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Catherine B Ham, MD

Catherine B Ham, MD

out of 5
236 Ratings
35 Comments

Specialty

Neurology

Department

Neurology

Locations

Short Pump Pavilion

11958 West Broad Street
Henrico, VA 23233
Get Directions

Education

Medical School

VCU School of Medicine

Internship

VCU Medical Center

Residency

VCU Medical Center

Fellowship

VCU Medical Center

Biography

Carrie Ham, MD

Bringing relief to long-time headache sufferers
When the VCU Health Headache Clinic opened in 2016, Dr. Carrie Ham learned quickly that it was filling a major need in helping people live better lives. Headaches are often under-diagnosed yet dramatically interfere with daily life. As the only facility of its kind in central Virginia, the Headache Clinic is part of the Short Pump Pavilion, open to patients from around the region.

“We often treat patients who drive three-plus hours to see us, but they are willing to do it given the tremendous impact that these headaches and conditions have on their lives,” says Dr. Ham, a neurologist who specializes in treating headaches and related pain. At the Headache Clinic, she and her team locate the triggers that cause a patient to react with pain, then develop a tailored treatment plan for each person. 

“When patients first come to see me, they’ve often been suffering for some time. Headaches are very difficult to get perspective on, as they are literally ‘in your head,’” Dr. Ham says. “Many patients have anxiety and feelings of guilt at letting loved ones down due to illness. It is always hard to see that suffering, but it is awesome to be able to provide hope that things will get better with the appropriate care.”

Headaches cause sufferers to withdraw from many things they generally enjoy. In fact, headaches are the second most-disabling condition in the world, and the level of pain and related symptoms aren’t always obvious to others. The most common conditions that Dr. Ham treats are migraine headaches, tension-type headaches, neck and facial pain, and post-traumatic headaches, which include concussions. She treats men and women ages 18 and older.

At the first visit, patients can expect a thorough exam, including sharing a comprehensive health history. Depending on the symptoms and possible diagnosis, Dr. Ham and her team might order X-rays or MRI imaging or blood tests – all of which can be done on-site at the N.O.W. Center. 

Most importantly, patients often start their treatment at that initial appointment. And never have so many options been available to care for patients with headaches and related conditions. 

“It’s a very exciting time to be a headache specialist, as we have many new options – including monoclonal antibodies – that have revolutionized how we understand what causes migraines,” Dr. Ham says. When VCU Health first began offering CGRP antibodies in the mid-2018, the response was overwhelming. People were lined up waiting for this injectable medication, which is revolutionary for reducing the actual number of migraines that might occur, rather than treating symptoms after a headache already has occurred.

“People no longer have to suffer in silence,” she says. “We have many excellence therapies and treatments. Most patients have tremendous benefits over the time we provide care.”

In addition to traditional medications, the Headache Center team has expert training for specialty procedures, including nerve blocks and Onabotulinum toxin injections. The on-site infusion center offers convenient treatment for patients who might benefit from intravenous therapy. Because the N.O.W. Center takes an interdisciplinary focus on helping patients to move, the clinic also provides for physical and occupational therapy, which allows for tailored care to address underlying causes of head pain.

“I became a physician because it allows me to play a positive role in others’ lives,” she says. “I’m grateful for this opportunity every day. Most of all, I enjoy seeing patients reengage with the things they love as they feel better.”

After hours, Dr. Ham enjoys jogging along the James River with her dogs (both Samoyed breeds) and playing tennis.

Clinical and Research Interests

Electromyography, onabotulinum toxin as a migraine treatment, occipital nerve blocks

 

Ratings & Reviews

236 Ratings
35 Comments

Learn More About the Press Ganey Surveycompliance

Best headache dr. I have had.
December 2023
Dr. Ham is an excellent doctor and wonderful at making me feel valued. She has done wonders with my migraines. I have recommended her to my son.
November 2023
Dr Ham was professional, courtesy, understanding and delightful!
November 2023
Dr. Ham is very personable and has a comforting manner. She is a very knowledgeable doctor. She takes her time with each patient. I do not mind waiting for her.
October 2023
*Dr. Ham was extremely thorough and caring. I has an awesome experience.
September 2023
I'm so thankful that I found Dr Ham!
September 2023
Dr. Ham is on time, pleasant and very good at what she does.
August 2023
Excellent doctor and worth the work involved in getting into the practice.
August 2023
It was a wonderful experience. I will enjoy working with her.
August 2023
Dr. Ham is excellent!
July 2023
Very good service.
February 2023
Dr. Ham was wonderful! She listened to my concerns, and understood my worries and anxiety. She listened to me and explained my medical condition to me. She gave me a plan and made sure I was comfortable with all of the information. She also made sure to let me know I could contact her office if I needed anything or had any questions.
January 2023
Always friendly & professional.
May 2022
Dr Ham is and always has been the finest Doctor I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!
April 2022
Dr. Ham is the best part of VCU neurology. There was a mix up w/benefits for botox. She got my auth approved in less than 24 hours so I wouldn't have to cancel my appointment. Great patient care!
April 2022
I've been in treatment for my condition for over 40 years, she understood and listened w/what I know doesn't work for me, but disagreed w/me what I know works. Said she doesn't prescribe the medication I take and I would have to see my primary care doctor - who says I have to see a specialist - which is her. That was frustrating was told to see a pain management person.
March 2022
Best provider ever for my condition
February 2022
She was very informative and caring. I feel like she actually cares about helping her patients.
February 2022
Dr. Ham has a very good bed side manner, I love that she shows her personality
October 2021
Dr. Ham is a very thorough and caring doctor.
October 2021
Provider listens closely and addresses my concerns.
July 2021
Dr. Ham is great and I could not be happier to have her as a provider.
July 2021
Dr. Ham was very thorough, caring and knowledgeable. I left the appointment very happy with the care provided and recommendations for medication changes.
July 2021
Very personable, friendly, easy to speak with.
July 2021
I love Dr Ham and would recommend her to any migraine sufferer
June 2021
Honestly, we have very limited interaction as it is always a rushed visit. But I need the Botox for my migraines.
June 2021
Only reason I wouldn't recommend her is b/c it would be harder to get in to see her! I can't live w/out her.
June 2021
Scheduling issue not the provider's fault, the was professional and compassionate.
June 2021
I hope to always have Dr. Ham as my neurologist.
June 2021
she was very understanding and listened to me. she helped me create a great treatment plan
May 2021
good
May 2021
provider very helpful and polite answer any questions I have
May 2021
great
May 2021
Amazing! Kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, prompt and a great dr.
April 2021
Dr. Ham is the best. Never had a bad experience with Dr. Ham.
April 2021