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.
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
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.
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.