Specialities

Headache & Migraine

Assessment and management of migraine and other headaches that keep coming back.

When to get emergency help

Seek emergency care (call 112) for a sudden, severe 'worst-ever' headache, or a headache with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, fits or after a head injury.

Call 112

Overview

Headaches are very common, and most are not caused by a serious problem. However, frequent or severe headaches can affect work, study and family life.

The headache clinic helps to identify the type of headache you have, look for triggers and plan treatment to reduce how often and how badly headaches occur.

When to consider this clinic

  • Headaches that keep coming back or are becoming more frequent
  • Throbbing headaches with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound
  • Visual disturbances or other warning signs before a headache
  • Headaches that stop you from working or carrying out daily activities
  • Taking painkillers for headaches on many days of the month
  • A change in your usual pattern of headaches

Having one or more of these does not by itself mean you have a particular condition. A doctor's assessment is needed to find the cause.

What happens at your visit

  1. Questions about when the headaches started, how often they occur, what they feel like and what seems to trigger them.
  2. A neurological examination, which may include checking your eyes, blood pressure and reflexes.
  3. A review of the medicines you take, including painkillers.
  4. A discussion about whether any tests are needed. Many people with headaches do not need a scan.

Who may benefit

  • People with migraine or recurring headaches
  • People whose headaches have changed or are getting worse
  • People who rely on frequent painkillers for headaches

Your doctor

Dr. Kundan Kumar

Dr. Kundan Kumar

Neurosurgeon

  • MBBS
  • MCh (Neurosurgery)
  • DNB (Neurosurgery)

How to prepare

It helps to bring:

  • A headache diary for a few weeks: dates, how long each headache lasted, what you took and possible triggers
  • A list of all the painkillers and other medicines you have tried
  • Previous medical reports, prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
  • MRI or CT scan films and reports, if you have them
  • A list of all the medicines you take, with their doses
  • A short note of your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and what makes them better or worse

What happens next

  • The doctor will explain the likely type of headache.
  • You may be given advice about triggers, sleep, regular meals and painkiller use.
  • Treatment for attacks and, if needed, preventive treatment may be discussed.
  • A follow-up visit may be planned to check how well the treatment is working.

Recommendations depend on the clinician's assessment of your individual situation. This website cannot diagnose your condition or guarantee a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a brain scan for my headaches?

Not always. Most headaches are diagnosed from the history and examination. The doctor will advise whether a scan is needed in your situation.

Can taking too many painkillers make headaches worse?

Yes. Using painkillers on many days each month can lead to medication-overuse headache. Talk to the doctor before changing your medicines.

What is a headache diary?

It is a simple record of when headaches happen, how long they last, how severe they are, what you took and anything that may have triggered them. It helps the doctor understand the pattern.

Clinic locations

Please confirm the OPD day, timings and availability of this service when you book.

This page gives general information to help you understand this topic. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Migraine

A common condition causing recurring, often severe headaches, sometimes with nausea and sensitivity to light.

View Details: Migraine

Neurology

Consultation and ongoing care for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

View Details: Neurology

Book an appointment or contact the clinic

Call or send a WhatsApp message to ask about appointment times at the Patna, Ara and Siwan clinics.