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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 disease 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 unknown, but research suggests that they could be caused when a person’s neurons (nerves in the brain) stop working properly and affect how the nerve system regulates pain in the body. Other research suggests that migraines tend to run in the family. If one of your parents suffered from migraines, the chances of you suffering from them is greater.
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. 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 primarily responsible for dilation or constriction of blood vessels. Irritation within these structures is one of the primary causes of recurrent headaches such as migraines. Delivery of anesthetic to this location helps evaluate the source of head or facial pain, and often eliminates or significantly decreases pain.
Mayfair Diagnostics pain management team uses X-ray imaging to help treat chronic pain or inflammation by precisely injecting medication through a small needle. This allows a small dose of medication to be injected into a localized and specific area of concern while keeping 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. For more information, please speak with your health care practitioner or you can contact Mayfair’s booking team at 403-777-3000.
REFERENCES
American Migraine Foundation (2017) “What Type of Migraine Headache Do You Have?” www.americanmigrainefoundation.org. Accessed June 11, 2021.
Cleveland Clinic (2021) “Migraine Headaches.” my.clevelandclinic.org. Accessed June 11, 2021.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (2021) “Migraine Headaches.” www.hopkinsallchidrens.org. Accessed June 11, 2021.
Teixido, M. and Carey, J. (2014) “Migraine – More than a Headache.” www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Accessed June 11, 2021.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
