We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGeek

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

When Should I See a Headache Specialist?

By Carol Francois
Updated May 16, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGeek is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGeek, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A headache specialist is a-medical doctor with expertise in the brain and problems with brain functions. There are four situations when you should see a headache specialist: cluster type migraine headaches, post concussion headaches, headaches with vision problems, or long-lasting headaches. It is important to distinguish between a regular headache and one that requires medical attention.

A regular, stress, or tension headache is a common occurrence in adults and children. The sensation of pressure begins slowly and can be attributed to stressful situations, hunger or exhaustion. These types of headaches are annoying, but are not debilitating. Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, sleep or over the counter headache remedies typically cure this type of headache within two to three hours.

A cluster-type migraine has a sudden onset, sharp pain behind the eyes, nausea, and sensitivity to noise. This type of headache is quite debilitating and does not improve with over the counter medication. Visit a headache specialist to determine your personal triggers, how to manage this type of headache and prescription medication available.

A post-concussion headache occurs within 12 hours of a head injury. The presence of a headache after an impact can be an indicator of internal damage. It is important to consult a doctor immediately. A concussion occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by a trauma or impact. Never take over-the-counter medication for a post-concussion headache.

Any headache that affects your vision should result in a visit to a headache specialist. Sudden changes in vision, blurriness or loss of vision combined with a headache are considered a medical emergency and require immediate assistance. The brain is a very complex organ and special equipment and skills are required to diagnose and treat problems from the brain.

A headache that lasts for more than 48 hours and is not relieved by sleep, simple food or over-the-counter medication is an indicator of a more serious health issue. See a doctor and provide them with details about when the headache started and what steps you have taken to treat it. Pay special attention to any medication that you are taking and provide it to the doctor. This information is critical getting the correct diagnoses and treatment for your headache.

When meeting with a headache specialist, it is very important to provide an accurate and complete history of the headaches. List all the medications that you have taken, as well as any herbal remedies. This information provides valuable insight and may highlight a medication related cause of your headaches.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By burcinc — On Oct 06, 2013

I'm seeing a headache specialist for cluster headaches and she is just wonderful. She has helped me identify my headache triggers and we have been discussing various treatment options. After years, I'm finally on a treatment regimen that's helping. I've never worked with a doctor who was this knowledgeable about headaches and who was patient enough to see me week after week.

My doctor works at a headache clinic and I see her almost every week. Even when I don't go in, I can call her and ask her for advice on medication dose, etc.

By burcidi — On Oct 06, 2013

@turkay1-- That's a good question. If the headaches are chronic and very debilitating, you can see a headache specialist. But since you said that the cause is hormonal, you should probably see a gynecologist first and have hormonal tests done. If the cause of your headaches is a hormonal imbalance, it will be treated by a gynecologist rather than a headache specialist.

Headache specialists usually deal with very severe, chronic headaches where the underlying cause cannot be identified or treated.

By candyquilt — On Oct 05, 2013

Is a headache or migraine specialist the right person to see for hormonal headaches? I get severe headaches every month before menstruation. It's affecting my life negatively because I can't function or work when I get these headaches.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.