Does a neurologist treat migraine headache?

Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. Migraine is a neurological disorder. A neurologist can help make an accurate diagnosis of migraine, as well as rule out any other potential neurological condition that may cause similar symptoms.

When should you see a neurologist for migraines?

Consider making an appointment with a neurologist if: Your headache is continuous for more than a day or two. Your headaches tend to come on suddenly. Your head pain is worsened by straining.

What is the best doctor for migraines?

Neurologists are the most likely specialist you'll be referred to for migraine. When looking for the right neurologist to help you with migraine, Weber says you should look for someone who has a subspecialty in headache or migraine. "Neurology is a very subspecialized field now.

Can a neurologist tell if you have migraines?

If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a doctor trained in treating headaches (neurologist) will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination.

Are migraines a neurological problem?

Migraine is a complex condition with a variety of symptoms, usually featuring a severe headache. It is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting one person in seven.

When to see a neurologist for headaches or migraines | Ohio State Medical Center

Can migraines show up on an MRI?

An MRI can't diagnose migraines, cluster, or tension headaches, but it can help doctors rule out other medical conditions that may cause your symptoms, such as: A brain tumor. An infection in your brain, called an abscess. The buildup of fluid in the brain, called hydrocephalus.

What is a migraine neurology?

A migraine is a common neurological disease that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of your head. Your migraine will likely get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds or smells. It may last at least four hours or even days.

What should I ask my neurologist about migraines?

What diseases can cause migraines?

Can migraine be cured permanently?

There's no cure for migraines yet. But medications can help prevent or stop them, or keep your symptoms from getting worse. You can also avoid things that trigger your migraines. Lifestyle changes like easing stress and having good sleep habits can help, too.

Do neurosurgeons treat migraines?

What's a neurosurgeon? They're a doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system. Given that, they're often the go-to-specialists for migraines and headaches.

When should I see a neurologist?

See a neurologist if you or a loved one experience any of the following but have not been diagnosed with a seizure disorder like epilepsy: Violent shaking. Uncontrollable stiffening of the body, especially the arms and legs. Staring spells (the person isn't connecting or responding, or seems to be daydreaming)

What does a neurologist do on your first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

Is there a test for migraines?

There's no specific test to diagnose migraines. For an accurate diagnosis to be made, a GP must identify a pattern of recurring headaches along with the associated symptoms. Migraines can be unpredictable, sometimes occurring without the other symptoms. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis can sometimes take time.

Are daily migraines normal?

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches. Rather than a specific headache type, chronic daily headaches include a variety of headache subtypes. Chronic refers to how often the headaches occur and how long the condition lasts.

Why would I be referred to a neurologist?

Neurologists are specialists who can assess, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions that affect your nervous system. Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors.

Do migraines damage your brain?

Migraines cause serious pain. If you get them, you've probably wondered if they have a lasting effect on your brain. Research suggests that the answer is yes. Migraines can cause lesions, which are areas of damage to the brain.

Is migraine a serious disease?

Migraine has long been considered a painful condition that affects quality of life but is not otherwise dangerous. A number of case-control and cohort studies, however, indicated that migraineurs, particularly those with aura, have a higher risk of ischemic but not hemorrhagic stroke.

What are the four stages of a migraine?

Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Not everyone who has migraines goes through all stages.

How do doctors treat migraines?

For severe, frequent migraines—more than four a month—your doctor may prescribe a migraine prevention drug that you take every day. They include certain antidepressants, antiepileptics, antihypertensives, and new drugs called CGRP blockers, which target specific molecules involved in instigating migraines.

Is a CT scan or MRI better for headaches?

If a scan is ordered to evaluate a headache disorder, MRI with contrast is preferred as it is a more sensitive test than CT and does not involve any radiation. However, as it is so sensitive, there are often abnormal findings unrelated to the headache that may lead to further testing.

What blood tests are done for headaches?

Using blood tests to diagnose headaches

A complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are basic tests that are helpful in evaluating some headache patients. A basic metabolic panel should include glucose, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function.

Can CT scan detect migraine?

Medical professionals will not use a CT scan to diagnose migraine headaches. If a person is experiencing migraine, a CT scan will rarely show the cause of the pain. However, a doctor may order a CT scan or similar imaging test to rule out other causes of a person's headaches.

What happens in the brain during a migraine?

One aspect of migraine pain theory explains that migraine pain happens due to waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells. These trigger chemicals, such as serotonin, to narrow blood vessels. Serotonin is a chemical necessary for communication between nerve cells.

What is the fastest way to cure a migraine?