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CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, announced the launch of a dedicated headache clinic, aimed at enabling early diagnosis and structured, evidence-based treatment for patients suffering from recurrent and chronic headaches.
Headaches, often dismissed as a routine inconvenience, are increasingly emerging as a significant but under-recognised health concern. Medical experts highlight that migraine alone affects nearly 1 in 7 individuals globally, while India accounts for one of the highest burdens, with an estimated 150 million people affected. Despite this, nearly half of headache cases remain undiagnosed or self-managed, with many patients relying on over-the-counter medication instead of seeking medical evaluation.
Clinicians at the hospital are observing a steady rise in patients, particularly in the 25–45 age group, presenting with persistent headaches linked to stress, prolonged screen exposure, and irregular lifestyles. Many individuals continue to depend on painkillers for months or even years, often seeking medical help only when symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning and productivity.
The launch was marked by an awareness programme organised by the Department of Neurosciences (Neurology & Neurosurgery) and the Department of Interventional Radiology, bringing together specialists to highlight evolving approaches in headache care and the importance of early medical evaluation.
The newly launched headache clinic adopts a multidisciplinary, protocol-driven approach, integrating neurology, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology. The clinic introduces a structured headache evaluation pathway, including detailed pattern mapping, trigger identification, and personalised treatment protocols, moving beyond symptomatic relief towards long-term management. It also offers advanced diagnostics and modern therapies, including minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for select conditions, reducing dependence on prolonged medication in appropriate cases.
Doctors cautioned that headaches accompanied by vomiting, vision disturbances, or neurological symptoms should never be ignored, and advised timely medical evaluation instead of prolonged self-medication.
The programme also highlighted advancements in interventional radiology, where select headache conditions can now be managed through minimally invasive techniques, offering effective relief with faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
Experts emphasised that headaches should not be viewed as a single-condition problem. According to the International Headache Society, headaches are broadly classified into primary headaches, secondary headaches, and cranial neuralgias/facial pain, with patients often experiencing more than one type simultaneously. This makes individualised diagnosis and treatment essential.
Sukesh Reddy G, chief operating officer, CARE Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, said, “Neurological disorders like chronic headaches are often under-recognised, yet they have a significant impact on productivity and quality of life.
Dr. MGV Aditya, senior neurologist, added, “Headaches are often underestimated, but not every headache is benign. Patterns, frequency, and associated symptoms matter. Recurrent or severe headaches can significantly affect quality of life and may indicate underlying neurological conditions.”
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