Table 2 Characteristics of headache centres

1

Austria

Linz

Headache Medical Center Linz Seilerstätte

Headache service run by one headache-experienced neurologist with link to the department of neurogeriatric medicine in the Hospital Barmherzige Schwester Linz, link to multidisciplinary approach (headache nurse, psychologist and physiotherapist) within the hospital.

3

2

Belgium

Ghent

Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neurology

Training hospital-based headache service run within the neurology department by one headache-experienced neurologist; most patients are seen by supervised residents (of whom there are up to 6). No multidisciplinary approach: the service has a study nurse but no psychologist or physiotherapist.

3

3

Denmark

Copenhagen

Danish Headache Centre, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup

Academic tertiary headache centre in a university hospital, and a national referral centre for patients with refractory or rare headache disorders and cranial neuralgias. Staffed by 7 headache-experienced neurologists, 3 psychologists, 3 physiotherapists and 4 study nurses.

2 and 3

4

Estonia

Tartu

Tartu University Clinics, Department of Neurology, Headache Clinic

Academic university-based clinic run by two physicians and two headache nurses. Options within the hospital for multidisciplinary care avaliable with limitations: physiotherapy must be paid for by patients (not covered by national insurance); specialist psychology (again to be paid for) is available from another clinic of the institution.

3

5

Georgia

Tbilisi

Aversi Clinic

Operated within the private sector as a stand-alone headache centre by 3 headache-experienced neurologists supported by a psychologist, physiotherapist and study nurse.

2

6

Germany

Munich

Upper Bavarian Headache Center, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Campus Großhadern

Hospital-based headache service provided by 3 headache-experienced physicians supported by one psychologist, 3 physiotherapists and a study nurse.

3

7

Unna

Evangelisches Krankenhaus Unna, Department of Neurology

Hospital-based headache clinic run within the department of neurology by one headache-experienced neurologist supported by 3 psychologists, physiotherapists and a study nurse.

2

8

Italy

Rome

Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital

Hospital-based headache service run by 4 headache-experienced physicians (2 internists, one rheumatologist, one psychiatrist) supported by one post-graduate internist trainee, 3 psychologists and 2 nurses.

3

9

Norway

Trondheim

Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Norwegian Advisory Unit on Headache, St Olavs University Hospital

University hospital-based service and national advisory centre run by two headache-experienced neurologists with support from a specialist nurse. Hospital provides all options for multidisciplinary care.

3

10

Portugal

Lisbon

Hospital Da Luz Headache Center

Private hospital-based service run by 2 headache-experienced neurologists. Hospital is not departmentalized: many specialties share space; 6 gynaecologists, a dentist, a maxillofacial surgeon, 2 physiatrists and 2 psychiatrists have special interests in headache, offering fast referral. Four physical therapists, a psychologist and a nurse also see headache patients.

3

11

Russian Federation

Moscow

Alexander Vein Headache Clinic

Private headache clinic employing 9 neurologists experienced in headache medicine, supported by 4 psychiatrists, 3 manual therapists, a biofeedback specialist and acupuncture specialists. The Clinic also runs a Botox headache service.

2 and 3

12

Russian Federation

Moscow

University Headache Clinic

Private university-based headache service and training centre run by 5 headache-experienced neurologists supported by 2 psychiatrists and 2 physiotherapists and nurses.

3

13

Serbia

Belgrade

Neurology Clinic Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade

University-based headache service run by 2 headache specialists with part-time engagement, without the support of a trained nurse.

3

14

Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul University, Department of Neurology

University-based headache service and training centre run by 5 headache experts supported by a psychologist, study nurse and nurse for assisting in interventional treatments.

3