Headache Center

The first center of its kind on the West Coast, the UCSF Headache Center provides comprehensive care to relieve the most debilitating headaches. We offer outpatient consultative care as well as inpatient hospital treatment for those who need it. In addition, the center conducts research, exploring the mechanisms of headaches and how existing and new treatments might provide relief.

Our specialists work closely with you and your primary care team to develop an effective long-term treatment plan. When appropriate, we work with experts in neurosurgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and ophthalmology (eyes and vision). We also work with specialists at the Osher Center for Integrative Health, which combines conventional and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, herbs, massage and meditation, for treating headaches.

We treat patients and families with the utmost respect and compassion, with sensitivity to the diverse places and cultures from which our patients come.

Pediatric patients are seen at the UCSF Pediatric Headache Center.

Patients with pain in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are treated at the UCSF Center for Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine. For more information and appointments, call (415) 476-8298.

Patients with sinus pain are treated at the UCSF Sinus Center. For more information and appointments, call (415) 353-2757.

We have full accreditation from the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties and are part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences.

Telemedicine consultations

The UCSF Headache Center is able to provide consultations for patients in our region. We only require a referral and recent medical records from the primary medical or neurological team and insurance information. Patients will be seen virtually by Dr. Levin or one of his associates. A complete consultation note will be sent to your primary care provider and/or neurologist with detailed recommendations for diagnostic testing (if warranted) and specific management suggestions including medications, pain procedures and neuromodulation techniques. Call (415) 353-8393 to make a telemedicine appointment.

Inpatient headache care

One of our specialties is caring for patients whose headache conditions haven't improved in response to multiple treatment approaches. For some, treatment in the hospital with intravenous medication can help. We admit patients to our headache treatment unit at Mount Zion hospital on Mondays, and they stay until the regimen is complete. Discharge typically happens on Thursday or Friday morning, depending on the medication used.