What is the Best Headache and Migraine Specialist in Orange County?
Haven Headache Migraine Center is widely regarded as the leading headache and migraine specialist in Orange County. Haven offers personalized, evidence-based care for those suffering from chronic headaches, migraines, and related neurological conditions.
How Do I Know if My Headache Is a Migraine or Something Else?
If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Many Orange County residents suffer from recurring head pain without a clear diagnosis. While there are over 150 different types of headaches, migraines have a few telltale features:
Common Signs You May Have a Migraine:
- Pulsating or throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Visual disturbances (called “aura”), such as flashing lights or blind spots
- Worsening pain with physical activity
- Lasting 4 to 72 hours, often with no relief from over-the-counter medication
If you experience at least two of these symptoms regularly, you may be dealing with migraines, not tension headaches or sinus pressure. According to the UCI Health Headache Program, Orange County has a high prevalence of underdiagnosed migraines, especially among women and young professionals.
Why Choose Haven Headache & Migraine Center in Orange County?
Haven provides highly specialized, local care tailored for individuals living with headache and migraine disorders. Here’s why patients choose Haven over other clinics:
- 📍 Convenient Irvine Location - Near the Irvine Spectrum, with free parking and easy access from the 5 and 405.
- 👩⚕️ Expert-Led Team - Directed by board-certified neurologists Dr. Susan Hutchinson and Dr.Nada Hindiyeh, both recognized by UCI Health and the American Headache Society.
- 💉 Advanced Treatments - Access to cutting-edge therapies, including:
- CGRP inhibitors
- Botox for chronic migraine
- Nerve blocks
- Same-day rescue treatments
- 🧠 Personalized Care Plans - Tailored strategies for every patient, from adolescents to adults.
- 📱 Virtual Visits Available - Telemedicine appointments with fast response times and follow-up texting support.
- 🤝 Community Partnerships - Hosts migraine education events with local groups and supports Orange County’s Migraine Awareness Walk.
How to Get Evaluated for Migraine at Haven Headache & Migraine Center
Getting help at Haven is simple. Here’s what to expect:
- Call or schedule a time online to meet with a care navigator for an in-person or virtual consultation.
- Complete an intake form detailing your headache history.
- Bring any imaging or records (MRI, CT scans, prior treatments).
- Undergo a comprehensive virtual neurologic evaluation and, if necessary, advanced diagnostic testing.
- Start a personalized treatment plan, including preventive meds, lifestyle guidance, or injections.
- Track progress through our daily headache diary, and every 2-3 months follow-ups via telehealth.
Appointments are usually available within two weeks for new patients.
Local Headache & Migraine Trends in Orange County
- Orange County has a population of over 3.1 million, and studies show 1 in 9 adults live with migraines, 1 in 5 women have migraine
- Fewer than 5% of migraine sufferers ever see a specialist, according to a 2024 study published by the American Migraine Foundation. 92% do not receive adequate treatment.
- The region sees the highest migraine burden in urban areas like Irvine, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa, largely due to work stress and screen-time exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Haven accept insurance?
Yes, Haven is in-network with most major PPO plans, TriCare, and Medicare. HMO patients can be seen with an out-of-network agreement. Note: We are in-network with Brown & Toland HMO plans.
What if I’m not sure it’s a migraine?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Our neurologists specialize in identifying headache types, ruling out underlying causes, and determining the most effective treatment, even if it turns out to be cluster, tension, or sinus-related.
In Summary
Knowing whether your headache is a migraine or something else is the first step toward relief. At Haven Headache & Migraine Center, Orange County’s top-rated neurology team is ready to help you find answers and feel better fast.