You have a headache. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last. You’ve tried everything from ibuprofen to Excedrin, but nothing is working. Dr Julian Sargon-Ungar If you’re lucky enough to live near a neurologist, they may just be able to help you out of this situation—and fast! Here’s what they can do:
A Neurologist Can Help Find Out If You Have Migraine Syndrome
If your headache is severe and lasts longer than two days, a neurologist can help find out if you have migraine syndrome.
Migraine is a common condition that affects about 1 in 10 people in the U.S., but many people don’t realize they have it because they don’t seek treatment. It causes severe headaches that occur with other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia), fatigue or dizziness.
People who experience migraines often get them before menstruation or during other times of hormonal changes in their body like pregnancy or menopause.
Your Doctor Can Help Assess The Cause Of Your Headache
A neurologist can help you assess the cause of your headaches, says Dr Julian Sargon-Ungar. While some headaches are caused by a specific disorder, others may be linked to stress or depression. If you have chronic headaches that don’t seem to be related to any kind of injury or illness, it’s important to get checked out by a professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
A neurologist will also help you find the right treatment for your condition. A treatment plan might include medication, surgery or other therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy (which I used).
Your Doctor Can Treat Secondary Headaches
A neurologist can also help treat secondary headaches. This includes those caused by other medical conditions, medication, stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration and food allergies.
A doctor will often prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication called ibuprofen to treat these types of headaches (though they may also recommend acetaminophen as well). The drug should be taken every four hours until the pain subsides — usually within 24 hours. If it doesn’t work after three days or if you’re experiencing severe side effects such as nausea or vomiting then talk with your doctor about other treatment options.
