Headache & Migraine FAQs

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment at Transcend Headache Clinic. Whether you’re experiencing migraines, tension headaches, post-concussion symptoms, or other types of head pain, you can book directly with our team—no primary care referral required.

That said, some insurance plans may require a referral. These may include*:

• Essentia Employee Plan
• Sanford Employee and Sanford True Plans
• Medicaid

We collaborate closely with other providers — including primary care physicians, neurologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and mental health professionals — to ensure you receive the most effective and coordinated care possible.

Ready to get started? Book an appointment online or call us at 701.809.7650.

*There may be other plans with similar requirements, so we strongly recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage and referral needs.

Booking a new patient appointment at Transcend Headache Clinic is simple.

You can schedule in one of three easy ways:

• Book online: Request an appointment through our website at any time.
• Call our clinic: Reach us at 701.809.7650 to speak with our team directly.
• Send us a message: Prefer to start with a question? Use our contact form.

Once we receive your request, our team will follow up to confirm your visit and walk you through what to expect next. We know how overwhelming chronic headaches can be — and we’re here to make getting help feel easier.

Your first appointment at Transcend Headache Clinic is designed to get to the root of your symptoms — not just put a temporary Band-Aid on the pain.

Here’s what to expect:

• Complete electronic intake paperwork ahead of your visit, including insurance information, medical history, current medications, allergies, migraine screening (MIDAS), surgical history, family history, and social history.
• Meet one-on-one for a comprehensive consultation with a Nurse Practitioner trained in headache and migraine care.
• Review your medical history, symptom patterns, lifestyle factors, and overall health to better understand what may be contributing to your headaches.
• Undergo a neurological evaluation and discuss whether any diagnostic steps (lab work or imaging) is needed to rule out other causes.
• Collaborate with your provider to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and health history.

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s contributing to your headaches and a path forward that prioritizes lasting relief — not quick fixes.

Learn more about the services we offer.

To help us get a full picture of your health history and headache patterns, we recommend bringing:

• Your insurance card (if applicable)
• Photo ID
• A list of current medications (including supplements or over-the-counter meds)
• Any previous imaging or medical records related to your headache history (optional but helpful); could also request a release of information from medical provider
• A headache diary or symptom log if you’ve been tracking episodes (optional)

If you’ve completed our new patient paperwork ahead of time — great! If not, we’ll have copies available for you when you arrive.

Tip: Jotting down a few notes about your headache history, triggers, or past treatments can help guide the conversation and ensure we don’t miss anything important.

Your first visit typically lasts 60 minutes, giving us plenty of time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and goals for care.

During this appointment, you can expect:

• A detailed review of your headache and health history
• A neurological exam and discussion of potential root causes
• Review of any imaging or labs you’ve already had (if available)
• Time to ask questions and share what you’ve tried in the past
• A personalized treatment plan that may include diagnostics (imaging, labs, etc.), education, lifestyle strategies, and/or clinical treatments
• Upon request, we’re happy to provide a summary of your visit for your personal records 

We believe in empowering you with information, options, and next steps — so you can feel confident about your care from day one.

Yes! Transcend Headache Clinic offers virtual follow-up visits for both headache and migraine care when appropriate. While most new patient appointments are held in person at our West Fargo clinic, we may allow initial consultations to be conducted virtually in certain circumstances—such as travel limitations, illness, or accessibility needs.

Virtual appointments are a convenient way to:

• Review symptoms and track progress
• Adjust medications or treatment strategies
• Ask questions or receive education from your provider

We’re proud to serve as a trusted migraine clinic in West Fargo for individuals across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota — in person or from the comfort of your home.

Absolutely. Many of our patients come to us after seeing other providers or trying different treatments. Whether you’ve seen a primary care provider (PCP), neurologist, chiropractor, ENT, or another specialist, Transcend Headache Clinic offers a fresh perspective focused on root-cause care.

Our team will:

• Review your past medical records, imaging, and treatments
• Perform a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and history
• Work with you to create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals
  

Even if you’ve tried “everything,” there’s still hope — and we’re here to help you find real, lasting relief.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, we care for patients of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with headaches, migraines, post-concussion symptoms, TMJ, facial pain, and more. 

Our patients often include:

• Children (10+ years), teens, and adults with chronic migraines, cluster headaches, occipital neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia
• Athletes who have sustained a concussion or head injury
• Individuals with TMJ, facial pain, or tension headaches
• Patients who haven’t found relief with previous treatments
• People seeking a more personalized approach to care

Whether your symptoms are new or ongoing, we’re here to help uncover the why behind your pain — and guide you toward lasting relief. Typically, you do not need a referral to get started.

