When to See a Headache Specialist

This article was supported by Pfizer Medical Affairs

If you live with migraine, you know it’s nothing like a typical headache. It’s a serious neurological condition that can completely derail your day — throbbing pain, nausea, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes even visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzags. And to make things worse, a migraine attack can last for hours or even days.

Occasional headaches are normal, but if yours are frequent or severe, it may be time to seek expert care. A migraine specialist — usually a neurologist with advanced training in headache disorders — can offer treatments and insights beyond what a general provider might. So how do you know when it’s time to see one?

Signs it’s time to see a headache specialist

Determining when to seek specialized care can be tricky, but there are some clear signs that it’s time to take the next step. Consider making an appointment if:

• You experience migraine symptoms more than once a week
• Medications aren’t helping
• Migraine attacks are significantly affecting your daily life
• You’re experiencing new or unusual symptoms
• Your migraine attacks are becoming more frequent or severe

If any of these sound familiar, seeing a specialist can be a smart move. It’s not about “giving up” — it’s about taking control of your health and finding real relief.

Why a headache specialist can make a difference

You might be wondering, Can’t my regular provider handle this? Migraine is one of the most common reasons for visiting a primary care provider, so a visit with your office is a great starting point. While primary care doctors are well equipped to diagnose and prescribe migraine medications, a referral to a neurologist or headache specialist might be necessary if the treatment plan isn’t working as expected.

Migraine is a complex condition, and specialists stay up to date on the latest treatments, including:

• Advanced prescription medications
• Lifestyle-based strategies tailored to migraine management
• Cutting-edge therapies like neurostimulation, which uses electrical pulses to regulate nerve activity and reduce pain

A specialist can also help identify what’s triggering your migraine attacks and develop a personalized treatment plan to help reduce their frequency and severity. Their goal is to help you get back to your daily life with fewer interruptions.

What to expect at your first appointment

Feeling nervous about your first visit? That’s completely normal. Here’s what you can expect:

An in-depth discussion

Your specialist will ask about:

• When your migraine symptoms started
• How often they occur
• What the pain feels like (throbbing, sharp, etc.)
• Any additional symptoms you experience
• Your overall medical history, including other conditions and medications

The more details you can provide, the better they’ll be able to tailor your treatment.

A physical and neurological exam

Your provider will likely perform a basic neurological exam to check reflexes, coordination, and sensory function. This helps rule out other potential causes of your headaches and establishes a baseline for your neurological health.

Questions about your lifestyle

Expect to discuss factors that may be contributing to your discomfort, such as:

• Diet and hydration
• Sleep habits
• Stress levels
• Screen time and other environmental triggers

Being open and honest about your lifestyle can help pinpoint patterns and potential triggers.

A review of past treatments

Come prepared to talk about what you’ve already tried, including:

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Alternative treatments like acupuncture, using pressure points, or supplements
• Any lifestyle changes you’ve made

This helps your specialist determine what has (or hasn’t) worked and what new strategies might be worth exploring.

Possible additional testing

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend an MRI or CT scan to rule out other conditions. This isn’t always necessary but can be helpful in certain cases.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your specialist is there to help, and open communication is key to finding an effective treatment plan.

How to prepare for your appointment

Want to make your visit as productive as possible? Start a headache diary a few weeks beforehand. Tracking your symptoms can provide your specialist with valuable insights into your migraine patterns.

Here’s what to record:

• Migraine frequency: When do your symptoms typically occur?
• Duration: How long do they last?
• Symptoms: Pain, nausea, light sensitivity — document everything.
• Potential triggers: Foods, stress, sleep habits, environmental factors.
• Medications and treatments: What have you taken? Did it help?

Also, bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements. If you have previous medical records or test results, those can be helpful too.

Advocating for your health

Remember: you are the expert on your own body. If migraine is interfering with your life and the treatments you’ve tried aren’t working, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist.

Your primary care provider may want to try a few initial treatments first, but if those don’t bring relief, it’s okay to push for a specialist visit. You deserve to feel better, and seeking expert care is a proactive step toward that goal.

Don’t let migraine control your life

Living with migraine can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A migraine specialist can provide the tools and treatments needed to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

It’s natural to feel hesitant about taking this step, but finding the right care can make a world of difference. If you’re wondering, Should I see a specialist? — If you feel like you’ve exhausted all your options, tried a lot of different remedies, and/or your migraine is still debilitating or worsening — the answer is yes.

Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.