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:

• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain on one or both sides of your head
• Visual changes

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

• Lasts longer than one day
• Comes on suddenly
• Worsens with strain or movement
• Comes with vision changes
• Is accompanied by seizures

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:

• Numbness or tingling in your extremities
• Tremors
• Sleep problems
• Seizures

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.