It depends on your symptoms and treatment plan. Many patients benefit from ongoing follow-up visits — especially during the early stages of care — to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and build a long-term strategy for relief. Some may only need occasional check-ins. 

At Transcend, we personalize every plan to fit your unique needs and goals.

Yes! Our team is committed to your care — before, during, and after your appointments. We offer patient education and prompt communication if your symptoms change or questions come up. 

If you’re experiencing a one-off or a difficult-to-control migraine, we are here for rescue support as well. We believe in partnership-based care, which means you’re never navigating this journey alone.

Transcend Headache Clinic is North Dakota’s first and only independent clinic dedicated entirely to headache and migraine care. What sets us apart is our comprehensive, whole-person approach. We don’t just treat your symptoms — we dig deeper to uncover what’s causing them in the first place.

Our team includes neurology-trained Nurse Practitioners who take the time to truly listen, understand your history, and develop a personalized treatment plan. We combine advanced medical care with compassionate support, empowering you to take back control of your health and your life.

Transcend is led by two experienced Nurse Practitioners — Kyrie Severson, AQH, APRN, and Tiffany Eslinger, APRN — who are specially trained in headache and migraine medicine. With backgrounds in neurology and a shared passion for patient-centered care, they’ve helped hundreds of individuals find lasting relief through personalized, evidence-based treatment — rooted in compassion and collaboration.

You can meet the full Transcend team here.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, our providers bring advanced training and deep clinical experience to every appointment.

Kyrie Severson, APRN, AQH, holds the Added Qualification in Headache Medicine (AQH) credential from the National Headache Foundation, recognizing her commitment to continued education and excellence in headache care. Both Kyrie and Tiffany Eslinger, APRN, are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and have specialized backgrounds in neurology with years of experience diagnosing and managing complex headache conditions.

Transcend is also a member of the Complete Concussion Management Network, which means our team follows evidence-based protocols and collaborative care practices to support patients with post-concussion headaches and symptoms.

Together, our providers offer expert-level care with a whole-person approach, so you feel seen, heard, and supported at every step of the way.

Transcend Headache Clinic is located in West Fargo, North Dakota, and proudly serves patients across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

We offer in-person care at our West Fargo clinic and virtual follow-up appointments when appropriate — making it easier for patients throughout the region to access expert headache and migraine care without the need to travel far. Whether you’re local or coming from out of town, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

At Transcend, we take a whole-body approach to care. That means we look beyond the surface symptoms to identify what’s really driving your headaches or migraines — whether it’s inflammation, abnormal nerve function, post-concussion changes, past head or neck injury, vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or even a combination of factors. 

We tailor every treatment plan to the individual, combining diagnostics, medication management, lifestyle guidance, procedures like nerve blocks or infusions, and referrals when needed. Our goal?  Helping you feel better faster — and stay better longer.

Yes, we treat a wide range of headache and facial pain conditions — not just migraines. While migraines are one of the most common concerns we see, our team also helps patients with tension-type headaches, post-concussion headaches, cluster headaches, TMJ-related pain, occipital neuralgia, and more.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, we take a root-cause approach to uncover what’s really contributing to your symptoms, not just label them.

Headaches and migraines can cause more than just head pain — they’re often a multi-system issue.

These conditions can impact the nervous, digestive, visual, and even musculoskeletal systems.

Common symptoms include:

• Pressure behind the eyes
• Neck or facial pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Visual changes or sensory changes (aura)
• Trouble concentrating or feeling “foggy”
• Fatigue or mood changes

If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s worth getting to the root of the issue. Schedule an appointment online today.

Everyone’s body is different, but some of the most common headache and migraine triggers include:

• Stress or emotional overwhelm
• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration or skipped meals
• Sleep changes (too little or too much)
• Weather or barometric pressure changes
• Certain foods or additives (like MSG, artificial sweeteners, high tyramine foods)
• Caffeine (too much or withdrawal)
• Sensory overload (bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells)

We’ll help you identify patterns and create a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Yes. Post-concussion headaches are one of the most common symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These headaches can feel like migraines, tension headaches, or a mix of both — and they may last days, weeks, or even months after the initial injury.

Transcend Headache Clinic specializes in treating post-concussion headache symptoms and is trained in Complete Concussion Management™ protocols to support recovery and monitor progress over time.

Yes. We’re one of the few clinics in the region offering specialized care for facial pain and TMJ-related headaches. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause jaw tension, facial pain, and headaches — especially around the temples or behind the eyes.

Our team can evaluate whether your headaches are related to TMJ and offer targeted treatment options, including trigger point injections, lifestyle strategies, or referrals to trusted dental or physical therapy providers, if needed.

Tension headaches are typically milder and feel like a dull, aching pressure on both sides of the head. Migraines, on the other hand, are often unilateral but may be bilateral and are more intense and may include throbbing pain, nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and visual disturbances. 

