Headache Specialist and Migraine Care in Orange County

Experience the difference of care from one of only 600 board-certified headache specialists in the country. No referrals, no red tape, just elite expertise and a plan designed for you.

We are currently accepting founding patients for our June 2026 opening.

Join our waitlist

Nan Cheng MD

Double Board-Certified Headache Specialist

Dr. Cheng is a double board-certified neurologist and UCNS-certified headache specialist, a distinction held by fewer than 600 physicians nationwide. She completed her elite training at one of the country’s top headache fellowships, spanning Duke, UCLA, and the Mayo Clinic. Before establishing her private practice, she served the local community as an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine.

She founded Irvine Headache Care to provide a level of diagnostic depth and personalized attention that is often lost in traditional clinical settings. Her expertise encompasses the most advanced medical interventions available today, ranging from Botox®, targeted nerve blocks, trigger point injections to the latest CGRP prescription therapies.

By integrating medical precision with natural remedies, Dr. Cheng remains committed to treating the whole person. She is proud to offer her expertise fluently in both English and Mandarin, helping patients in Irvine, Newport Beach and across Orange County move beyond their symptoms and return to full, thriving lives.

Meet Dr. Cheng

Not “just” a headache

We recognize the invisible burden of chronic pain. As a specialized headache clinic serving Irvine and Orange County, we combine diagnostic precision with the compassionate, one-on-one care you need to reclaim your life.

Primary Headache Disorders

Migraine with or without aura
Chronic migraine
Vestibular Migraine
Abdominal migraine
Cluster Headache
Tension-Type Headache
New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
Primary stabbing headache

Conditions we treat include:

Neuralgia & Facial Pain

Trigeminal Neuralgia
Occipital Neuralgia
Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (Atypical Facial Pain)
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Hemicrania Continua
SUNCT / SUNA

Complex & Secondary

Headache in pregnancy & postpartum
Headache in perimenopause
Post-Traumatic Headache
Medication Overuse Headache
Cervicogenic Headache
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leaks
Post-COVID headache

Our Services

Why choose Irvine Headache Care

Priority Scheduling

We believe care shouldn't be delayed. By maintaining a limited patient roster, we offer appointments within a week, ensuring you get the support you need when you need it most.

Holding hands reflecting the compassionate care provided by our headache specialist Dr. Nan Cheng in orange county and irvine

Rapid Access

Because 15 minutes isn't enough to fix chronic pain.

Appointments are never rushed. By removing insurance constraints, we spend an hour understanding your symptoms, lifestyle, and history. We treat the whole person, creating a plan that actually works for your life.

Calendar reflecting the priority scheduling to see our headache specialist Dr. Nan Cheng in orange county and irvine

Time-Rich, Personalized Care

Your Doctor, Every Time

Experience true continuity of care. You will always communicate with and be seen by Dr. Cheng personally. Your health is managed exclusively by your physician, ensuring no detail is overlooked

Video conferencing on a phone reflecting the direct care provided by our headache specialist Dr. Nan Cheng in orange county and irvine

Direct Physician Care

No surprises

We are a direct-pay practice and do not bill insurance. Pricing is clear and upfront, no hidden facility fees, no surprise bills months later. A superbill is provided at each visit for potential out-of-network reimbursement. You’ll know the exact cost of your care before your visit begins, allowing you to focus entirely on getting better.

Clear glass with water reflecting transparency provided by our headache specialist Dr. Nan Cheng in orange county and irvine

Transparent Pricing

What People Are Saying

She's brilliant and has wonderful patient skills. She is also a wonderful human being and has great compassion for patients. She has successfully treated me for occipital neuralgia. I trust her completely.
— MS
Dr Cheng spent a great deal of time with me and was very patient. I felt cared for and validated. She is the best neurologist I’ve had in over 30 years.
— JT
She is absolutely fantastic. I’ve seen dozens of doctors and she’s simply the best neurologist I’ve ever had. She always takes the time to listen and answer my questions, I’m never rushed. Other doctors left me in tears and incorrect diagnosis and rude and condescending and blaming me. But Dr Cheng has saved my life.
— EH
Nan Cheng is an amazing doctor and I feel very lucky to have her as my neurologist. I've been passed around to so many neurologists and her empathic and open approach has been like a breath of fresh air for me, she is so easy to talk to and extremely understanding. Past neurologists have made me feel like I was at a dead end with my condition and Nan Cheng seems to be willing to go above and beyond for me and I'm sure it's the same for anyone else she treats. I couldn't recommend her more she's absolutely amazing.
— BE
An amazing Doctor as well as being empathetic. She not only excels in treatment but truly listens to me. Answers all my questions, calms any fears I may have,and explains everything. I am blessed and thankful to have her as my neurologist.
— ES
Dr. Cheng is a fantastic neurologist. She truly takes the time to listen, carefully addresses all concerns, and has excellent bedside manner. After seeing many neurologists, she is easily one of the best in Orange County.
— ES
Dr. Cheng asked my many questions about my previous care and really listened to my responses. Her explanations for the plan of care she suggested was thorough, unlike many doctors, who seem like they are in a hurry to see their next patient. She even ordered some tests to ensure that she didn't miss any other plausible explanation for my chronic migraines. I highly recommend her as a neurologist specializing in migraine management.
— LM
Dr. Cheng was so knowledgable. When I looked up her bio I was impressed she trained at the Mayo Clinic. But the best part is her compassion. I felt like she really cared about me and will take care of me. After a few visits my migraines are much better.
— AL
I’ve been to loads of neurologists over the years and Dr Cheng is amazing!!! She takes time to actually listen to what’s going on and always tries to find ways to manage my complex migraines in the ways that suit our family needs the best. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a migraine doctor.
— JW
Dr. Nan Cheng is very nice and understanding and helpful! I get nerve block injections for my migraines and they are made quick and easy with her skillful work! I appreciate her a lot and recommend her as a headache specialist!
— AT
Dr. Cheng is an amazing neurologist. She pays attention and makes sure she understands what is going on and based on that she makes a plan for your care.

— MK
Dr. Cheng is hands down the best neurologist that I have ever been treated by. I have found more migraine relief in the last 9 months that she has been my doctor than in the last 20 years since I started experiencing migraines. She is extremely knowledgeable. She listens to each and every concern that I have when it comes to my care and addresses each one. She also has top notch bedside manner. If you're looking for a migraine specialist, I highly recommend her.
— IL

Irvine Headache Care operates as a direct-pay practice, allowing us to prioritize clinical depth over insurance constraints. While we do not bill insurance companies directly, we provide a detailed itemized 'Superbill' for you to submit to your carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We do not contract with any insurance carriers, Medicare or Medicaid.