Page 85 - The-Complete-Guide-to-Migraine-Headaches_Neat

The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 86 of 87

45. How Do I Choose a Doctor for Headache Care?

Headaches occurring with a regular schedule and worsening over time need

immediate medical attention. If the usual over-the-counter medications do not

yield any relief within a day or so, consult your primary physician. Tell your
symptoms and problems to your physician.

Additionally, you could inquire with your physician about his or her exposure to

different types of headaches and their respective treatments. Get to know an
approximate time for expecting results of your headache medications and if there

is any need for visiting any headache-care specialist.

Normally, a physician needs to discuss your medical history, your lifestyle
patterns and other possible causes (like diabetes or allergies) as possible triggers

of your headache.

A detailed study of your body constitution is also necessary. If your primary

physician prescribes headache remedies without going into details, it is best to
consult a headache specialist.

A few more additional qualifications are also necessary for choosing your
headache-care specialist. The physician needs to have a board certification with

eligibility of a primary medical specialty and adequate experience in headache

care. The physician should have experience in clinical practice, diagnosis, and
headache care.

Research, teaching or writing expertise is also good. The physician could have a
membership in the National Headache Foundation and/or the American

Association for the Study of Headache signifying their special interest and

knowledge of headache relief.

Their attendance at Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses on headaches is
another qualification for choosing the doctor for your headache relief.

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 86.