About Me
I am a Consultant Neurologist with particular expertise in the management of headaches. I was appointed as a Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist at The National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery , Queen Square, Europe's leading centre for neurology, in 2011.
Background and Training
I qualified first in my class from Trinity College, Dublin in 1997 and was awarded the Hudson Gold medal. I became a member of The Royal College of Physicians, Ireland in 1999 before moving to The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, to commence my neurology training. While there I had the privilege of training for several years under the supervision of Professor Peter J. Goadsby, one of the world’s leading experts in headache disorders.
I was awarded a PhD for my research into mechanisms of pain transmission in headache from the University of London in 2005. I received the Sir Charles Symmonds Prize from the Association of British Neurologists and The Lord Adrian Prize from the British Society of Clinical Neurophysiology for my research. I have been published in internationally renowned peer review journals and books.
Scope of Practice
While I have a particular interest in managing headaches, I see patients across the full range of neurological conditions including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, mirroring my busy NHS practice.
Why Choose Me?
I am one of only a few neurologists in the UK who has received specialist training in the management of headaches and who has also completed a PhD in headache research.
In addition to my private practice, I hold a NHS appointment as a Consultant Neurologist at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square and the Whittington Hospital, Highgate.
“Dr Shields is fantastic and has the unique ability to make you feel like a person rather than a number. ”
“I have been offered the services of other doctors in other hospitals, but have built up such trust with Dr. Kevin Shields that I wouldn’t see any other doctor.”
Why Choose Private Care?
When you book a consultation with me, we will have ample time to discuss your symptoms and medical history so that an effective treatment plan can be developed.
I am available at short notice for evening and weekend appointments at convenient locations throughout London, such as Harley Street and St. John's Wood.
Headache can be a debilitating condition. Help is at hand.
Living with Migraines
Up to 1 in 6 of us will have a migraine at some point in our lives. It is more common in women than men and it tends to run in families. While there is a genetic component, environmental factors also play a part in causing the headaches. Some of these triggers are well recognised: irregular sleep patterns, changes in eating times, stress and even menstrual cycles.
Behaviour modification can help to prevent some headaches. Establishing a set routine around food and sleep is important. Despite our best efforts, however, headaches may still happen.
The good news is that there are effective treatments out there!
Treating Migraines
When you have a headache there are several treatment options. It is always a good idea to start off with simple painkillers. Many people find it helpful to take an anti-sickness medication as migraine may also cause nausea and can slow absorption of painkillers. There are other treatment options available that can be structured according to the individual patient history and circumstances.
Seeing Dr. Kevin Shields
The treatment of migraine can be complex but getting it right can make a big difference to your quality of life. It is important to talk to a qualified consultant neurologist with specific training and experience in headache. Research suggests that many people with migraine and other headache types are not correctly diagnosed and therefore fail to receive appropriate treatment, especially for frequent headaches.
I see patients privately at several locations throughout London.
Make an appointment by calling 0203 198 9826 or fill in the form and we will call or email you within 24 hours.
Information for GPs
Referring patients privately to the right specialist can be challenging.
In addition to my private practice, I currently run a busy NHS practice at the National Hospital for Neurology and the Whittington Hospital, with general neurology and specialist headache clinics. Headache is something I care about passionately.
I am highly empathetic and appreciate the problems faced by your patients. I have extensive experience in managing complex cases.
If you wish to discuss a patient, I am always happy to do so. You can contact me on 0203 198 9826 or via my contact form below.
Should you decide I am well placed to help your patient, there are several methods of referral:
Email your letter to kevinshields@medicalsecservices.co.uk
Call my secretary on 0203 198 9826 between 9:00-16:30, Monday to Friday. Feel free to leave a message outside of these hours and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Additional Guidance
Please click here for guidance on the headache care pathway. For a recent article I wrote about migraine management and treatment, click here.