Headache Procedure Comfort Plan
This Headache Procedure Comfort Plan helps people of all ages feel more prepared and supported during treatments like Botox and nerve blocks.
About this resource
Headache procedures like Botox and nerve blocks can be a source of stress for kids and caregivers, but a little preparation can go a long way to help kids feel more comfortable and in control. This customizable worksheet helps patients of all ages choose from simple, research proven pain and anxiety management strategies—like comfort positioning, breathing techniques, distraction, and numbing options—that can make procedures feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
When patients speak up about what helps them, it changes the experience. Advocating for comfort isn’t just okay—it actually makes care better.
Thanks to our friends at UCSF Child & Adolescent Headache Program for their beautiful collaboration.
How to use it
PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND KIDS: Download and fill out the worksheet a few days (or even right before!) before your procedure. It walks you through a set of choices to help you think about the strategies that can work best for you to feel more comfortable, calm, and in control. Making a plan ahead of time is a great way to know what to expect and make sure you feel as good as possible going into your procedure.
Bring the completed form with you and share it with your provider at the start of your visit. It’s a simple, powerful way to make sure your comfort needs are known and respected. If you choose to use numbing cream, this guide could be really helpful to you!
Pro tip: Practicing your chosen strategies ahead of time can help you feel more confident and prepared when appointment day arrives.
MEDICAL PROVIDERS: Introduce this resource to your patients when you schedule their procedure. Encourage them to create the plan ahead of time so they can come in feeling more calm and prepared. Ask them to bring it in with them on the day of the visit so your team can support the strategies they choose. You can also send them this guide to applying numbing cream for headache procedures. It helps patients apply cream effectively at home.
Who is it for?
This resource is for anyone—kids, teens, and adults—undergoing headache treatment procedures like Botox or nerve blocks. It’s also for the caregivers and clinicians who support them. Whether you’re a patient looking to take charge of your experience, a parent helping your child prepare, or a provider looking for ways to better support your patients, this tool is here to help. Because feeling safe and supported during medical care isn’t a luxury—it’s part of great healthcare.
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