Everyone has had a headache at some point in their life. Most people experience them occasionally, while others have them regularly. This can make it difficult to decide when you should see a specialist for the pain. This blog will go into when a headache is more than a headache and you should work with a neurologist for treatment.
Headache Emergencies
There are some situations where you should immediately seek medical help. If you experience the symptoms below, you should visit an emergency room or call 911. These signs could be related to a life-threatening issue, such as a stroke.
- Clumsiness or tremors
- Confusion
- Drooping eyelid on one side of the face
- Feeling the worst headache pain of your life
- Hoarse voice or slurred speech
- Inability to stand even when holding onto something
- Severe or sudden vomiting without a known cause
- Trouble speaking or understanding others speaking
- Unequal pupil size
- Vision issues, such as double vision or trouble seeing
- Weakness or numbness of the extremities or face, especially if on one side
When to See a Neurologist
If none of the symptoms above are present, you may wish to speak with a neurologist. This is the case if you have severe headaches or the symptoms make it hard to get through basic daily tasks. Some reasons to work with a neurologist include:
- Headaches last more than 24 to 48 hours
- Headaches quickly come on without warning
- Straining causes the head pain to worsen
- Early morning is when your headaches begin
- Changes in vision occur with headaches
- You have had a seizure while experiencing a headache
Headache Tests and Treatment
When you see a neurologist, they will take your history, perform a physical exam, and may have you do some neurologist testing. The type of testing will depend on what symptoms you experience. For instance, one patient may have an MRI done while another might get a CT scan or EEG. Eye exams, x-rays, lab tests, and spinal taps may be needed in some cases.
The treatment used to alleviate your headaches will depend on what sort of headaches you are experiencing and what tests show. Since it can be challenging to determine the cause of headaches, it’s essential to work with an experienced neurologist who can help you no matter the source of your headaches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing debilitating headaches, you need support and solutions. That’s what you will find at the Arizona Institute of Neurology & Polysomnography. We’ll work with you individually to understand your symptoms and choose the best treatment option. Reach out to us today to get started on your journey toward a life free of headaches.
