Migraines are much more than a bad headache. For many people who suffer from them, they’re debilitating. You can be held up in bed for days, desperate for some form of relief from the relentless throbbing in your head, neck, or face.
Migraines are one of the most common types of headaches in Canada. They are a neurological disorder that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of the head. They often get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds, and smells, and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood. Research suggests they involve changes in how the brain and nervous system process pain signals, which can make the brain more sensitive to pain and other sensory input. Migraines also tend to run in families, which suggests a genetic link. If one or both of your parents experience migraines, your chances of developing them are higher.
Whatever the cause, there are certain triggers that can impact your likelihood of experiencing a migraine. These can include:
Treatment for migraines typically depends on the severity of your experience. Your doctor will likely advise you to evaluate your triggers and avoid them as much as possible. They may also prescribe pain medication. Newer migraine-specific preventive medications, such as CGRP-targeting therapies, may also be used depending on the case. Some pain medication provides relief from migraine symptoms like nausea or vomiting. Other prescriptions are preventative – you take them every day to reduce the number and severity of your migraines.
Pain management injections may also be a treatment option for migraines.
A sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block involves the safe delivery of anesthetic to the back of the nasal cavity via the nostril.
A few small structures (ganglia and associated nerves) located near the middle of the head are involved in pain signalling pathways in the head and face and may contribute to certain headache conditions, including migraines. Delivery of anesthetic to this location may help reduce or temporarily relieve head or facial pain in some patients.
Mayfair Diagnostics’ pain management team uses X-ray imaging to help treat chronic pain or inflammation by precisely delivering medication to a targeted area. For an SPG block, a local anesthetic is administered through the nasal cavity using a Sphenocath, a flexible catheter, rather than a needle. This approach allows a small dose of medication to be delivered to a localized area of concern while helping keep potential side effects to a minimum.
An SPG block is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that can be effective when other treatments have failed. It can be repeated in 1–2-week intervals, if necessary.
This procedure may involve some discomfort or very short-lived pain during the injection and when administering the local anesthetic. However, pain perception depends greatly on your pain threshold and the degree of inflammation of the area involved. Most patients find the pain tolerable. Mayfair’s expert team has extensive experience in performing these procedures and do our very best to make them as quick and painless as possible.
The cost for an SPG block is fully covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance plan. It’s performed at our Mayfair Place location in Calgary. For more information, please speak with your health care practitioner or you can contact Mayfair’s booking team at 403-777-3000 or toll free at 1-866-611-2665.
American Migraine Foundation (2023) “What Type of Migraine Headache Do You Have?” www.americanmigrainefoundation.org. Accessed May 13, 2026.
Cleveland Clinic (2024) “Migraine Headaches.” my.clevelandclinic.org. Accessed May 13, 2026.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.) “Migraine Headaches.” www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Accessed May 13, 2026.
American Headache Society (2024) “Calcitonin gene-related peptide–targeting therapies are a first-line option for the prevention of migraine: American Headache Society position statement update.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14692. Accessed May 13, 2026.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
