Headache Clinic

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong provides English-friendly headache evaluation and treatment—from new, sudden headaches to chronic migraines.

Headaches We See Often

• Migraine (with/without aura), menstrual migraine, vestibular migraine
• Tension-type (stress, posture, screen-related)
• Cervicogenic (neck-related) and TMJ-related
• Sinus-related facial pain (rule-out needed)
• Dehydration/jet-lag and post-viral headaches

Red Flags — Go to an ER or Call 119

• “Worst headache of your life” or thunderclap onset
• New severe headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, weakness, vision loss
• Headache after head injury, or during pregnancy/postpartum
• New headache in patients with cancer, HIV/immunosuppression, or in people over 50 with scalp tenderness/jaw pain

What We Do During Your Visit

• Focused history & neuro exam (red-flag screen, vision, neck/jaw assessment)
• Vitals & basic tests (as needed): CBC, CRP, electrolytes, pregnancy test when relevant
• Imaging referrals (case-by-case): brain CT/MRI, sinus CT; neurology/ENT/physio referrals when indicated
• Acute treatment: non-opioid analgesics, anti-nausea meds, triptans (migraine) when appropriate, IV hydration for dehydration
• Prevention plan for frequent attacks: sleep/caffeine timing, posture/neck plan, supplement/medication options, trigger diary

Migraine—Our Stepwise Approach

• Abortive: correctly timed triptan ± anti-nausea; NSAID/acetaminophen as advised
• Bridge care: short, doctor-guided courses (e.g., NSAID/anti-nausea) to break cycles
• Prevention (when frequent): lifestyle anchors, nutraceuticals, and prescription options (discuss risks/benefits); neurology referral if advanced therapy is needed
• Medication-overuse counseling: limit acute meds to ≤2–3 days/week

Tension & Cervicogenic Patterns

• Ergonomics & posture coaching, micro-breaks, sleep schedule
• Neck mobility & strengthening (handout + physio referral if helpful)
• Consider dental/TMJ evaluation for clenching-related pain

Sinus vs. Migraine (Quick Check)

• True sinusitis usually includes fever, purulent discharge, and localized tenderness; many “sinus headaches” are migraine—we differentiate and treat accordingly.

How to Prepare (If You Can)

• Bring a medication/supplement list (include triptans/NSAIDs/caffeine)
• Note timing, triggers, aura, sensitivity to light/sound, nausea
• Photos of prior imaging or clinic notes help
• Arrive hydrated; avoid heavy caffeine right before your visit

Visit Flow (What to Expect)

• Check-in & history → symptom map, triggers, red-flag screen
• Exam & targeted tests → labs/imaging referrals if needed
• Relief plan → acute meds, hydration, home plan, return precautions
• Prevention → lifestyle anchors, options for prophylaxis, follow-up timing

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by consult length, tests, and IV type/referrals
• Most visitors pay upfront and use itemized English receipts for reimbursement
• Ask for a written quote before labs or imaging

What to Bring

• Passport/ID and a Korean phone number (if any)
• Medication & allergy list, prior imaging/reports if available
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim