A neurologist can help diagnose and treat your migraine symptoms. They can also determine whether other health conditions are contributing to your migraine attacks.
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring episodes of intense headaches and other symptoms. It can impair quality of life, making accurate diagnosis and treatment essential.
Not every doctor is familiar with the ins and outs of migraine. Working with a specialist like a neurologist can help you get specialized and focused care for migraine and all its associated symptoms.
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases and disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. They treat people with:
- neurological conditions, such as migraine
- problems with their senses
- neuromuscular disorders
- infections of the nervous system
- spinal cord disorders
- headaches
A neurologist can help make an accurate diagnosis of migraine and rule out any other potential neurological condition that may cause similar symptoms.
Neurologists are knowledgeable about the latest treatments for migraine and can help develop an appropriate treatment plan and fine-tune any medications that may be helpful for you.
They’re often at the forefront of new discoveries in their field and can provide you with the newest information and treatment options.
When you see a neurologist, they will likely do a physical exam and a neurological exam. This is to test muscle strength and coordination, rule out any other diagnoses, and get a sense of your overall neurological health.
They will take a detailed medical history and ask questions about your migraine history, since a migraine diagnosis is
They may send you for additional tests to rule out any other medical conditions. Most importantly, neurologists will talk with you about your symptoms, the timing, triggers, and any other factors to diagnose migraine.
What you need for your first neurologist appointment
When you see your neurologist for the first time, being prepared can help you get the most out of the visit. It also helps to give them as much information as possible.
Some things to bring to your first appointment include:
- your insurance card and ID
- a migraine log: 7 to 14 days of any symptoms and migraine attacks, including any triggers
- a list of current prescriptions and any over-the-counter drugs you take (including dose and frequency)
- medical records, including recent imaging tests or any other tests
- any questions you have for the doctor
Neurologists are specialists, so even with many insurance plans, your copay might be higher than when seeing a primary care practitioner.
The cost can depend on many things, including:
- whether you have insurance
- whether your neurologist takes your insurance
- where you live
- what is done at the visit
The cost of the visit can vary widely, so be sure to get an estimate from the hospital or practice. When migraine itself can be expensive, this can be yet another cost and stressor.
If you’re underinsured or uninsured, some neurologists may offer reduced-fee care. Call the office and ask to speak with the office manager to see whether they have a payment plan or options for low income households.
If you get migraine care at a hospital, many hospitals have programs that help provide care for those who have trouble affording it. Call their financial office to see what may be available.
There’s no cure for migraine, but a variety of treatments can help manage symptoms.
Treatment can depend on many factors, including your age, how often you have migraine attacks, the kind of migraine you have, its severity, any associated symptoms, and any other health conditions you might have.
Treatment plans can include:
- medications
- lifestyle changes, like managing stress or avoiding migraine triggers
- hormones, especially if the migraine attacks are related to your menstrual cycle
- complementary and alternative therapies
Learn more about treatment options for migraine.
Questions to ask when choosing a neurologist
When you see any doctor, asking questions to find whether they’re a good match is a great first step. This can help you determine whether that particular doctor is a good fit for you.
Questions you might want to ask include:
- Do you have special training in headaches or migraine?
- Where are you located?
- Do you take my insurance?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Do you see many people with migraine or headache?
- If you’re looking for a doctor for your child, ask whether they have training or specialization in pediatrics or pediatric migraine.
After your first visit with a neurologist, the next steps will vary. If they’re not able to diagnose migraine from your medical history or exam, they may ask you to keep a symptom log.
They may also order a variety of imaging tests to rule out any other diagnoses. If they want you to get any other assessments with other specialists, you’ll need to schedule those as needed.
If you do receive a diagnosis of migraine, the neurologist may prescribe medication based on your symptoms. You’ll also get instructions for taking any medication they prescribe.
If you find that a medication doesn’t work for you, the neurologist will work with you to find a different medication that’s more effective. They’ll also talk with you about lifestyle changes that may help reduce symptoms and offer advice on how to identify any potential migraine triggers.
Although migraine is a chronic condition, there can be periods of remission.
There are also different treatments to help prevent migraine attacks and mitigate symptoms when they start to occur. Knowing the triggers of migraine can also help minimize and prevent migraine attacks and help you manage your condition.
Regular checkups with a neurologist may help you maintain the best treatment for your migraine and address any issues that might come up.
Migraine is a neurological condition. Seeing a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in neurological disorders, can be helpful in many ways.
A neurologist can provide expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Their focus on the neurological system may help provide insight into aspects of migraine attacks, and their up-to-date knowledge of discoveries and research in the field can help with developing treatment plans and everyday life.