Headache service

Headache is one of the most common neurological disorders. About 50% of the adult population suffer from headaches at least once per year, among those individuals, 30% or more reported migraine.

Up to 4% of all headaches are chronic (i.e. more than 15 days per month).

In 2013, the Global Burden of Disease Study found headache disorders to be the third highest cause worldwide of years lost to disability (YLD) with migraine (on its own) being sixth on the list.

Headache disorders have a significant impact on an individual’s personal and social life as well as employment and career aspirations. Headaches are commonly associated with co-morbid anxiety and depression which could in part be caused by pain and burden of the disorder.

About the headache service at ESHT

We provide a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders. Our mission, vision and philosophy for the Headache service is to reduce the pain and disability associated with headaches, by providing a high quality responsive headache service with compassion and collaboration.

Headache typically accounts for approximately 30% of all referrals into Neurology, all consultant neurologists offer diagnostic and treatment services in their neurology clinics.

Additionally, the Headache Specialist Consultant, SAS Doctor and Advanced Practitioner for Headaches (listed below) provide a multi-disciplinary service, managing more complex patients primarily referred by other consultant colleagues and general practitioners, including but not limited to Migraine, IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension), Cluster Headache and Medication Overuse Headaches.

Specialised procedures and treatments

Specialised procedures and treatments include:

  • Botulinum toxin for chronic migraine
  • CGRP monoclonal antibody treatments for episodic and chronic migraine
  • Greater occipital nerve blocks
  • Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation with GammaCore

 We work closely with the Specialist Headache services at University Hospitals Sussex and a number of London hospitals and can refer for interventions not carried out locally.

Consultant/Practitioner

  • Dr Priyankara Perera, Consultant Neurologist
  • Dr Mohammed Ali, SAS Neurology
  • Amanda Combes, Advanced Practitioner for Headaches and Injectables

Headache web resources

Information regarding headaches, treatment and support:

OUCH UK (Cluster Headache)

01646 651 979

020 7631 6970

0151 2982 999