Many migraine headaches can be treated by your primary healthcare provider. They can recommend over-the-counter treatments and prescribe first-line medications, such as certain pain relievers and triptans. However, these treatments don’t work for everyone. In this case, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist who treats headache disorders, such as a migraine specialist.

Seeing a migraine specialist may feel intimidating. “Went to a doctor’s appointment today and told her about my headaches — now she wants me to get seen by a neurologist,” one MyMigraineTeam member said.

Seeing a specialist can help you access more personalized migraine treatment options, as another MyMigraineTeam member responded: “That’s actually good. The neurologist has a lot more options than your doctor. I also see a neurologist. She’s pretty up on new meds and other things that help.”

Keep reading to learn more about migraine specialists and when it may be time to see one.

When It’s Time To See a Specialist

A migraine specialist can offer care beyond what your primary doctor can provide. Many migraine specialists are neurologists who focus on headaches, but some also have extra training in headache medicine. They have expertise in diagnosing and treating headache disorders.

Worsening chronic migraine symptoms can be a sign that it’s time to take the next step and see a specialist. Headaches that last longer than 72 hours are another reason to reach out. However, if you have new weakness, numbness on one side, or symptoms that feel like a stroke, get emergency care right away — even if you have a history of migraine.

If you’re having frequent migraine attacks — more than 15 per month — a specialist can help you better manage the condition with preventive therapy to reduce the number of episodes. If migraine is interfering with daily activities, such as work, school, or social plans, it may be time to explore more advanced treatment options.

When You Need Care Right Away

Some headaches can be signs of a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Seek emergency care if you have a severe headache with the following symptoms:

• High fever
• Ongoing vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Numbness, especially on one side

These symptoms may be warning signs of a serious condition, such as a stroke, bleeding in the brain, or a severe infection. Even if you often have migraine attacks, seek care if your headache symptoms feel different or dramatically worse than usual or if your current treatments aren’t relieving the pain.

How To Prepare for an Appointment With a Migraine Specialist

Before seeing a migraine specialist, take a few steps to get the most out of your visit. The specialist may ask for:

• Your medical history and whether migraine runs in your family
• A list of your current and past migraine medications
• Results of any imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans (if available)

It can also help to keep a migraine diary before your appointment. Tracking your headaches, symptoms, and triggers can help you and your specialist better understand your condition. It may also be more accurate than relying on memory alone.

After a migraine attack, note the following details:

• What the migraine attack felt like and your symptoms
• Where you were when it happened
• When it happened
• What may have triggered it

It’s also helpful to write down any questions for your migraine specialist before your visit. This will help you make the most of your time with a specialist.

What Happens at an Appointment With a Migraine Specialist

During your appointment, the migraine specialist will review your migraine history. Your migraine diary can come in handy here. The specialist may perform a neurological exam to check your vision, balance, nerve function, and reflexes and order imaging tests, if needed.

A migraine specialist can create a treatment plan to help you identify and avoid triggers and better manage pain. They can also determine if you have a type of migraine and rule out secondary causes (migraine due to another medical condition, like high blood pressure or a neurological condition).

They may also recommend and prescribe more advanced migraine treatments.

How To Find a Migraine Specialist

Your primary care provider may recommend or refer you to a neurologist or headache specialist, including someone within your healthcare network. You can also ask others in support groups, such as MyMigraineTeam, for recommendations.

The American Migraine Foundation offers a database of migraine specialists to help with your search. Some specialists are certified in headache medicine by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, though not all providers have this certification.

Join the Conversation

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you seen a migraine specialist? How have they helped your treatment? Let others know in the comments below.