Headache & Facial Pain Center

Overview
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Care Team
FAQs
Referring Physicians

Relief Starts Here

Comprehensive Migraine, Headache, & Facial Pain Care

The MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center provides specialized neurological care for patients experiencing migraines, chronic headaches, facial pain syndromes, trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headaches, and other complex headache disorders.

Led by Medical Director Dr. Lauren Aymen, the center brings together fellowship-trained headache specialists, advanced diagnostics, infusion therapy, procedural treatments, and coordinated neurological management — all within a calming, sensory-conscious treatment environment designed for patient comfort.

Fellowship-trained headache medicine and facial pain specialists
Infusion therapy and advanced procedures
Sensory-conscious treatment environment
Comprehensive neurological care under one roof

The center specializes in refractory and complex cases to routinely provide answers and relief for patients whose severe head and facial pain other clinics have been unable to get under control. We meet you where other treatments have failed to map out a truly personalized path forward.

Fellowship-trained neurologist Dr. Lauren Aymen leads the MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center.

Dr. Lauren Aymen, Headache Medicine and Facial Pain Specialist

Experiencing symptoms like:

Frequent migraines or severe headaches
Light or sound sensitivity
Facial pain or nerve pain
Dizziness or visual disturbances
Chronic or worsening headache symptoms

Call MIND Interventional Pain Management Center

Request an Appointment

call us at 248-553-0010

In-House High-Field MRI & Coordinated Neurological Evaluation: If imaging is required, MRI studies and neuroradiology review are coordinated entirely within the MIND network. Our headache specialists work closely with on-site neuroradiologists to help patients receive timely answers, advanced neurological evaluation, and coordinated treatment planning — all under one roof.

Patients seeking a migraine specialist or headache doctor in Southeast Michigan often require a thorough neurological evaluation to confirm a diagnosis, identify potential triggers, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

A Headache & Facial Pain Center Designed for Comfort. Built for Relief.

For patients living with migraine, chronic headache, or facial pain, the care setting matters. The MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center was designed to better support patients with migraines, chronic headaches, facial pain disorders, light sensitivity, nausea, and neurological discomfort, helping them feel more comfortable during neurological evaluation and treatment.

With a footprint of more than 3,000 square feet, the center incorporates features intended to help reduce sensory stimulation and create a calmer treatment experience for patients during active migraine attacks or severe pain episodes.

Person experiencing migraine symptoms in a dark room due to severe light sensitivity and headache pain.

MIND provides a quieter, more relaxed treatment environment for patients experiencing episodic pain.

Features of the Center Include:

Natural lighting throughout the facility
Dimmer switches in all patient rooms
Reduced-stimulation treatment spaces
Dimly lit rooms for acute migraine and pain management
Avoidance of fluorescent lighting
Reduced exposure to strong smells and environmental triggers
Separate patient spaces for individuals experiencing severe pain or active migraine attacks

Private reduced-stimulation treatment areas are available for patients experiencing active migraine attacks or severe headache symptoms.

Medical-Grade Green Light Therapy: Our dedicated spaces utilize a precise 520 nm narrow-band green light pathway. Because this specific wavelength is scientifically proven not to over-excite the brain’s pain center (the thalamus) during an active migraine, it allows our specialists to safely evaluate and treat you in a soothing environment without forcing you into pitch darkness.

This patient-centered environment reflects MIND’s integrated approach to headache and facial pain care — recognizing that migraine and facial pain disorders can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.

When Migraine & Headache Symptoms Need a Specialist

Migraines are more than “just headaches.” They are a neurological disorder.

Severe or throbbing head pain
Light and sound sensitivity
Nausea or vomiting
Visual disturbances or aura
Dizziness or balance changes
Facial pain or nerve pain
Tingling or numbness
Difficulty concentrating

Many patients living with chronic migraine miss important life events, struggle with daily responsibilities, or experience severe sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and environmental triggers. MIND’s headache specialists understand the significant impact migraine disorders can have on a patient’s life and work to help patients regain function and better manage chronic migraine symptoms.

Patients experiencing frequent headaches, severe migraine symptoms, facial pain, dizziness, visual disturbances, numbness, or worsening headache patterns should seek prompt neurological evaluation.

Graphic explaining when persistent, sudden, or worsening headaches should be evaluated by a headache specialist.

