UAE—Mubadala Health Dubai, a part of the M42 group, has launched its specialized Headache Clinic, with the aim of improving the quality of life for patients suffering from headaches and chronic migraines.
This newly established clinic offers targeted treatments that empower patients to reclaim control over their lives, leveraging the latest research, cutting-edge treatments, and a holistic care approach.
A recent success story from the clinic involved the treatment of a 75-year-old patient who was at risk of blindness due to a previously misdiagnosed condition.
The clinic reported that this patient had been enduring uncontrollable headaches for several months, initially misdiagnosed as migraines.
The persistent nature of these headaches led to the patient being referred to Mubadala Health Dubai, where Dr. Mohammad Aghil Ghatali, Consultant Neurologist, correctly diagnosed the condition as temporal arteritis.
Temporal arteritis, a form of vasculitis, involves inflammation of the medium-sized vessels of the temporal artery and commonly causes severe, localized headaches, typically felt in the temples.
Additional symptoms may include scalp tenderness, jaw pain during chewing, and visual disturbances.
This condition is particularly dangerous because it can lead to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In this serious complication, reduced blood flow to the eyes can cause sudden vision loss, potentially resulting in permanent blindness if not treated promptly.
Dr. Ghatali, recognizing the urgency of the situation, immediately initiated treatment with high-dose prednisone.
This timely intervention not only alleviated the patient’s headaches but also prevented the looming threat of blindness.
The patient, who had been suffering severely and was in considerable distress due to the pain, expressed immense relief and gratitude, noting that he was finally free of the debilitating symptoms.
He also expressed shock upon learning how close he had been to losing his sight if the correct diagnosis had not been made in time.
Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, specifically targeting the blood vessels in the head.
This condition requires the collaboration of rheumatologists, who specialize in autoimmune diseases, and neurologists, who focus on the nervous system.
This multidisciplinary approach is a cornerstone of Mubadala Health Dubai’s treatment philosophy.
Following the diagnosis, the patient was also referred to Dr Nathalie Chalhoub, a Consultant Rheumatologist, to manage the autoimmune aspects of his condition further.
The Headache Clinic at Mubadala Health Dubai is equipped to treat a wide range of headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and sinus headaches.
The clinic’s team of experts conducts comprehensive evaluations, including detailed reviews of medical history and physical examinations, to accurately diagnose the specific type and cause of headaches.
The clinic also provides ongoing support to ensure that patients receive continuous care throughout their treatment journey, reaffirming its commitment to improving patients’ quality of life.
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