Migraine & Headache
Migraine and Headache Evaluation for Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Migraine is a neurological condition, not simply a bad headache. Evaluation focuses on the pattern of attacks, what makes them worse, and how well current treatment is working. Serving patients throughout Northwestern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Migraine symptoms
- Moderate to severe head pain, often one-sided and throbbing
- Nausea, and sometimes vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Worsening with routine activity
- Fatigue, irritability, or neck stiffness before an attack
- Difficulty concentrating during and after an attack
Migraine with and without aura
Aura refers to reversible neurological symptoms that occur before or during a migraine, most often visual — flickering lights, zigzag lines, or a blind spot that expands over minutes. Aura can also involve numbness, tingling, or difficulty with speech. Migraine without aura is more common.
Aura-like symptoms that appear suddenly and at full intensity, or that last longer than usual, are evaluated differently than typical aura.
Chronic migraine
Chronic migraine describes headache occurring on 15 or more days per month over several months, with migraine features on at least eight of those days. Frequent use of acute medication can contribute to this pattern, which is one reason headache frequency is reviewed carefully.
Common triggers
- Irregular sleep or sleep deprivation
- Skipped meals and dehydration
- Stress, and the period after stress resolves
- Hormonal changes
- Weather and barometric change
- Alcohol and certain foods
- Bright light, screen strain, and strong odors
Migraine diagnosis
- Detailed headache history, including frequency and duration
- Review of every current and previously tried treatment
- Neurological examination
- Headache diary review when helpful
- Imaging when clinically indicated
Acute and preventive treatment
Acute treatment aims to stop an attack that has already begun. Preventive treatment aims to reduce how often attacks occur and how severe they are, and is generally considered when attacks are frequent, prolonged, or disabling.
Treatment options are individual and depend on your other medical conditions, medications, and history. Specific medication recommendations are made during a visit, not through this website.
When headaches deserve additional evaluation
- A distinct change in an established headache pattern
- A new headache beginning after age 50
- Headache that is worse with position, coughing, or straining
- Headache with new neurological symptoms
- Headache after head injury
- Headaches that are not responding to treatment
Seek emergency care
Frequently asked questions
- When should headaches be evaluated by a neurologist?
- Consider an evaluation when headaches occur several days a month, are getting more frequent or severe, no longer respond to the medication that used to help, interfere with work or family life, or are accompanied by neurological symptoms such as visual change, weakness or numbness.
- Is migraine different from a regular headache?
- Migraine is a neurological disorder, not simply a severe headache. Attacks often involve throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound, and they typically worsen with routine activity.
- What happens at a headache evaluation?
- The visit focuses on your headache history and pattern, a neurological examination, review of current and past treatments, and discussion of whether imaging or other testing is appropriate. A plan may include acute treatment, preventive treatment, and sleep, nutrition and lifestyle factors.
- Which headaches need emergency care?
- Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, a headache with fever and a stiff neck, a headache after head injury, or a headache with new weakness, numbness, confusion or trouble speaking.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.