When should migraine be seen by a neurologist?

When attacks are frequent or disabling, when acute medication is needed more than about two days per week, when the pattern changes, or when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Can medication cause more headaches?

Yes. Frequent use of acute pain medication can produce medication overuse headache, which improves only when acute medication days are reduced and preventive treatment is added.

Not always. Imaging is directed by the history and examination rather than obtained routinely for typical, stable migraine with a normal examination.

Headache & Migraine

Migraine and Headache Neurologist

Migraine is a neurological disorder, not simply a bad headache. Effective care depends on identifying the headache type, distinguishing it from secondary causes, treating attacks early enough to work, and reducing attack frequency with preventive treatment and attention to sleep, meals, hydration and activity.

Call for an Illinois appointment: 815-337-7100 Call for a Wisconsin appointment: 262-245-0535

Features that suggest migraine

Moderate to severe, often one-sided or throbbing pain
Nausea, or sensitivity to light, sound or smells
Worsening with routine activity
Visual or sensory aura in some patients
Attacks lasting hours to days
A pattern related to sleep loss, missed meals, stress or hormonal cycles

How headache is evaluated

Detailed headache history and pattern review
Neurological examination
Review of all acute medication use, including over-the-counter products
Assessment for medication overuse headache
Imaging when examination findings or red flags warrant it
Evaluation for contributing conditions such as sleep apnea and neck pain

Treatment planning

Acute treatment aims to stop attacks reliably and early, using the fewest days of medication per month. Preventive treatment is considered when attacks are frequent, disabling or poorly responsive, and options include several medication classes as well as newer migraine-specific preventives and procedural treatments.

Treatment expectations are set explicitly: the goal is fewer and less disabling attacks, and plans are revised based on a headache diary rather than impressions.

Sleep, exercise, hydration and migraine

Migraine biology is sensitive to routine. Consistent sleep and wake times, treatment of snoring or suspected sleep apnea, regular meals, steady hydration, limits on caffeine escalation and regular moderate aerobic exercise are among the most useful non-medication measures.

Exercise should be introduced gradually, since abrupt intense exertion can trigger attacks in some people. Trigger management is individualized — broad elimination diets are rarely productive.

Headaches that need urgent evaluation

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache that peaks within seconds to minutes, headache with fever and stiff neck, headache with new weakness, numbness, confusion, vision loss or difficulty speaking, headache after head injury, or a headache that is clearly different from your usual pattern.

Frequently asked questions

When should migraine be seen by a neurologist?: When attacks are frequent or disabling, when acute medication is needed more than about two days per week, when the pattern changes, or when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Can medication cause more headaches?: Yes. Frequent use of acute pain medication can produce medication overuse headache, which improves only when acute medication days are reduced and preventive treatment is added.
Do I need an MRI?: Not always. Imaging is directed by the history and examination rather than obtained routinely for typical, stable migraine with a normal examination.

Migraine & headache care Sleep & brain health Seizure evaluation Neurologist in Crystal Lake, IL

Care across Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin

Patients travel from McHenry County, the northwest Chicago suburbs, the Fox Valley and southern Wisconsin for this care. In-person visits take place in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Telehealth is available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin when clinically appropriate.

Areas we serve McHenry County Northwest Chicago suburbs Southern Wisconsin In-person locations Telehealth throughout Illinois & Wisconsin

Schedule a Neurology Appointment

Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.

In-Person Neurology Visits

Available at three office locations:

Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Telehealth Neurology Visits

Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.

Learn about telehealth neurology →

Call to schedule

Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.

Choose your visit

Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.

Insurance and referrals

Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.