Migraines and Chronic Headaches: When to See a Neurologist

Almost everyone gets headaches, so it can be hard to know when one is worth a specialist’s attention. For many people in Miami and South Florida, frequent or disabling headaches turn out to be migraine — a treatable neurological condition, not just "a bad headache."

Migraine is more than a bad headache

Migraine often brings a throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, that can last hours to days. It is frequently joined by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual changes (an "aura") beforehand. The pain can be severe enough to interrupt work, school, and daily life.

Warning signs that need prompt attention

Some headaches deserve urgent evaluation. Seek care right away — or call 911 — for:

• A sudden, severe "worst headache of my life" (thunderclap headache)
• A headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or a seizure
• A headache after a head injury
• New or different headaches starting after age 50
• A clear change in your usual headache pattern

When a neurologist can help

It is worth seeing a neurologist when headaches are frequent, disabling, not controlled by over-the-counter medication, or causing you to miss work or activities. A specialist can confirm the type of headache, rule out other causes, and build a plan that actually fits your life.

How migraines are treated today

Treatment usually combines two approaches: medication to stop an attack quickly and, when attacks are frequent, preventive treatment to make them rarer and milder — including newer options like CGRP therapies. Identifying and managing personal triggers (sleep, stress, certain foods) is an important part of the plan.

You do not have to just live with it

Many people accept chronic headaches as normal for far too long. With the right diagnosis and plan, most patients get meaningful relief. At our Miami practice, Dr. Varela works with you to find what is driving your headaches and how to take your days back.