Frequently Asked Questions
About Ohio State Headache Help
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms experienced by people. They're a significant problem for at least one of every 10 adults. So, you are not alone in having problems with headaches. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that you and your doctor can explore together.
​
Headaches are rarely due to something dangerous, and referring physicians are quite good at identifying those dangerous causes before referring you to a headache specialist. Headaches are very likely to improve over time, particularly with proven strategies and treatments. By telling you about our most common strategies and treatments for headaches, you'll have many useful tools to help you get better faster.
Visits and Scheduling
​How do I make an appointment with The Ohio State Headache Clinic?​​​
To make an appointment with Ohio State’s Headache Clinic, you must have a referral from your primary care provider or another referring provider. Once you have a referral, a scheduling assistant with Ohio State will call you to set up the appointment, or you can call (614) 293-4969 to schedule.
​
How long is the wait time for a standard office visit at the Ohio State Headache Clinic?
The wait time for office visits varies based on several factors including provider and clinic location. If you have a referral sent, our schedulers will be in touch with you to tell you about the options. Ask to be put on the cancelations list to so that your visit may be moved up as cancelations arise. We made this website so that patients can have rapid access to the most proven approaches to headache management while you wait for your appointment.
​
What insurance is accepted at Ohio State's Headache Clinic?
Ohio State accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. Please be sure to check with your insurance company to ensure your provider is in-network before your visit to avoid unanticipated costs. See all insurance plans that are accepted at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
​
What does the headache specialist want me to know about my headaches before I see them?​
One of the best things you can do to help your headache specialist at your appointment is to come ready with what you already know about your headaches. Your headache specialist will want to know about any medications that you have already tried to help your headaches. They will ask you about how frequent and painful your headaches are. We also recommend that you try to keep a headache diary to track your headaches and any potential triggers. ​
Services
Do you also treat other illnesses in addition to headaches?
No, The Ohio State Headache Clinic primarily focuses on treating headaches. All staff in the headache clinic are specifically trained to help your headaches. However, we're aware that sometimes, headaches can be caused by another neurologic condition. Read more about headaches caused by other conditions.
​
What services does Ohio State's Headache Clinic offer to manage headaches?
The OSU Headache Clinic offers a variety of options to treat and manage your headaches. We offer prescription medications to stop current and prevent future headaches, infusions, procedures, and other holistic options such as physical therapy, acupuncture, supplements, and devices.
​
​Where can I get help with my disability paperwork?
The Ohio State Headache Clinic doesn't fill out disability paperwork for any of its patients. It's important to try to attend work and/or school even with a headache. Missing work and school doesn't help improve headaches. All inquiries about disability should be discussed with your primary care provider or your referring provider. Learn more.
Medication
Does the clinic prescribe opioids?
No, The Ohio State Headache Clinic doesn't prescribe opioids to patients to manage their headache. Opioid medications aren't recommended for managing headaches because they can actually make your headache worse. Instead, we have a wide list of over-the-counter and prescription medications that, when used at the recommendation of a provider, can help you manage your chronic headache pain.​
​What holistic options are available through the clinic?
While non-pharmacologic recommendations for supplements and devices are available through our clinic, we also offer referrals for physical therapy and acupuncture.
​Can you prescribe medical marijuana?
We are not licensed to recommend medical marijuana.
Other FAQs
Why should I choose Ohio State's Headache Clinic for my headache care?
The Ohio State Headache Clinic offers both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies and a multidisciplinary approach to manage your headaches.
​
When should I go to the hospital for a headache?
If you are unable to keep medication or food down due to nausea or vomiting, or if you are experiencing new neurologic symptoms with your headache, you should go to the hospital. These symptoms could include disturbances to your vision, sudden weakness, numbness, or tingling, speech difficulties, altered consciousness, or a sudden severe headache.