Migraine headaches can be intensely debilitating, significantly impacting your daily life. While occasional headaches might be managed with over-the-counter remedies, persistent or severe head pain requires expert attention. If you’re experiencing headaches that are disrupting your ability to function, it may be time to consult a doctor specializing in migraine headaches, such as a neurologist. Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor for migraine headaches if you experience any of the following:
- Headaches that persist continuously for more than two days
- Headaches that arise suddenly and unexpectedly
- Head pain that intensifies with physical exertion or straining
- Headaches that are most severe early in the morning
- Changes in your vision accompanying headaches
- Seizures occurring alongside headaches
Diagnostic Tests Your Migraine Doctor May Recommend
When you consult a doctor for migraine headaches, they will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms and identify potential causes. This typically begins with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical and neurological examination. To gain a clearer picture and rule out underlying conditions, your doctor may recommend various diagnostic tests, including:
- CT Scan: A CT scan of the head uses X-rays to create detailed images of your brain. This is helpful in identifying structural abnormalities, bleeding in the brain, spinal issues, or tumors that could be triggering your headaches.
- MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to generate even more detailed images of the brain than a CT scan. An MRI might be recommended if there’s suspicion of a structural problem, tumor, or if you have a history of head injury.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): An EEG measures the electrical activity in your brain using electrodes placed on your scalp. This test is primarily used to diagnose epilepsy and other brain disorders, but it can also provide insights into conditions like sleep disorders, brain damage from injury, and brain dysfunction that might be related to headaches.
- Eye Exams: A doctor specializing in migraine headaches may perform eye exams to assess for signs of concussion or neurological damage that could be contributing to your head pain. These exams evaluate visual acuity, pupillary response, and eye movements, which can be indicators of certain neurological conditions.
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): In a spinal tap, a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is extracted from the spinal canal. Analyzing the CSF can help detect infections, tumors, or conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome affecting the nervous system, which could manifest as headaches.
- Sinus X-rays: If your doctor suspects sinus infections or chronic sinus problems are contributing to your headaches, they may order sinus X-rays to visualize your sinus passages.
- Lab Tests: Depending on your overall health and headache symptoms, blood tests or urinalysis may be ordered. These lab tests can help rule out underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease or diabetes that can sometimes trigger or worsen headaches.
While a general practitioner can provide initial headache care, a doctor specializing in migraine headaches, like a neurologist, possesses specialized knowledge, tools, and diagnostic capabilities to accurately identify the root cause of your migraines and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Migraine Headache Treatment Options
Seeking care from a doctor experienced in migraine headaches is the first step toward effective management. At Beaumont, for example, neurologists utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools and offer comprehensive treatment strategies for patients of all ages suffering from neurological conditions, including migraines. From acute migraine management to long-term strategies for chronic migraine, specialized neurology centers offer a range of services.
Accessing Specialized Neurological Care for Migraines
Beaumont Health’s specialized neurology centers are designed to streamline your access to expert care. These centers bring together the specialists you need, offering comprehensive neurological exams and tailored treatment plans in a coordinated manner.
If you are struggling with frequent, severe headaches or migraines, or if your headaches are accompanied by concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek expert help. Call 800-633-7377 today to schedule an appointment with a Beaumont neurologist and take the first step towards finding relief and improving your quality of life.
