Headache Clinic
Led by Consultant Neurologist,
Dr Sandip Shaunak, the Lancashire Headache Clinic provides a
multidisciplinary approach for private patients with persistent
headache and migraine.
Headache is an increasingly common cause for patients to seek
advice from a GP or neurologist. The commonest causes of headache
include migraine, tension headache, and chronic daily headache,
although there are many rarer causes. An often overlooked cause of
chronic headache is the excessive use of analgesics. The accurate
diagnosis of the type of headache and any exacerbating factors is
essential for proper management.
The Clinic places an emphasis on treatment which is effective
without patients relying on long term analgesic medication. All
patients receive a full consultation with a Consultant Neurologist,
using on site test facilities as required including MRI/CT when
required. This will aim to identify the precise cause of their
headache and advise on subsequent treatment, using a holistic
approach, and drawing on the following principles:
- Detoxification from analgesic medications
- Drug therapy based on diagnosis and previous response to
therapy
- Psychological evaluation and therapy
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
- Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be an extremely helpful and often overlooked
aspect of the management of those patients with headache in whom
musculoskeletal dysfunction is a contributory factor. The
Lancashire Headache Clinic is supported by Fulwood Hall Hospital’s
Physiotherapy Team Leader, Graham Tuson, who has been qualified for
over 30 years; Graham works closely with Dr Shaunak and specialises
in spinal conditions and the treatment of headache and migraine,
drawing on the following:
- Posture improvement
- Relaxation techniques
- Cervical spine mobilisation
- Soft tissue manipulation and/or stretching
- ‘Dry needling’ into affected trigger points