Experiencing severe headaches can significantly disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to work, engage in activities, and enjoy time with loved ones. If you’re struggling with intense headaches or related symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, consulting a Migraine Doctor Specialist, also known as a neurologist, could be a crucial step towards finding relief. It’s important to consider seeking expert medical advice if you encounter any of the following situations:
- Persistent Headaches: If your headache lasts continuously for more than one or two days, it’s a signal that something might be wrong, warranting attention from a migraine doctor specialist.
- Sudden Onset Headaches: Headaches that appear abruptly and intensely, unlike your usual headache patterns, should be evaluated by a specialist.
- Headaches Worsened by Strain: If activities that involve physical strain, such as coughing, sneezing, or bending over, intensify your head pain, it could indicate an underlying issue that a migraine doctor specialist needs to assess.
- Morning Headaches: Headaches that consistently occur early in the morning can be a symptom of various conditions and should be investigated by a specialist.
- Vision Changes: Any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or aura, accompanying your headaches, are red flags that require prompt consultation with a migraine doctor specialist.
- Seizures with Headaches: Experiencing a seizure alongside a headache is a serious symptom that necessitates immediate evaluation by a neurologist or migraine doctor specialist.
Diagnostic Tests Conducted by a Migraine Doctor Specialist
When you visit a migraine doctor specialist for headache evaluation, they will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause and nature of your headaches. This typically involves taking a detailed medical history, performing a thorough physical examination, and conducting neurological tests. These tests are essential tools for a migraine doctor specialist to accurately diagnose and manage your condition. The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual symptoms and medical history, and may include:
- CT Scan: A CT scan of the head is often ordered to visualize the brain and identify any structural abnormalities, bleeding, sinus issues, or tumors that could be contributing to your headaches. This imaging technique is valuable for a migraine doctor specialist in ruling out serious underlying conditions.
- MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another powerful imaging tool that a migraine doctor specialist might use, especially if there’s a history of recent head injury, or if a structural problem or tumor is suspected. MRI provides detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues.
- EEG: Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures brain wave activity using electrodes placed on the scalp. A migraine doctor specialist may use EEG to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other brain disorders that could be related to headaches.
- Eye Exams: A thorough eye exam is an integral part of a neurological evaluation for headaches. A migraine doctor specialist will assess your eyes for signs of concussion or neurological damage that might be causing or exacerbating your headaches.
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): In certain cases, a migraine doctor specialist may perform a spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture. This procedure involves collecting a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to analyze for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like meningitis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Sinus X-rays: If sinus infections or chronic sinus problems are suspected as the cause of your headaches, a migraine doctor specialist may order sinus X-rays to visualize the sinuses and identify any issues.
- Lab Tests: Depending on your symptoms and initial findings, a migraine doctor specialist may order various lab tests, such as blood tests and urinalysis. These tests can help rule out or confirm underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease or diabetes that could be contributing to your headaches.
While a general practitioner can provide initial headache management, a migraine doctor specialist possesses specialized knowledge, advanced diagnostic tools, and a comprehensive understanding of neurological conditions to effectively diagnose and treat the root cause of your headaches.
Migraine and Headache Treatment at Beaumont Neurology
If you are experiencing frequent, severe headaches or migraines, or if your headaches are accompanied by concerning symptoms, the expert migraine doctor specialists at Beaumont Neurology are here to help. Our neurologists utilize the latest advancements in diagnostic and treatment modalities for a wide range of neurological conditions, serving patients of all ages. From acute brain injuries to chronic migraine management, Beaumont Health is a leading destination for neurology services in Southeast Michigan.
Beaumont Health’s specialized neurology centers provide convenient access to the migraine doctor specialists and comprehensive neurological care you need, all in one place.
To schedule an appointment with a Beaumont migraine doctor specialist, please call 800-633-7377 today.
