Seeing a Neurologist for Headaches

Updated on December 05, 2010
M.C. asks from Holmen, WI
7 answers

I'm going to see a neurologist this afternoon for headaches/migraines. I've been seeing my regular doctor for about 3 months now and we've tried all different types of meds and dosages. Nothing is working. This is why he suggested the specialist. Has anyone went to a neurologist for headaches? If so, what did they do? Did you have any luck with it? Thanks!

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K.C.

answers from Orlando on

When I was in high school I used to have terrible migranes constantly. In 10th grade I missed 2 full weeks of school becuase I couldn't stand up without getting sick. It was horrible. After going through all the different medications with my regular doc I was sent for a neuro consualt. They did an MRI and then a CT scan to make sure there were no brain abnormalities. Thankfully those both came back clean. I went back to the neuro and he evaluated the way that I walked, sat, even wrote, to see if there could be strain on certian muscles that could be pulling my neck or something. After all that seemed normal the doc sent me to a ciropractor for a few months, three times a week to do neck ultrasounds and crack my neck and realign my spine. After a few weeks with the chiro I was feeling much much better. It's been about 11 years and since moving about 3 hours north of where I used to live, I hardly ever get migranes anymore.

GOOD LUCK with everything!!!!

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K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

My aunt has been going through this for over three years now. They did not find anything yet for the reasons behind the headachs but the MRI & catscan ruled out possible things like a tumor, MS and other things. Wish you the best of luck!

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have seen a neurologist and endocrinologist for years. They were of NO help. I researched on the internet recently and found that magnesium citrate is a NATURAL migraine reliever and preventer. The only side effect is diarrhea.

I take 1 200mg Magnesium daily and then when I am close to my cycle bump it up to 2 a day. When a migraine is coming on I take 2 magnesiums right away. That usually mellows out the pain. My migraines are not as bad as they were before taking magnesium.

If however I stop the daily magnesium whoah they are back. Like today I woke up with the worst yet. I did a trial to see if it was helping and man I found out the hard way.

If I were you I would go to your neurologist and ask for an MRI, magnesium and Vitamin D levels. Make sure there is no blockages. Ask him/her about magnesium. If the MRI is clear then before you try the prescription meds with all the side effects try magnesium.

Oh one other supplement to add is CQ10. Do some research and you will be surprised. Headaches and migraines have food, environmental and hormonal triggers. You may want to try changing your diet too. You may already have done that. I plan to try going gluten free. Although my migraines are triggered by my cycle.

I hope this is helpful!

Good luck.

-J.

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M.R.

answers from Phoenix on

I have seen a neurologist for migraines. It's an important step in getting an accurate diagnoses for what is the actual cause and start of the migraine. The CT or MRI scans will help rule out any physical brain abnormalities.

Then there are really effective drug therapies now available for those who have not been helped by the classic drugs. The neurologist should be able to help you recognize the early symptoms, i.e. auras, lights/sounds hurting you, sleep deprivation, dehydration, etc.

It's really important that you learn to recognize your body's signals, and the neurologist will hopefully ask enough detailed questions to get you thinking about your health and choices.

In conjunction with seeing a neurologist, I highly recommend Accupuncture. I have used both Rx meds and accupuncture. I seldom use my meds anymore. I have used Frova as a med to abort the migraine before it takes hold. If I take it too late, then I take it too late, and the med won't help.

I too have tried Topamax, which is classifed as an anti-epileptic drug. It only slurred my speech and did not help my migraines. Which is a common side effect for Topamax.

Hope you get it all under control. Migraines are so debilitating. And life is great not having them.

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

My husband and friend all had MRIs to rule out other issues, sleep studies to make sure apnea was not at fault -- with husband it was apnea (going back to sleep neuro for further treatments) with friend it was migraines (on daily medication plus med he is supposed to take if he ends up with one anyway -- this one is HEAVY HITTER and knocks him out basically). Good luck! Sorry to hear about that -- headaches/migraines stink!

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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I have been taking a supplement since March which has dramatically improved my migraines and daily headaches. It has truly been life-changing. Prior to trying it I was under the care of a neurologist for several years. None of the preventative meds or pain meds helped me at all. I was desperate for an answer. When my friend recommended this to me, I was soooo skeptical, but was willing to try anything. And, I am so grateful I took the chance. If you'd like more info, send me a message. Good luck to you. God bless.

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,

I had cluster headaches for 15 years (the worse type of migraine out there). I tried every type of pain medicine, even oxygen treatments, then went to a Neurologist that specializes in headaches.

I was put on a daily combo of Topomax and Verapimil. It was a lifesaver! Honestly...

It's been 5 years since I had one. Praise God!

Oh...I also smoked and it made the headaches so much worse. I quit years ago and know that was part of the reason I had them to begin with.

Best of luck to you!

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