CARE Hospitals Launches Dedicated Headache Clinic in Visakhapatnam for Early Diagnosis and Structured Care

The initiative is designed to address the growing burden of headache disorders, which remain widely underdiagnosed and often self-managed.

CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, has introduced a dedicated headache clinic aimed at improving early diagnosis and delivering structured, evidence-based treatment for patients with recurrent and chronic headaches.

The initiative is designed to address the growing burden of headache disorders, which remain widely underdiagnosed and often self-managed.

Headaches, frequently treated as minor ailments, are increasingly being recognised as a major neurological concern. Globally, migraine affects nearly 1 in 7 individuals, while India accounts for an estimated 150 million cases. Despite the high prevalence, nearly half of headache cases remain undiagnosed, with many patients relying on over-the-counter painkillers instead of clinical evaluation.

Doctors at CARE Hospitals report a rising number of patients in the 25–45 age group presenting with persistent headaches. These cases are often linked to stress, prolonged screen exposure, irregular sleep cycles, and lifestyle-related factors. Many patients delay consultation until symptoms begin affecting daily productivity and quality of life.

The launch of the clinic was accompanied by an awareness programme organised by the Department of Neurosciences (Neurology & Neurosurgery) and the Department of Interventional Radiology. The session highlighted modern approaches to headache management and the importance of timely medical intervention.

The clinic follows a multidisciplinary model integrating neurology, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology. It introduces a structured evaluation process that includes headache pattern mapping, trigger identification, and personalised treatment planning. The approach moves beyond symptom-based care to long-term management strategies supported by advanced diagnostics.

In select cases, the clinic also offers minimally invasive, image-guided procedures aimed at reducing dependence on long-term medication and improving recovery outcomes.

Doctors cautioned that headaches accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, vision changes, or neurological disturbances require immediate medical attention. They stressed that repeated or severe headaches should not be ignored or managed solely through self-medication.

According to specialists, headaches are not a single condition but include primary headaches, secondary headaches, and cranial neuralgias or facial pain, as defined by the International Headache Society. Patients may also experience overlapping types, making accurate diagnosis critical for effective treatment.

Sukesh Reddy G, Chief Operating Officer of CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said neurological conditions like chronic headaches significantly impact productivity and quality of life. Neurologist Dr. MGV Aditya added that headache patterns and associated symptoms are key indicators that should not be overlooked in clinical assessment.

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