Schedule an Evaluation

Conditions We Treat

MIND specialists diagnose and manage many types of headache and facial pain disorders, including:

Migraine headaches
Chronic migraines
Cluster headaches
Tension headaches
Vestibular migraine
Post-concussion headaches
Occipital neuralgia
Cervicogenic headaches

Medication overuse headaches
Status Migrainosus (Severe, debilitating migraine attacks that lock down a patient’s life for 3 or more consecutive days)
Secondary headache disorders
Refractory headache disorders
Headaches related to neurological disease, trauma, or infection

Trigeminal neuralgia & Neuropathic facial pain conditions

Facial pain disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathic facial pain may cause sharp, burning, electric shock-like, or persistent facial pain symptoms that often require specialized neurological evaluation and management.

Because headache disorders can have many possible causes, neurological evaluation is important to help identify underlying conditions and develop an effective treatment plan.

Dr. Lauren Aymen, fellowship-trained neurologist specializing in headache medicine.

“One in four people suffer from a headache disorder, yet migraine and headache disorders are still widely misunderstood and often require advanced multidisciplinary care.”

– Dr. Lauren Aymen, Medical Director, MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center

Understanding Migraine Symptoms & Triggers

Headaches and facial pain can present differently from patient to patient. Headache vs. Migraine: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms “headache” and “migraine” interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

A headache is a general term for pain in the head or neck. Migraines, however, are a neurological disorder that may cause severe throbbing pain along with symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, numbness, and sensitivity to light or sound.

While some headaches may come and go, migraines can last for hours — or even days — and may significantly interfere with work, sleep, family responsibilities, and daily life.

Symptoms may include:

Severe or recurring headaches
Migraine attacks with nausea or sensitivity to light
Facial pain or burning sensations
Sharp or electric shock-like facial pain
Dizziness or balance issues
Vision changes
Headaches after concussion or injury
Neck pain associated with headaches
Worsening headache frequency or intensity

Persistent headaches, dizziness, or neurological symptoms following concussion or head injury may require neurological evaluation.

Migraine triggers vary from person to person but may include:

Stress
Sleep disruption
Hormonal changes
Weather and barometric pressure shifts
Dehydration
Certain foods or beverages
Bright lights and sensory stimulation

MIND specialists help patients identify triggers and develop individualized management strategies.

Migraine and chronic headache disorders can affect nearly every aspect of daily life, including work, sleep, family responsibilities, and social activities, and often require ongoing neurological care focused on reducing symptom frequency, improving daily function, and enhancing long-term quality of life. Treatment plans may evolve over time based on symptom changes, treatment response, and lifestyle factors.

Long-term headache management often focuses on:

Identifying triggers
Reducing symptom frequency
Managing flare-ups
Improving daily function
Supporting long-term quality of life

MIND specialists work closely with patients to develop individualized management strategies tailored to their symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Advanced Headache & Facial Pain Treatments

Depending on the condition, care may include medications, advanced procedures, infusion therapy, lifestyle management strategies, and coordinated neurological support.

Patient experiencing physical discomfort that may require evaluation for neurological causes of pain.

Whole-Person Migraine Support

Magnesium supplements
Lifestyle guidance
Trigger management
Nutritional support

Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Patient reviewing medication as part of an individualized migraine and headache treatment plan.

Medications & Long-Term Migraine Management

Prescription medications
Preventive therapies
Refractory migraine management
Evidence-Based Supplements:
Including optimized, high-dose regimens of Magnesium, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and CoQ10 to naturally help stabilize hyper-excitable nervous system pathways.

Comfortable infusion therapy chairs where patients receive treatments for severe migraine and headache disorders.

Infusion Therapy for Migraine & Acute Headache Care

Acute migraine treatment
Rescue infusion therapy
Monitored outpatient setting
Difficult-to-control migraines
Helping avoid unnecessary ER visits

A clinician with gloves administering a facial injection to help treat facial pain and headache conditions.

Advanced Procedural Treatments

Botox
Nerve blocks
Occipital blocks
Trigger point injections
SPG blocks
Supraorbital/auriculotemporal blocks

Custom-Mapped Botox^® Protocols:
Unlike general practices that utilize rigid, identical injection templates for every patient, our fellowship-trained specialists adjust your precise dosage and injection locations based entirely on your individual head and neck pain mapping.

Coordinated Interventional Pain Management

Cervicogenic headache
Neuropathic pain
Refractory headache disorders
Ketamine infusions under anesthesiology supervision
Coordination with IPM Center

Neurologist performing a neurological examination to evaluate headache and facial pain symptoms.

The center also specializes in complex and refractory migraine cases, helping patients who may not have found relief from previous treatments.

Advanced treatment options may also be coordinated with the MIND Interventional Pain Management Center for select patients with chronic or treatment-resistant headache and facial pain disorders, including advanced interventional procedures and ketamine infusion therapy performed under anesthesiology supervision.

