The University of Kentucky Headache and Pain Clinic provides specialized care in headache and oin patistns sauffereing from neurologically related chronic pain and pain syndromes. The UK Headache and Pain Clinic is the only comprehensive headache clinic in the state. We use Botox and peripheral nerve and muscle injections for refractory syndromes. Patients can receive "same day" urgent IV or IM therapies for established patients on a walk in basis. Patients can participate in clinical research trials and we will be starting evening group sessions.

An effective headache management plan is founded on quality patient education. Patients learn to become aware of head- ache triggers and the importance of maintaining a headache diary. In addition, patients learn to understand the role of diet, exercise, stress-reduction and stable sleep patterns to control headache.

Patients may avoid a trip to the ER by calling early in the morning for a same-day urgent appointment for refractory headache. The Headache Clinic provides intravenous therapy for 'status migrainosus,'' treating severe head pain as well as the accompanying nausea and vomiting. Intravenous medication such as DHE, valproate (Depacon), promethazine (Compazine) and ketorolac (Toradol) are effective immediate therapy for intractable migraine, cluster and relentless tension-type or rebound headache.
The Headache Clinic has an inpatient program for patients with persistent headache, including those dependent on analgesic medication who may require safe withdrawal from medications that put them at risk for rebound pain and dependency.

Individual treatment plans may include a variety of therapeutic modalities. Specific peripheral nerve injections, Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, trigger point injections as well as physical and occupational therapy targeted to head and neck pain are recommended when appropriate. Occupational therapists may perform an ergonomic evaluation of work stations to protect patients who suffer from head or neck pain on the job.

The Headache Clinic offers afternoon and evening classes to small groups with similar headache syndromes. These group therapy sessions include discussions of conventional medications for headache, exercise options to prevent head and neck pain, ergonomic suggestions to minimize headache in the workplace, physical therapy and massage techniques. The benefits of alternative and complementary therapies in treating migraine are also examined, such as dietary supplements including Vitamin B12, magnesium, butterbur and Coenzyme Ql0 as well as acupuncture and acupressure. The benefits and risks of peripheral nerve injections, epidural steroids, Botox and trigger point injections are also explained.

UK Healthcare Headache Clinic Director, Dr. Tucker, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine. She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Tucker completed her residency at the University of California, San Francisco. She then founded the Case Western Reserve Headache Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Tucker directs United States medical school education at the American Headache Society and has been on the Editorial Board of AHS Headache Profiles.