When the frequency of your migraine attack increases, it is best to get properly diagnosed and treated. Every doctor is capable of providing the basic treatment for migraine. However, if you are seeking specialized and focused care, consulting a neurologist is what you need.
Who is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a certified doctor who specializes in treating conditions and diseases of the nervous system. They see patients who have:
- Severe headache
- Neurological conditions
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Problems with their senses
- Spinal cord disorders
- Nervous system infections
What role does a neurologist play in treating migraine?
Migraine is characterized as a neurological disorder. Therefore, a neurologist can make an accurate diagnosis, and considering the symptoms can suggest appropriate treatment. If you are looking for a neurologist in the area, it is best if you visit South Valley Neurology. Their team of board-certified neurologists has been giving 100% attention to patients since 2011.
Besides, neurologists are always aware of the latest treatment options and medications available for migraine. They know all the discoveries made in the area and thus can provide the most beneficial information and treatment options.
What to expect from your first consultation session?
During your first visit, your neurologist will ask you questions concerning your medical history, symptoms, frequency of migraine attacks, any medication that you are taking, etc. Later, they will recommend you a few tests depending on the symptoms you described. Some of the common tests they might ask you to go for are:
MRI
If you have had a serious head injury, the neurologist might ask you to go for an MRI. They even conduct this test to verify if there are any structural issues or tumors.
CT scan
With the help of a CT scan, the neurologist will be able to ensure if your headaches are because of any internal bleeding, spinal issues, tumors, etc.
EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is conducted to check your brain waves. This will help your neurologist in verifying if you have any brain damage, disorder, dysfunction, or even sleep issues.
Furthermore, your neurologist might even perform sinus x-rays, eye examinations, spinal taps, and blood and urine tests to check other health conditions.
Preparing yourself for the visit
First off, go relax and leave your anxiety behind. Any experienced neurologist must have met countless patients with migraine issues, so don’t be nervous. However, be ready to describe your pain clearly. When you provide proper details like how the headache exactly feels, where the pain is felt, for how long the attack lasts, etc. your neurologist gets a better idea concerning your condition.
Treatment options
Most neurologists will prescribe you medicines to relieve the pain. Also, they might ask you to make certain lifestyle changes to prevent the attacks. Overall your treatment will depend on the severity of your pain and the frequency of your attacks. If the medications don’t work, talk to your neurologist and they might find a more effective medicine for you.
Lastly, keep in mind that living with migraine is extremely uncomfortable. So, it is best to seek help from a neurologist at the earliest.