Infusion Therapy for Migraine & Acute Headache Care

Migraine disorders are among the most common neurological conditions, often significantly disrupting work, sleep, family responsibilities, and daily life. When standard options fail to provide adequate relief, infusion therapy offers advanced outpatient neurological support to help manage severe or difficult-to-control symptoms.

Direct Medication Delivery
Infusion therapy delivers targeted medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream in a controlled, clinical environment. This approach provides rapid symptom relief during severe migraine attacks, prolonged headache episodes, or symptoms that have not responded to traditional therapies.

Bypassing the Digestive System
Unlike oral medications, intravenous treatments bypass the digestive system entirely. This makes them highly beneficial if you are experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Depending on your specific condition, an acute or rescue infusion plan may include:

IV fluids for hydration
Targeted migraine medications
Anti-nausea treatments
Magnesium-based therapies
Rapid-acting IV rescue protocols designed to break severe cycles and help you avoid an emergency room visit
Infusion-based preventive treatments (such as VYEPTI^®)

Infusion therapy may be considered for complex headache presentations, including:

Status Migrainosus: Acute, debilitating migraine attacks lasting longer than 72 hours that are completely unresponsive to standard treatments.
Intractable Migraines: Persistent, treatment-resistant headaches (also referred to as refractory migraines).
Acute Migraines: Severe, sudden symptoms requiring immediate alleviation or rescue therapy.
Difficult-to-Control Headaches: Complex head pain patterns that fail to stabilize with typical rescue medications.
Severe Gastrointestinal or Dehydration Symptoms: Intense nausea and vomiting that make it impossible to retain oral medication.

An ER Alternative: For many individuals, timely access to an outpatient infusion suite provides a safe, efficient alternative to an unnecessary emergency room visit.

Our treatment plans are highly individualized based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and neurological evaluation. MIND’s specialists utilize evidence-based medications to address multiple phases of a migraine attack simultaneously:

Dihydroergotamine (DHE): An effective medication used in specific acute protocols to break severe, prolonged, or refractory cycles.
Anti-Inflammatories (e.g., Ketorolac): Intravenous NSAIDs that deliver rapid, powerful relief from acute headache pain and inflammation.
Antiemetics & Supportive Agents: Medications that target severe nausea and vomiting while actively helping to halt the migraine pathway.
Magnesium Sulfate: Intravenous magnesium used to support neurological stability, particularly beneficial for certain patients who experience migraine with aura.
Corticosteroids: Often integrated into acute rescue protocols to minimize the risk of a “rebound” headache after treatment.
Preventive Biologics (e.g., Eptinezumab / VYEPTI^®): A targeted, monoclonal antibody therapy administered quarterly to block CGRP receptors and reduce overall migraine frequency.

Our infusion protocols are developed by board-certified headache specialists in alignment with American Headache Society guidelines.

MIND’s infusion services support both long-term prevention and acute outpatient care. While some therapies are designed to reduce the frequency of future attacks, others provide immediate medical support to break active, prolonged cycles.

Preventive vs. Acute Care

Preventive Infusion: Therapies such as VYEPTI® are typically administered as a single IV infusion lasting approximately 30 minutes, scheduled once every three months.
Acute Infusion: Rescue treatments may take longer depending on the specific medications required and the severity of your symptoms. Some advanced protocols may last several hours while you relax in a comfortable, monitored environment.

A Coordinated Approach

These services are integrated within a coordinated neurological treatment approach that may also include daily medications, Botox® injections, nerve blocks, imaging coordination, and advanced headache management strategies.

Patient safety and comfort are our highest priorities. All therapies are administered by experienced infusion nurses under the direct supervision of our neurological care team.

Comprehensive Screening: Before any infusion, our headache specialists review your medical history, cardiovascular health, and current medications to ensure the selected protocol is safe for you.
Real-Time Monitoring: Vital signs and comfort levels are monitored throughout your treatment.
Side Effect Management: While serious side effects are rare, temporary symptoms like mild fatigue, dizziness, or localized injection site warmth can occur. Our clinical staff is fully equipped to manage these immediately.
Insurance Coordination: Because specialized therapies often require prior authorization, our dedicated administrative team works directly with your insurance provider to verify coverage before your session.

