Bertrand Doeuk
B.Phty, APAM, MPA, SPA
Cred. Mulligan Concepts Practitioner
Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner
Biography
Bertrand Doeuk, Director and founder of the Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic, leads our organisation, to ensure the highest quality of service, in the specific field of headache and migraine disorders.
Over his career, Bertrand has trained in several hospitals and musculoskeletal clinics throughout Queensland. With the skills acquired through many years of study and research, Bertrand has dedicated his time, passion and commitment to solely treat headache and migraine disorders. He loves what he does as he has helped change the lives of many of his patients through treatment of these dysfunctions. His passion, drive and devotion continues to help and transform the lives of those seeking his professional services.
Credibility
Bertrand has been titled as “Certified Practitioner” by the Watson Headache Institute, and has completed his Level III training, which equips him to mentor and guide other Watson practitioners. His expertise provides a cornerstone for continued training and quality for all Watson trained practitioners at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic.
Bertrand is also recognised as a “Certified Practitioner” of the Mulligan Concepts technique; with these added manual therapy skills, he has been able to help countless patients recover from disabling ailments. Bertrand also assists in facilitating and teaching the Mulligan Concept Course which is taught throughout Australia. These post-graduate courses assist physiotherapists and other allied health practitioners to treat musculoskeletal injuries.
Bertrand was nominated for ‘Physiotherapy excellence of the year’ by Quest Business Achiever Awards in 2012 for his role in delivering excellent services to his patients.
In 2016 and 2017, his clinics were nominated as a finalist in the Australian Small Business Awards for two consecutive years for outstanding and professional services in the health industry.
In 2016 Bertrand was also awarded as winner of Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year by Lord Mayor Graeme Quirk. This was conferred due to the outstanding services his clinic has obtained in treating and managing the community with chronic headaches and migraines. In 2017 Bertrand was an Australian Finalist in the HESTA Primary Healthcare Awards for the dedication and professionalism in working as a primary health care provider for Australia.
Philosophy
A extensive knowledge and experience with headaches and migraines is the key to Bertrand’s success to all his patients. Bertrand believes in fully understanding you, your condition and finding the root cause of your headaches and migraines before applying any treatment intervention.
A thorough assessment protocol is initiated to everyone of his patients on the first consultation prior to commencing treatment. Protocols, procedures and treatments are in accordance to the Watson Headache® Approach. With this Bertrand is able to achieve results, with a significant change in bodily dysfunction within the first 5 treatment consultations in order to gain your recovery.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy
- Certificate in Spinal Manual Therapy
- Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner
- Level I to III Watson Headache® Foundation Course
- Credentialed Mulligan Concepts Practitioner
- Part A to C ‘Mulligans Advance Course’
- Certified Mulligan Practitioner course
- Ridgway Method Trained
- Dry Needling/ Acupuncture
- Clinical Rehabilitation Pilates Instructor
Fun Facts About Bertrand
During his spare time he enjoys exercising and keeping fit and healthy by attending crossfit classes. He continues to be a member of F-club (Fight for Fitness Club) and trains regularly throughout the week.
Bertrand was previously an actor and has starred in national and international movies such as ‘Daybreakers’, ‘Crooked Business’ and ‘Dartworth’. He stepped back from acting to follow his passion in treating and fixing the root cause of headaches and migraines.
To gain your recovery today contact us on 1800HEADACHE (toll free)
Common Headaches Treated
The Assessment
Phase 1
Accurately diagnose your condition for effective treatment
The Treatment
Phase 2
Experience the latest treatment methods that are evidence-based
The Results
Phase 3
A life free from migraines or headaches is now proven possible
The Difference
Phase 4
A medication-free solution that treats the cause not the symptons
Call for relief 1800 HEADACHE
What are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster Headaches are a rare type of headaches that affect around 0.1% of the population, according to the International Headache Society. While they are rare, it does affect males 3-4 times more frequently than females [1].
