Headache Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan

What does a headache clinic do?

Recurring headaches (두통) are very common, and the right treatment depends on the type. Tension-type headache feels like a tight band and is linked with stress and muscle tension. Migraine causes throbbing attacks with nausea and light sensitivity. Cervicogenic headache starts from the neck, often one-sided and triggered by neck posture. Cluster headache causes short, extremely severe attacks around one eye. Medication-overuse headache develops when painkillers are taken too often. In Korea, both pain medicine clinics (마취통증의학과) and neurology clinics (신경과) treat headaches.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

Headaches occurring several days a month or affecting work
Needing painkillers frequently
Headaches with neck stiffness or shoulder tension
A change in usual headache pattern

Call 119 for a sudden, explosive headache, headache with weakness, confusion, speech problems, fever and stiff neck, seizure, or after head injury. New headaches after 50 or in people with cancer or weakened immunity also need prompt evaluation.

What happens at the clinic

History: frequency, location, character, triggers and medicine use.
Examination: neurological check, neck and shoulder muscles, blood pressure.
Imaging if indicated: brain MRI/MRA or CT for red flags.
Diagnosis: identifying the headache type or types.
Treatment: appropriate acute medicine, preventive options and, where suitable, procedures such as greater occipital nerve blocks or trigger point injections.
Diary and follow-up: tracking response over weeks.

Treatment outlook

Most people can reduce headache frequency and severity with the right plan. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches often respond to posture work, exercise and targeted injections. Migraine benefits from specific acute and preventive medicines. Occipital nerve blocks can help several headache types. Reducing medication overuse is often an important early step.

Risks and side effects

Overusing painkillers can worsen headaches. Nerve blocks may cause temporary numbness or soreness; rare risks include infection. Some preventive medicines cause drowsiness or weight change.

Choosing a headache clinic in Seomyeon

Look for a doctor who takes a thorough history rather than ordering scans first.
Bring a headache diary and a list of all medicines, including over-the-counter ones.
Ask which headache type you have and how treatment differs.
Ask whether nerve blocks are appropriate and how often they can be repeated.
Ask for a written plan for attacks and for prevention.

For visitors

Travel, irregular sleep and dehydration commonly trigger headaches. If you need help during a stay, Seomyeon clinics are a short metro ride from Busan Station and Gimhae Airport connections.

What type of headache do I have?

Tension-type headaches feel tight and pressing, migraines are throbbing with nausea or light sensitivity, and neck-related headaches start at the back of the head. A doctor can confirm the type.

What is an occipital nerve block?

It is an injection of local anesthetic, sometimes with steroid, near nerves at the back of the head. It can reduce migraine, cluster and neck-related headaches for some people.

When is a headache an emergency?

Seek emergency care for a sudden, worst-ever headache, or headache with weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, fever and stiff neck, seizure or after head injury.

Can taking painkillers cause more headaches?

Yes. Using painkillers on many days each month can lead to medication-overuse headache. Doctors help reduce use and start preventive treatment.

Is headache treatment covered by insurance in Korea?

Consultations, many medicines and nerve blocks are covered by National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Brain MRI is covered only under specific criteria.

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