Headache Care

The McCasland Family Comprehensive Headache Center at Ochsner

At the McCasland Family Comprehensive Headache Center at Ochsner, we know that there’s no such thing as, “just a headache.” 10% of adults suffer multiple times a week from headaches. The pioneering team at Ochsner knows how debilitating headaches can be and we’re here to prevent your suffering.

Migraines are the 2nd leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. In fact, 54% of patients have migraine attacks severe enough to require bed rest.

Ours is a team of physicians and advanced care practitioners committed to providing the highest quality of care to patients with acute, chronic and complex headaches and neck pain. Every year, we offer personalized care to thousands of patients from all around the Gulf Coast for whom the advice “take a couple of aspirins” just doesn’t cut it.

Restoring Your Quality of Life

Ochsner believes “personalized medicine” is the most effective approach to patients suffering from headaches. We perform a thorough evaluation to investigate the triggers or causes of your headaches. We understand that each person is unique, and we use comprehensive diagnostic approaches to help guide us in formulating effective therapy plans for our patients. In addition, we strongly emphasize education and self-care strategies, including lifestyle modification and anxiety management.

You’re in good hands with the headache specialists at Ochsner. Our compassionate team is certified by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). This means we have undergone a rigorous peer review process and have met the requirements and standards of knowledge set by experts in this subspecialty. Along with this recognition, our team is:

Neurosciences Excellence Award 2019. Named among the Top 5% in the nation for Neurosciences seven years in a row.
Nationally rated by U.S. News & World Report for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 11 years in a row.

Locations

Patients can receive specialized care for headaches at the following Ochsner locations:

Schedule an Appointment

To make an appointment, call 504-842-3980 or visit my.ochsner.org. Ochsner On Call, a 24/7 care line, is also available to patients suffering from headaches at 504-842-8090.

Ochsner offers the most innovative headache therapies available, including a variety of targeted therapies and more advanced techniques. We’re always adding promising new treatments to make sure you have access to cutting-edge options. We offer:

BOTOX (Botulinum toxin A)
Peripheral nerve block (e.g. Greater occipital nerve block) and trigger point injections
Sphenopalatine ganglion block
Trigeminal nerve block
Intranasal lidocaine therapy
Cryoanalgesia
DHE (dihydroergotamine) infusion
Ketamine infusion
Inpatient infusion therapy
Outpatient infusion therapy
Home infusion therapy
Intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment trials
Vitamin replacement therapy

We offer counseling regarding lifestyle modifications to identify and avoid common triggers. We also offer food allergy testing which can identify unnoticed triggers.

Biofeedback is offered to select patients and is proven to improve pain control especially in individuals who do not respond to medications.

Headaches are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The first step in management is the right diagnoses. We have expertise in recognizing and treating even the rarest and most challenging conditions.

The Headache Center collaborates with Ophthalmology, Sleep Medicine, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Otolaryngology, Vascular Neurology, Interventional Neuroradiology and Pediatric Neurology to provide interdisciplinary diagnostic testing and comprehensive care. We use advanced diagnostic tests and procedures to assess patients, including:

Brain and cervical spine imaging (MRI, MRA, MRV, CT, X-rays)
Cerebral angiograms
Lumbar puncture
Myelogram
Fundus exam
Visual field testing
Sleep testing
Endoscopic nasal evaluations

The neurology department, in collaboration with Ochsner’s office of research, conducts several investigator-initiated and national clinical trials which means our patients have access to leading-edge treatments. Our headache specialists are actively engaged in research and present their work at national and international scientific meetings.

Ochsner is a regional referral center for headache care. We collaborate with referring physicians to provide seamless, cutting-edge care for your patient. The Clinic Concierge team can assist with getting copies of patient records and scheduling clinic appointments. They will also capture your preference for receiving post visit follow-up from the patient's appointment. Call the Clinic Concierge at 504-842-7436 or 1-855-312-4190.

1. Fast Track Program

2. Home Infusion Program – we can send medications and a nurse to your home to administer a regimen (combination of intravenous injections) that works to treat your migraine headache in your home

3. More therapeutic options for headaches at Ochsner Urgent Cares

4. Concierge Headache care through Ochsner Concierge Program. Learn more about this program

Fast Track Program:

We are currently revamping our Fast Track Program to better serve patients suffering from severe migraines. Ask your doctor for details.

Instead of going to the emergency room for an IV infusion, patients will soon have access to our new and improved Fast Track Program. At our infusion center on Jefferson Highway, we’re equipped with 20 infusion chairs and a wide range of fast acting medications and therapies. Our goal is to get you the right medications and therapies quickly in a stress-free environment.

If you experience a migraine headache that does not respond to any rescue medications OR if you are unable to take medications due to dizziness, nausea or vomiting, Fast Track is here for you. Our phone staff will discuss your symptoms and determine if you would benefit from this program. Call 504-842-8090.

Location:

Ochsner Medical Center
Infusion Center
First floor
1514 Jefferson Hwy. New Orleans, LA 70121
Hospital Contact: 1-866-OCHSNER (1-866-624-7637)

Infusion center hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Note:

You are not eligible for this treatment option if:

You are younger than 18 years or older than 80 years
You have severe active heart disease, pulmonary disease, liver disease, renal failure or AIDS
You have the following symptoms: fever, stroke symptoms, confusion, psychosis, chest pain, shortness of breath or gastrointestinal bleeding
You have not seen by Dr. Fawad Khan in the last six months

Caution:

If you experience a sudden severe headache which is different from your usual headache(s) OR If you have sudden onset of headache which reaches maximum severity within 30 seconds please proceed to nearest Emergency Room immediately as this may be a life threatening headache.

How can you tell if you have an actual migraine? The premonitory phase can begin up to two days before a migraine. Symptoms include:

Emotional changes
Yawning
Feeling thirst
Increased frequency of urination
Fluid retention
Stiff neck
Food cravings

When you’re experience a migraine, symptoms might include:

Throbbing or pulsating head pain (worse with physical activity)
Nausea
Vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
Aura symptoms, like vision changes, numbness and tingling, dizziness, confusion and/or language problems (e.g., difficulty finding words)
Increased sense of smell
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional distress

The postdrome phase is characterized by: