Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center

The Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center is a specialty program within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin.

The Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center diagnoses, treats, and manages the care of children and adolescents with headache disorders, including migraines and tension-type headaches. We want to help your child succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally by assisting with school services, socialization, and engagement in physical activities so that your child can return to their former activities and attend school full-time. Our nationally recognized and highly specialized providers create a targeted, long-term treatment plan using medical and nonmedical therapies, giving patients and their families the best quality of life.

The Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center is the only multidisciplinary pediatric-specific headache program in Central Texas.

The Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center is ranked among the nation's best Neurology and Neurosurgery specialty programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2024-2025.

Read why these parents choose to seek care for their daughter through the Dell Children's Pediatric Headache Center despite having access to centers that specialize in pediatric headache nearby.

The Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center care team is capable of addressing the full range of neurological, neuropsychological, and psychosocial problems in children and adolescents who live with headache disorders. We use evidence-based research to identify the most appropriate treatment approach. Treatment options may include pharmaceutical intervention, psychological services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, or a combination of a variety of techniques that are designed to meet your child's unique needs. We also conduct clinical trials to ensure we offer the most up-to-date, proven treatments.

Patients are cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary care team, meaning your child will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our fellowship-trained pediatric headache physicians, pediatric headache-trained nurse practitioners, fellowship-trained pediatric pain neuropsychologists, dedicated social workers, and pediatric physical therapists trained in pain disorders work alongside a team of pediatric experts, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-ophthalmologists, epileptologists, physician assistants, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, physiatrists, hospitalists, anesthesiologists, nurses, advanced practice providers, child life specialists, dietitians, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and more, providing unparalleled care for patients and their families every step of the way.

We also collaborate closely with referring physicians, pediatricians, and other partners in the community to schedule and coordinate any additional care services your child may need. Our specialists can provide input and guidance for areas of your child’s life that are affected by their medical condition so they can thrive at home, at school, and in the community. Improving your child’s quality of life is an integral part of our mission at the Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center.

During your first visit, you and your child will meet with one of our headache experts, who will take a detailed medical history and perform a neurologic exam to determine the underlying cause of your child’s headaches. We will create a targeted treatment plan and determine whether you need to meet with any other members of the Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center care team.

We ask that all new patients complete our online New Patient Intake Form at least 24 business hours prior to the appointment time to help optimize your child’s time with the care team. If you cannot access the online form, a hard copy version (Spanish version) is also available to be completed and turned in at the time of your child’s appointment.

We also ask that you review our welcome letter and late/no-show policy.

At least one week prior to your child’s visit, please fax or mail the following:

• Any non–Dell Children’s Medical Center/ARA MRIs or CTs of the brain or spine (CD-ROM of image is best)
• Evaluations by occupational, physical, or speech therapists or psychologists (including school psychoeducational evaluation)
• Laboratory results
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) report
• Sleep study report

For more information about the Dell Children’s Pediatric Headache Center, please call 1-512-628-1855. You can also fax referrals to 1-512-380-7544.