Our Headache and Migraine Assessment

Our thorough assessment process is designed around giving patients an accurate diagnosis of their headache or migraine conditions.  Initially we will start with a thorough assessment of your upper cervical spine which is based on the latest research conducted by Dean Watson of the Watson Headache® Institute.  Dean Watson’s research has confirmed that the upper cervical spine is a primary contribution factor in all primary headache and migraine types.  Here at The Headache and Migraine Clinic ™ our Headache consultants have therefore all undertaken further training at the Watson Headache® Institute.

Our assessment includes small sustained mobilisation techniques (no cracking or bouncing on your joints is involved) to ascertain painful and/or stiff joints of your upper cervical spine and whether or not they are responsible for your headache or migraine.  This process involves reproduction of your headache temporarily with this applied pressure.  This sounds scary but it is a significant finding that provides us with an accurate diagnosis of your headache symptoms and furthermore the involvement of your neck in your headache and migraine.   It is not imperative we reproduce your headache on day 1 but it is helpful.  This will be determined on the day depending on what your current condition is.  During the assessment we will also determine ligament stability and exclusion of any sinister reasons of your headache.

Also involved is an in-depth examination of all other possible secondary musculoskeletal causes of your headaches.  At The Headache and Migraine Clinic ™ we believe it is important to look beyond your current areas of pain and at the ‘’whole’’ body as possible contributors to your condition.  Therefore your headache consultant will also want to know of any previous or current injuries so it is important to let them know even if you think it is unimportant.  It may surprise you at how related various injuries are.