Meet the Headache & Facial Pain Center Care Team

Dr. Lauren Aymen
Medical Director, Headache & Facial Pain Center, Board-Certified Neurologist, Fellowship-Trained Headache Medicine & Facial Pain Specialist

Read Bio

Dr. Mina Essak
Board-Certified Neurologist, Fellowship-Trained Headache Medicine & Facial Pain Specialist

Read Bio

Jessica Epstein
BS, MS, PA-C, Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Read Bio

Sarah Vella
BS, MMSc, PA-C, Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Read Bio

Graphic highlighting MIND's commitment to expertise, continuity, coordinated care, and personalized treatment.

Why Choose MIND for Headache & Migraine Care

Patients throughout Southeast Michigan choose MIND because of our:

Fellowship-trained headache and facial pain specialists
Comprehensive neurological evaluation
Advanced diagnostic capabilities
Infusion therapy services
Coordinated neurological care
Experience treating complex and chronic headache disorders
Multiple convenient Southeast Michigan locations
Patient-centered, long-term treatment approach

Seeking a Second Opinion for Migraine or Facial Pain?

Patients often seek specialized headache evaluation when:

Symptoms continue despite treatment
Diagnosis remains unclear
Headaches become more frequent or severe
MRI findings require neurological review
Facial pain symptoms worsen

MIND specialists provide advanced neurological evaluation and headache management for complex and refractory cases. MIND’s integrated approach combines acute migraine support with neurological management for chronic and complex headache disorders.

Neurology provider meeting with a patient to develop a personalized treatment plan for headache management.

Questions Patients and Families Often Ask

When should I see a neurologist for headaches or migraines?

Patients should seek neurological evaluation if headaches become frequent, severe, worsening, interfere with daily life, or occur alongside symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, weakness, nausea, balance problems, or vision changes. Headaches that do not improve with standard treatment or change suddenly in pattern should also be evaluated.

What is the difference between a migraine and a headache?

Migraine is a neurological disorder that may cause severe head pain along with symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, dizziness, visual disturbances, numbness, or difficulty concentrating. Not all headaches are migraines, and different headache disorders require different treatment approaches.

What are common migraine symptoms?

Migraine symptoms may include:

Throbbing or severe head pain
Light and sound sensitivity
Nausea or vomiting
Visual disturbances or aura
Dizziness or balance problems
Tingling or numbness
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating

Symptoms and severity can vary significantly from person to person.

Do migraines involve more than head pain?

Yes. Migraines are complex neurological disorders that may involve nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, dizziness, visual disturbances, facial pain, and significant disruption to daily life. Many patients experience symptoms severe enough to interfere with work, family activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Can weather or barometric pressure changes trigger migraines?

Yes. Many migraine patients report that weather changes and shifts in barometric pressure can contribute to migraine symptoms or trigger attacks. While environmental triggers cannot always be avoided, identifying patterns and developing an individualized treatment plan may help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

What could be causing my headaches?

Headaches can have many possible causes, including migraine disorders, tension headaches, nerve-related pain conditions, concussion-related symptoms, medication overuse, stress, sleep disruption, neurological disorders, or other underlying medical conditions. Because symptoms can overlap, persistent, worsening, or unusual headache symptoms may require neurological evaluation to help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What types of migraine and headache disorders do you treat?

MIND treats a wide range of headache and facial pain disorders, including:

Chronic migraine
Migraine with aura
Vestibular migraine
Cluster headache
Tension-type headache
Trigeminal neuralgia
Facial pain syndromes
Complex and refractory headache disorders

What happens during a headache evaluation?

A headache evaluation typically includes a neurological history, symptom review, physical and neurological examination, discussion of headache triggers and frequency, review of previous treatments, and diagnostic testing or imaging when appropriate. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on symptoms, diagnosis, and patient history.

What imaging tests are used for headaches?

MRI imaging may be used to evaluate certain headache disorders, neurological symptoms, or facial pain conditions. Imaging helps neurologists assess possible underlying neurological causes and guide treatment planning when appropriate.

Can headaches and facial pain be neurological?

Yes. Many headache and facial pain disorders involve the nervous system. Conditions such as migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, and other neuropathic facial pain syndromes may require specialized neurological evaluation and treatment.

What treatments are available for chronic migraine?

Treatment options vary based on diagnosis and symptom severity but may include:

Prescription medications
Botox injections
Infusion therapy
Nerve blocks
Nutritional supplements
Trigger point injections
Lifestyle and trigger management strategies

MIND develops individualized treatment plans focused on reducing symptom frequency and improving quality of life.

What advanced migraine treatment options are available?

Treatment options may include prescription migraine medications, infusion therapy, Botox^® injections for chronic migraine, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, lifestyle management strategies, and supportive therapies tailored to each patient’s condition.

