Treatment Options

Treatment plans will be based on the best available, evidence-based therapies for treating headaches in children. Opioid pain medications are not prescribed by our clinic, since research has shown that these medications can actually lead to worsening problems with headaches.

We look at all available options, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, to find what works best for your child. Personalized treatments may include:

• Acupuncture – careful placement of very small needles by headache providers who are certified in two acupuncture pain protocols or by medical acupuncturists who have undergone advanced training.
• Aromatherapy – with essential oil patches of peppermint, lavender and mandarin orange.
• Botox^® – a series of injections for children with chronic migraines that don't respond to other treatments.
• Cefaly^® – an external trigeminal nerve stimulation (e-TNS) device that attaches to the forehead and sends electrical signals to treat and prevent migraine headaches.
• Cranial nerve blocks – an injection of numbing medication to help break the cycle of headaches.^*
  • It may take several weeks to identify insurance coverage, but our financial clearance department will help with this process. CPT codes for the procedure are: 64400, 64450 and 64405.
• GammaCore™ – a noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator that applies stimulation to the skin on the neck and calms the pain cycle.
• Hypnosis – a self-relaxation skill using calming language to help children cope with pain.
• IV infusions and IM injections – including fluids and other medications such as migraine-specific DHE.^*
• Nerivio^® – a neuromodulation device placed on the arm that decreases head pain.
• Nutraceuticals – products derived from food sources, such as magnesium or riboflavin, that have additional health benefits related to headache management.
• Prevention medications – used on a daily basis to prevent headaches.
• Rescue medications – specifically designed to stop a headache in progress.
• Self-regulation – learning to understand and respond to your body's signals.
• SPG block – treatment that applies numbing medicine in the back of the nose to block pain signals and reduce headache.^*
  • It may take several weeks to identify insurance coverage, but our financial clearance department will help with this process. Procedure CPT code for the SPG block: 64505.

^*A 24-hour scheduling notice is required.