Despite being uncommon, Cluster Headaches are regarded as being the most severe and debilitating type of headache. Research has shown Cluster Headaches frequently described as having the highest pain levels [2], out of all 300 different types of headache and migraine. Cluster Headache attacks occur in cycles, and will often wake sufferers during the night, or at regular times during the day. Attacks generally last between 15-180 minutes, and can happen multiple times per day, or once every couple of days [1, 2]. People who suffer from Cluster Headaches generally experience periods of attacks, or “cluster periods” that can last weeks or months. These periods are then followed by periods of remission lasting weeks, months or even years. The pain is often severe, on one-side of the head, and generally around the eye and/or temple region. Cluster Headaches have adopted the nickname, ‘suicide headaches’ due to their severe and debilitating nature [2].
What are the signs and symptoms?
Cluster Headaches are often severe enough that a sufferer cannot keep still during an attack. They may pace back and forth, have to take a shower, or even resort to banging their head in an attempt to reduce the pan.
Symptoms commonly associated with Cluster Headaches include [2]:
- Severe pain around one eye, that can radiate further around the face or neck
- Restlessness, shortness of breath and/or a sweaty face
- Watery/teary eyes or eye redness
- Swollen or droopy eyelids
- Runny or congested nose
- Pale or flushed skin
- Pain is unilateral, or affects only one side
What are the different types of Cluster Headache?
There are 2 types of cluster headache.
Episodic Cluster Headache
Cluster Headaches most commonly occur episodically. This is when sufferers experience bouts of “cluster periods” that can last for weeks or months, followed by an extended period in remission that can last up to years. They can occur seasonally or at set times each year. Episodic Cluster Headaches account for up to 80% of all Cluster Headaches [1, 2].
Chronic Cluster Headache
When Cluster Headaches occur without a prolonged period of remission, they are termed a Chronic Cluster headache. Sufferers often have “cluster periods” that will last over a year. While they may have days without attacks, the remissions will not last longer than a month.
What are the risk factors?
- Men are 5-6 times more likely to experience cluster headaches
- Sufferers are generally heavy smokers
- Higher alcohol consumption may be a factor
- Cluster Headaches most commonly affect people aged 20-50, but can occur at any age
- People with family members who are sufferers may be at a higher risk
What causes Cluster Headaches?
Historically, it was believed that cluster headaches, as well as migraines, were caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the head, causing pain. This was thought because medications, like triptans, are effective at relieving the pain if taking early enough in an attack. It was believed that triptans prevent this vessel dilation. However, recent research has shown that Cluster Headache and migraine sufferers do not experience blood vessel dilation at any different levels to people who do not suffer. So, how do these medications work?
Modern research has shown that Cluster Headaches and migraines arise from increased sensitivity in the central nervous system [2], more specifically, a sensitised brainstem which is located in the upper cervical spine (the upper neck). Faults in the upper neck can lead to this sensitised brainstem, which then can refer severe pain and associated symptoms into the head and face [3]. Triptan medication has also more recently been shown to de-sensitise the brainstem [4], as well as its original purpose of constricting blood vessels in the head. This would explain why they work, as well as identifying a sensitised brainstem and the cervical spine as a cause of cluster headaches.
I've tried it all, is there anything that can help me?
While Cluster Headaches are very uncommon, they are still experienced in the Gold Coast region. The severity of symptoms causes sufferers to try a range of therapies in an attempt to resolve them, with mixed results. Often, they have tried; medications, injection therapy, or even surgical interventions such as, nerve blocks or blood vessel cauterisation.
At The Headache and Migraine Clinic, we aim to use the most modern research to find the root cause of your cluster headaches. If we can determine that a sensitised brainstem is the cause of your headaches, then we can use world-leading treatment techniques to address the faults in your neck and de-sensitise the brainstem. We have seen plenty of Cluster Headache sufferers at our clinics, and have an 85-90% success rate with our treatment technique. The best part is that it is safe, non-invasive and medication-free.
