for patients where sinus or related disease is suspected.
- Pain Management - we provide individually tailored pain management plans
Should you require further ongoing management, we also provide access across London to:

On-going nursing support

Monitoring and support is vital to patients. Our nursing support includes continued advice and support at every stage. For example, our nurses can offer guidance on: