The New England Center for Headache

The New England Center for Headache (NECH) was a premier clinical and research institution dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of headache and facial pain disorders. Founded by world-renowned headache specialists Drs. Alan Rapoport, Fred Sheftell, and Stewart Tepper, the center was a pioneer in the field of headache medicine and played a critical role in the clinical development of the triptan class of drugs. Based in Stamford, Connecticut, NECH served as a major site for Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for nearly all modern migraine therapies, including CGRP-targeted monoclonal antibodies and gepants. The center was also instrumental in establishing the International Headache Society's classification criteria and providing specialized education to practitioners worldwide. While the original practice has largely been superseded by the New England Institute for Neurology and Headache, its legacy remains foundational to contemporary migraine research and patient care.