Headache and Chronic Craniofacial Pain Unit

"In order to find a solution to headaches, it is key to arrive at an exact diagnosis of the type of headache, and for this, the experience of the neurologist is crucial".

DR. MARGARITA SÁNCHEZ DEL RÍO.
SPECIALIST IN NEUROLOGY

In the Headache and Chronic Craniofacial Pain Unit, specialists from Neurology, Pain Unit, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and nursing staff participate.

The different specialists coordinate to offer comprehensive, high quality medical care, which allows for a quick diagnosis and effective treatment of both headache and the medical complications that people who suffer from chronic pain often present.

We have the latest advances in diagnostic techniques, such as high resolution magnetic resonance imaging equipment.

We make available to our headache patients the most advanced treatments such as anesthetic blocks, botulinum toxin infiltration, the use of monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor and the latest surgical procedures to relieve pain in patients with facial neuralgias.

In the Unit we provide specialized attention to headaches in pregnant women and in menopause, since they can have a more complicated management.

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Our professionals will provide you with a medical evaluation without you having to leave your home.

Why at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra

We are the best private hospital in Spain for the ninth year in a row
(Ranking Monitor de Reputación Sanitaria 2023)

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Teamwork

We work as a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitators, neurophysiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and specialized nurses.

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Personalized medicine

We carry out the diagnostic process and design the ideal treatment plan for each patient in the shortest time possible.

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Technology

We have the latest technology for diagnosis (3Teslas high-field magnetic resonance) and treatment.

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Research

We work together with the Neuroscience Area of the Cima Universidad de Navarra in the development of new treatments and we participate in clinical trials.

Diseases we treat

Our specialized professionals of first international level offer you the possibility of an accurate and fast diagnosis with state-of-the-art technology.

Migraine is a frequent and very disabling neurological disease. It affects 12% of the population in Spain (18% in women), represents the most frequent reason for consultation in Neurology and is the most important cause of disability in patients between 16-50 years.

The diagnosis of migraine is clinical, that is to say, it is based on a series of well-defined symptoms that the patient describes during the episodes of pain. 

The migraine is characterized by episodes of headache of between 4-72 hours that usually affects of predominant form to a side of the head (hemicraneal), that most of the patients describe like a beat (pulsatile) and that can be associated to nauseas, vomits, and hypersensitivity to the light and the noise. The headache is of moderate-severe intensity and typically worsens with routine physical activity, forcing the patient to lie down.

The treatment of the migraine includes to avoid the possible triggers, to treat the crises of pain, fundamentally with anti-inflammatory or triptans, and in patients with frequent migraines it is recommended to initiate preventive treatment.

The Clinic has neurologists experienced in the diagnosis of migraine and they are supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of specialists from the Pain Unit, Psychology, Psychiatry and Speech Therapy.

The most advanced treatments for migraine are available, including local or botulinum toxin infiltrations and monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or its receptor.

Cluster headache is a type of headache that affects mostly young males. It is characterized by crises of orbital pain always on the same side of the head of great intensity and that is located nromally in the region of the eye or the temple.

The pain typically lasts between 15-180 minutes and patients suffer several episodes each day. During the crises, patients may experience redness of the eye, tearing or nasal congestion on the side of the pain.

Unlike the migraine, the patients with headache in clusters are restless, and tend to move during the crisis 

The Clinic has neurologists experienced in the diagnosis of cluster headache and is supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of specialists from the Pain Unit, Neurosurgery, Psychology, Psychiatry and Speech Therapy.

Surgical treatment can be an alternative in patients who do not respond to medical treatment with drugs such as verapamil, topiramate, lithium or botulinum toxin. The performance of occipital blocks is also beneficial in this type of headache.

Tension headache is the most common type of headache among the general population. It is characterized by headache episodes that last between 30 minutes to 7 days, of bilateral location, that the patients describe as a pressure of slight or moderate intensity.

Unlike the migraine it worsens with the physical activity of routine, like walking or climbing stairs and it is not accompanied by nauseas or vomits. 

It is frequent that the tensional headache is associated with anxiety, upheavals of dream and muscular contractures in neck. 

As in the migraine the diagnosis is clinical.

The simple analgesics (paracetamol or anti-inflammatory) have little effectiveness and when the headache is frequent preventive treatment is used, generally with a group of antidepressants

The Clinic has neurologists experienced in the diagnosis of tension headache and is supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of specialists from the Pain Unit, Psychology, Psychiatry and Speech Therapy.

Neuralgia and other facial pains are characterized by recurrent episodes of paroxysmal pain (intense, described as an electric shock), affecting the area of the affected nerve.

Pharmacological treatment is effective in a high percentage of patients but sometimes surgical treatment is required.

The Clinic has neurologists experienced in the diagnosis of neuralgias and facial pain and they are supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of specialists from the Pain Unit, Psychology, Psychiatry and Speech Therapy.

In addition, we have neurosurgeons experienced in the application of different surgical alternatives.

DIAGNOSIS AND PERSONALIZED TREATMENT

Comprehensive evaluation of headaches and other chronic pain

The Headache and Chronic Pain Unit of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has specialists in different areas and with the most specific, modern and precise diagnostic methods.

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Cutting edge technology

We have the latest technology and work with well-defined diagnostic protocols to offer the best solution to our patients.


Team of
Nursing

Specialized in the follow-up and care of patients to achieve the best possible quality of life.


Research and
Clinical trials

We have several clinical trials underway that aim to offer patients therapeutic alternatives.

Why at the Clinic?

  • Integral evaluation of the patient.
  • Personalized diagnosis.
  • Cutting edge technology.

Our team of professionals

We help our patients to overcome their stories

Their testimonies encourage us to continue improving our services