Skip to main content

Chronic Headaches, Seizures, or Other Neurological Problems? It May Be Time to See a Specialist

Your primary care doctor is equipped to handle a range of acute and chronic conditions, from minor aches and pains to high blood pressure. When you’re not feeling quite right, your first thought might be to make an appointment at the primary care office.

But if you’re experiencing signs of neurological problems — like chronic migraine, seizures, and neuropathy — it may be time to book an appointment with a specialist. Problems that affect your brain and nervous system are notoriously complex. Going to a neurologist means seeing a professional who’s highly trained in the workings of the brain and nervous system. 

At MidJersey Orthopaedics, our team offers comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for neurological issues. We specialize in chronic headache, seizure conditions, and more, and we’re here to help find a treatment plan that works for you.

When headaches become chronic

Nearly everyone experiences headaches from time to time. While the occasional annoying headache might not be a sign of neurological problems, about 4 million American adults have chronic migraine — a type of recurring headache that causes severe head pain and limits your ability to function normally.

Chronic migraine is generally diagnosed when you have at least 15 headaches in a month, with at least eight of them triggering migraine symptoms. Migraines cause head pain that’s often throbbing or pulsing. Other symptoms may include:

Consider making an appointment with a neurology specialist for your headaches if your pain:

These symptoms could indicate that your headaches are more than a minor nuisance. With a diagnosis from a specialist, you can find ways to manage your chronic migraine day to day.

Other signs of neurological problems

Migraine is one of the most common neurological problems, but head pain isn’t the only reason to seek the care of a neurology specialist. Other neurological conditions include Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy, to name a few.

Symptoms that could indicate neurological problems include:

Of these, seizures can be the most noticeable and most disruptive. Seizures are common with epilepsy, a condition that causes your brain’s electrical signals to misfire.

A seizure is an episode that occurs when the electrical signals in your brain change suddenly. Electrical impulses generally fire in a certain way, but when they start firing erratically, a seizure occurs. If you experience a seizure, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. 

Seeing a neurology specialist 

If you’re suffering symptoms of chronic headaches, seizures, or other neurological issues, making an appointment with a specialist is the best way to get the care you need.

Before your appointment, take some time to prepare. Because many neurological symptoms come and go, you may not be suffering an attack when you come into the office. To help us in our diagnosis, keep detailed notes about your symptoms, whether you’re experiencing headaches, seizures, or something else.

Keep a journal of your symptoms in the days and weeks before your appointment. Jot down details like when you experienced an attack, what your symptoms were, and how long it lasted. Try to identify any triggers, and make note of those as well.

We begin your appointment by reviewing your medical history and your symptoms. We conduct a physical exam, and we might recommend additional diagnostic testing like electroencephalography or a variety of neurophysiological tests.

Treatment for neurological issues is generally focused on identifying triggers, preventing and reducing attacks, and stopping symptoms. Chronic migraine sufferers may find relief with Botox® injections, and our team offers a range of treatments for other neurological problems that include nerve blocks, laser therapy, and acupuncture.

Our team at MidJersey Orthopaedics is ready to partner with you to find a treatment plan for your neurological condition. Call one of our convenient locations in Bridgewater, Flemington, and Washington, New Jersey, or request an appointment online now.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How to Regain Stability After a Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that can make standing, walking, and climbing stairs difficult. But with the proper plan, you can heal from this injury. Read on to learn how to regain stability after a meniscus tear.

9 Ways to Protect Your Wrist Every Day

Wrist injuries are common, and without the right treatment, they can take a big toll on your life. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help, but ideally, it’s better to prevent injury in the first place. These nine tips can help.

Why Women Are More Prone to ACL Tears Than Men

Hearing about ACL tears in male athletes is fairly commonplace; it’s an injury that happens across many types of sports. But did you know that women are actually at higher risk of ACL tears than men?

What to Ask Us about Your Upcoming Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery may sound a little scary, but sometimes it’s the best treatment option for your chronic pain condition. Learn more about the questions you should ask when you have spinal surgery scheduled.