About Our Migraine & Headache Clinic
Headache disorders, particularly migraines, are among the most prevalent and debilitating neurological conditions worldwide. Millions of people suffer recurring, severe headaches that interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. At CBB Hospital (Cochin Hospital for Brain and Behavioral Health), Kochi, our specialized Migraine & Headache Clinic offers expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment strategies to help patients find lasting relief.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraine is a complex neurological condition characterized by recurrent, moderate-to-severe headaches, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours and significantly impair daily functioning. Migraine is far more than just a bad headache — it is a neurological disease that deserves proper medical attention.
Types of Headache Disorders We Treat
- Migraine without Aura: Recurrent severe headaches without preceding neurological symptoms.
- Migraine with Aura: Headaches preceded by visual disturbances, sensory changes, or other neurological symptoms.
- Chronic Migraine: Headache occurring on 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months.
- Tension-Type Headache: The most common headache type, presenting as a pressing or tightening sensation around the head.
- Cluster Headache: Extremely severe, one-sided headaches occurring in clusters over weeks or months, often described as the most painful headache type.
- Medication Overuse Headache: Chronic daily headache resulting from frequent use of pain-relieving medications.
- Hemiplegic Migraine: Rare form of migraine causing temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
- New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH): Sudden onset of constant headache that persists without a prior history.
Common Migraine Symptoms
A migraine episode typically progresses through up to four stages:
- Prodrome (hours to days before): Mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, frequent yawning, increased urination.
- Aura (up to 1 hour before): Visual phenomena (flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots), tingling sensations, speech disturbances.
- Headache Phase: Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually one-sided; worsened by physical activity; associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia.
- Postdrome (after the headache): Fatigue, confusion, and sensitivity may persist for up to 24 hours.
Migraine Triggers
Identifying and avoiding triggers is a key part of migraine management. Common triggers include:
- Hormonal changes (especially in women)
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
- Certain foods — aged cheese, processed meats, alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine
- Bright lights, loud sounds, or strong smells
- Skipping meals or dehydration
- Weather or barometric pressure changes
- Physical exertion
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Our headache specialists conduct a thorough clinical evaluation to accurately diagnose the headache type and rule out secondary causes. Investigations may include:
- Detailed headache history and diary review
- Neurological examination
- MRI/CT brain scan (when indicated, to exclude secondary headache causes)
- Blood tests to identify metabolic or hormonal contributions
Treatment Approaches at CBB Hospital
Our clinic provides both acute (abortive) and preventive treatment strategies:
- Acute Treatments: Triptans, NSAIDs, anti-nausea medications, and gepants (newer CGRP antagonists) for stopping migraine attacks once started.
- Preventive Medications: Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies (the latest class of migraine-specific preventives) to reduce attack frequency.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: For chronic migraine, Botox injections every 12 weeks are highly effective in reducing headache days.
- Lifestyle & Behavioural Therapy: Trigger identification and avoidance, sleep hygiene, stress management, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Nutraceuticals: Evidence-based supplements such as magnesium, riboflavin (B2), and coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive preventive therapy.
Why Choose CBB Hospital’s Headache Clinic?
- Dedicated headache specialists with specialized training in headache medicine
- Access to the latest CGRP-targeting migraine treatments
- Botox therapy for chronic migraine
- Comprehensive lifestyle and psychological support
- Patient-centred, individualized treatment plans
- Headache diary analysis and trigger management programs
Book an Appointment
Our team is ready to help — whether you are a concerned parent, a teenager seeking confidential support, or a family caring for an elderly loved one.
📞 +91-9048215757 / +91-9048213838
📧 contact@cbbhospital.com
📍 CBB Hospital, Kailas Colony, HMT Colony, North Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala – 682021
