Online Resources
Helpful links, pages, and FAQs are listed below. If you have any further questions that are not addressed below, please feel free to contact us during business hours at (203) 391-6105 or by submitting a note through our booking form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below:
BOTOX ® is FDA-approved and has been used safely for a variety of medical and cosmetic purposes. Our trained specialist will administer BOTOX ® in precise locations to ensure safety and effectiveness. We will discuss side effects and potential risks with you at your consultation.
Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or sound. If you have experienced a head injury or are showing these symptoms, it is important to seek a professional evaluation for proper diagnosis and care.
During a concussion evaluation, we perform a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant imaging or tests. Based on your evaluation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover and manage any lingering issues.
We treat ages 8 and above, providing compassionate care for individuals across all age groups, from children to adults. Whether you are experiencing headaches, concussions, neurological concerns, or are interested in cosmetic procedures, we offer tailored care to meet your needs.
Yes, we offer BOTOX ® treatments for chronic migraine prevention. BOTOX ® has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of these conditions by targeting specific areas in the head and neck. Our team will assess if BOTOX ® is right for you during your consultation.
A migraine trigger is any factor that consistently leads to a headache. Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, and hormones, but can also include things like weather changes, dehydration, certain foods, and certain smells. Keeping a headache diary and being mindful of patterns related to your headaches can help identify these triggers and manage them more effectively.
Early recognition is key to stopping a migraine attack. The earlier you treat a migraine attack, the more effective the treatment is likely to be. For that reason, it is important to have a plan in place, so you know what to do when a headache starts. It’s important to make this a simple plan. If medications are part of your plan, ensure the medications are readily available — this means having medication in your desk at work, in your medication cabinet, or in the glove compartment of your care. It is also helpful to identify a place you can rest when a headache strikes (such as a dark, quiet space). It is equally as important to educate your friends, family or co-workers about the accommodations you may require. Finally, it is important to have a backup plan in case the headache is more severe than anticipated. These details can be discussed and tailored with your headache specialist during an initial medical consultation.
Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in migraine management. In general, migraine sufferers benefit from maintaining a routine. Regular sleep patterns, regular mealtimes, and regular exercise are all key in preventing migraine attacks. Often, modest management of lifestyle factors can result in significant decreases in the frequency and severity of headaches.
Abortive medications (also known as rescue medications) are used to stop an active headache, meaning you are experiencing the headache right now. Abortive medications are most effective when taken early on in the headache. Some abortive medications can be bought over the counter, but more potent and effective medications are usually only available by prescription. The choice of abortive medication depends on several factors, including your overall health, frequency of headaches, duration of headaches, and tolerance of medication side effects. It’s important to note that there are non-medication-based treatments to help relieve migraine attacks.
Migraine rescue refers to treatments designed at stopping a headache that is already happening (or in full force). This is different from migraine prevention, which helps reduce the frequency or severity of headaches before they start. Rescue treatments are usually medications, but there are some non-pharmacologic treatments available for people who (1) cannot tolerate medications, or (2) do not want to take medication.
Of course. Treatment by the Brain Health Institute qualifies as a medical expense.
The Brain Health Institute does not participate with insurance plans or Medicare/Medicaid. An itemized statement and receipt of payment will be provided at time of encounter that you may submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement depending on your out-of-network benefits.
Recent Blog Posts
Auriculotemporal Nerves and Headache: Top 5 Questions
Although migraine can have many causes, many patients can attribute their headaches to the auriculotemporal nerve. In this article, we'll briefly talk about why it's important to learn about this nerve and discuss how it [...]
Mindful Body Scan Meditation
As we noted in our original article on Introduction to Mindfulness for Migraine, mindfulness can play a significant role in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine. In this follow-up post, our partner Dr. Mary [...]
Headaches in COVID-19 Patients
Hot off the press! We're excited to note that Dr. Kuruvilla's research article was just published in the journal 'Headache' -- it's entitled "Headache in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A [...]
Top 5 Thanksgiving Migraine Food Triggers
Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on what we are thankful for and celebrate safely with our friends and family. It's also a great time to eat delicious foods such as turkey, stuffing, and [...]
Introduction to Mindfulness for Migraines
At the Westport Headache Institute, we're excited to be partnering with clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Motwani, PhD. Although there are many procedural and medicinal tools to help patients with migraines, it's important to note [...]
Brain Health Podcast
Our medical director, Dr. Deena Kuruvilla M.D., was recently interviewed by Dr. Bradford Cooper of Catalyst Health Wellness and Performance Coaching. This podcast touches on wide variety of topics, including: Is stress is toxic to [...]