MIND headache specialists also stay current with emerging migraine therapies and evolving treatment approaches designed to improve patient outcomes.

Are advanced interventional therapies available for chronic headache and facial pain patients?

Yes. For qualifying patients with complex or treatment-resistant headache and pain conditions, MIND providers may coordinate care with the MIND Interventional Pain Management Center for advanced interventional therapies.

This collaborative approach may include interventional procedures for cervicogenic headaches, chronic headache disorders, neuropathic pain conditions, and related pain syndromes.

The Interventional Pain Management Center also offers ketamine infusion therapy for select patients with chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, CRPS, and other neuropathic pain conditions. Ketamine infusions are performed under anesthesiology supervision as part of an individualized treatment plan.

How quickly can I see a specialist at the center?

Because our center handles complex and refractory cases from across Southeast Michigan, demand for our fellowship-trained neurologists is exceptionally high. To expand our clinical capacity and get you relief faster, our center utilizes a highly coordinated care team model. Our specialized Physician Assistants, Jessica Epstein, PA-C and Sarah Vella, PA-C, work directly with our physicians to triage severe cases, manage ongoing treatment adjustments, and ensure our patients always have rapid access to expert clinical eyes between major appointments.

Can migraine treatment help patients avoid unnecessary emergency room visits?

Yes. For some patients experiencing severe or prolonged migraine attacks, access to specialized migraine care and infusion therapy may help avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.

The MIND infusion center can provide treatment options for qualifying patients experiencing acute migraine symptoms or prolonged migraine attacks requiring additional support.

What is the difference between general headache treatment and specialized neurological headache care?

While many headaches can initially be managed by a primary care physician, specialized neurological headache care may be recommended for chronic migraines, severe headache disorders, facial pain syndromes, recurrent headaches, or symptoms that are difficult to control.

The MIND Headache & Facial Pain Center provides fellowship-trained neurological expertise, advanced procedures, infusion therapy, in-house imaging coordination, and individualized treatment plans for complex headache and facial pain disorders.

Do you offer Botox treatment for migraines?

Yes. MIND offers Botox injections for qualifying patients with chronic migraine disorders as part of comprehensive headache management.

What is infusion therapy for migraine?

Infusion therapy may be used for patients experiencing severe migraine episodes or difficult-to-control symptoms. Infusion treatment is provided in a monitored outpatient setting and may help relieve acute migraine symptoms while supporting ongoing headache management.

Can migraines affect quality of life?

Yes. Migraine disorders can significantly affect work, school, sleep, family responsibilities, social activities, and overall daily function. Long-term migraine management often focuses on reducing symptom frequency, improving function, and supporting quality of life.

When should I seek emergency care for a headache?

Patients should seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe headaches, headaches associated with weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, vision loss, seizures, high fever, or significant neurological changes.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

Referral requirements may vary depending on insurance coverage. Contact MIND for scheduling assistance, insurance questions, and appointment information.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Patients can learn more about the evaluation process, diagnostic testing, treatment planning, and ongoing care by visiting the “What to Expect During a Headache Evaluation” section below.

Neurology care team reviewing patient information to coordinate individualized headache treatment.

What to Expect During a Headache Evaluation

Headache and facial pain evaluations at MIND focus on identifying possible neurological causes, understanding symptom patterns, and developing individualized treatment strategies.

An evaluation may include:

Neurological history and symptom review
MRI review and diagnostic imaging
Neurological examination
Discussion of headache triggers and frequency
Review of previous treatments and medications
Development of a personalized treatment plan
Long-term management recommendations

Patients may also receive coordinated referrals for infusion therapy, procedures, or additional neurological testing when appropriate.

During an appointment, your neurologist will review your medical history, assess neurological function, review applicable MRI findings, and discuss potential treatment options. Follow-up appointments focus on symptom management, treatment response, and ongoing headache care.

Flexible Visit Options

MIND offers both in-person and virtual visits depending on your care needs.
Established patients may be eligible for virtual follow-up appointments, providing convenient access to your headache and facial pain specialist between visits. To request a virtual visit, patients can call our office or speak with their care team to determine if it is appropriate. Initial evaluations and certain services are performed in person to ensure comprehensive care.

For Referring Physicians

The Headache & Facial Pain Center provides advanced neurological evaluation, second opinions, long-term management, and infusion coordination. We welcome referrals for chronic migraine, facial pain syndromes, trigeminal neuralgia, refractory headache disorders, diagnostic clarification, second opinions, and infusion-only services.

Referral Phone: 248-553-0010

Fax: 248-553-5957