Both types of headaches are treatable — but they respond best to different approaches. At Transcend, we help determine the root cause and type of headache you’re experiencing so we can tailor a care plan that works for you.

Absolutely. If your current treatment isn’t helping, your symptoms are changing, or you don’t feel heard by your provider, it’s reasonable to seek a second opinion.

At Transcend Headache Clinic, we take a comprehensive, root-cause approach, digging deeper into your symptoms, history, and triggers to create a more personalized care plan. Whether you’re looking to confirm a diagnosis or explore new options, we’re here to help.

Yes. Headache and migraine disorders are complex — and even if you’ve tried several treatments, there may still be unexplored options.

Our team specializes exclusively in headache care, with advanced training in neurology and headache-specific treatments. We work with patients who’ve tried multiple medications, therapies, or providers, and we often uncover overlooked causes or strategies that make a real difference. You don’t have to settle for temporary fixes — specialized care can help uncover lasting solutions.

Yes! At Transcend Headache Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of headaches and migraines. From chronic migraines to tension headaches, post-concussion symptoms, and facial pain, we provide root-cause, whole-body care tailored to your needs. Our team of headache specialists works to uncover what’s driving your symptoms — so we can help you find lasting relief.

Our approach is personalized, starting with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and lifestyle.

Treatment may include:

• Headache education to help you identify triggers and prevent flare-ups
• Medication management
• Botox for chronic migraines
• Nerve blocks or trigger point injections
• Acute or chronic IV infusion therapy
• Vitamin infusions for replenishment and symptom support
• Lifestyle modifications and stress management strategies
• Non-pharmacologic options, such as supplements and neuromodulation devices
• Tools like headache caps and rollers, available for purchase in the clinic

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care — our goal is to treat the whole person with thoughtful, evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.

Every patient’s headache experience is different, which is why we start with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and lifestyle. During your first visit, we’ll discuss your experiences, review any current and past treatments, and identify potential triggers or contributing factors. 

From there, we’ll build a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of your headaches — so you’re not just masking pain, but working toward real relief.

Yes, we offer Botox as a treatment option for chronic migraines at our West Fargo, ND, clinic. Botox is FDA-approved for adults with chronic migraine who experience 15 or more headache days per month. It works by blocking the release of pain-related chemicals and relaxing overactive muscles involved in migraine attacks. 

At Transcend, our providers are trained and experienced in administering Botox safely and effectively as part of a broader care plan.

That’s okay — daily medications aren’t the right fit for everyone. At Transcend, we prioritize, whole-body, comprehensive care and tailor your treatment plan to your preferences, goals, and medical history.

We offer many non-medication options, including lifestyle strategies, targeted injections, supplements, vitamin IV therapy, and education on identifying and managing triggers. You’ll never be pressured into a one-size-fits-all approach.

Results vary depending on the type and severity of your headaches, how long you’ve had them, and which treatments are used. Some patients feel better after just one or two visits, while others need a few months to experience significant improvement.

Our team will track your progress, adjust your treatment as needed, and support you through every step of your healing journey.

Headaches can evolve over time, especially with changes in stress, hormones, sleep, or lifestyle. If your symptoms return or feel different, we’ll reassess what’s going on and update your treatment plan accordingly. We’re here to support you long-term — not just during a flare-up — and we encourage open communication so we can adapt care to your needs.

Yes. Transcend Headache Clinic is in-network with most major insurance providers. We will check insurance eligibility but it is also recommended you call your insurance company to confirm your benefits and coverage for specialty headache care.

We’re in-network with many North Dakota and regional plans, including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Sanford Health Plan (excluding Sanford True and employee plans)
• Medica 
• HealthPartners
• Cigna Healthcare
• TRICARE
• United Healthcare
• Medicare
• Medicaid (requires a referral from your primary care provider)
• Plus, several others

If you’re unsure whether we accept your specific plan, feel free to call our office — we’re happy to help you check.

We welcome self-pay patients and offer transparent pricing for all services. If you don’t have insurance, we’ll walk you through your options and provide clear estimates before your appointment.

Yes. We accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards for qualifying medical services.

*Please note that we do not accept CareCredit, as it is not compatible with our current payment system.

Absolutely. Our team is happy to provide up-front cost estimates for self-pay. In regard to insurance, estimates on services vary with each insurance company. We are always available to answer questions about pricing, insurance coverage, or billing.

In addition, we educate on savings programs that are available to help cover medication costs. We believe in clear communication and no surprise bills.

Yes. We understand that medical care can be a significant investment. If you’re unable to pay the full cost of a service up front, our team is happy to discuss payment plan options and work with you to find a solution that fits your budget. We believe that cost shouldn’t stand in the way of getting the care you need.